What is the NAIRR Pilot?
The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is a federal program led by the National Science Foundation with partner agencies and companies. It connects US researchers and educators to AI computing, models, datasets and software. Resources are awarded through calls for proposals, and UCR does not recharge for them.
What can be requested
The resources on offer change between calls. Past calls have included:
| Category | Examples | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Large GPU systems | National systems such as NCSA DeltaAI, SDSC Expanse, TACC Vista | Multi-node training and fine-tuning |
| Specialized AI accelerators | Cerebras, SambaNova, Groq | Non-GPU architectures, low-latency inference |
| Leadership-class supercomputers | DOE systems | Large simulation and AI campaigns |
| Model and platform credits | Commercial AI platforms and APIs | Evaluation, fine-tuning, prompt engineering |
Check the NAIRR Pilot portal for what the current call offers, the eligibility rules, allocation sizes and review schedules.
Allocation types
The NAIRR Pilot has offered smaller, faster-reviewed allocations for testing and preliminary results, and larger research allocations reviewed on a regular cycle. The portal publishes the current types, sizes and timelines.
How Research Computing can help
- Preparing a request. We can help you run scaling tests on the HPCC or Ursa Major, so your request includes real performance numbers.
- Getting started after an award. Help with data transfer (for example Globus), SSH keys and job scripts on the awarded system.
- Combining resources. For example, preparing data on campus, training on a national system, and storing results on CephRDS.
Get started
- NAIRR Pilot portal: nairrpilot.org
- Help with a proposal: email research-computing@ucr.edu or use the UCR Support Portal.