earth

in the words of an intelligence officer, “jameel, the world has never been this lit!”. after much reflection, my response is this: there are over 10 billion people on the planet, if they can survive the pull, then i will pull them through. let’s all lift 🆙

france

€109 billion ai investment initiative:

french president emmanuel macron unveiled an ambitious €109 billion investment plan to position france as a global leader in artificial intelligence (ai). this initiative, announced at the ai action summit in paris, brings together major international investors, tech firms, and government initiatives to accelerate ai development. the plan prioritizes infrastructure, data centers, supercomputing, and corporate partnerships to foster innovation while reducing reliance on foreign ai technologies.

key investments and strategic impacts

1. strengthening ai infrastructure: a significant portion of the investment is dedicated to building the infrastructure necessary for ai research and implementation. notable commitments include:

brookfield corporation (€20 billion): construction of ai-focused data centers.

united arab emirates (€50 billion): development of a 1-gigawatt data center in france.

amazon (€1.2 billion): expansion of cloud infrastructure to support ai-driven businesses.

digital realty (€6 billion) & equinix (€630 million): establishment of multiple data centers, particularly in paris and marseille.

impact: these investments will provide france with the computational power needed to support ai research, facilitate large-scale machine learning models, and position the country as a hub for ai-driven businesses.

2. ai supercomputing and high-performance computing (hpc)

france aims to develop cutting-edge supercomputing capabilities through the following investments:

fluidstack (€billion): construction of an ai supercomputer.

mistral ai (backed by nvidia): development of europe’s largest supercomputer to support ai-driven enterprises.

impact: these initiatives will enable france to compete with the u.s. and china in high-performance ai computing, reducing dependency on foreign technologies and fostering sovereign ai innovation.

3. ai in energy and sustainability

with the rise in ai-driven energy consumption, investment in sustainable ai solutions is a priority:

apollo global management ($5 billion): ai-powered energy projects to optimize sustainability.

impact: integrating ai with energy infrastructure will enhance efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and promote sustainable ai development.

france’s ai leadership strategy:

beyond financial investments, france is positioning itself as a regulatory and ethical leader in ai development. macron’s administration is advocating for a european ai strategy that emphasizes:

ethical ai frameworks to ensure responsible ai deployment.

public-private partnerships to drive ai innovation across industries.

education and workforce development to prepare for ai-driven economic shifts.

geopolitical and economic implications

european competitiveness: this initiative strengthens france’s position as an ai powerhouse within the eu, reducing reliance on u.s. and chinese ai firms.

foreign direct investment (fdi) growth: attracting major global investors signals confidence in france’s ai ecosystem, potentially driving additional capital inflows.

employment and economic growth: expansion of ai infrastructure will create thousands of jobs in tech, energy, and data sciences.

conclusion:

macron’s €109 billion ai investment plan marks a transformative moment for france’s technological landscape. by securing large-scale private and international investments, the country is poised to become a dominant force in ai innovation. this initiative aligns with france’s broader vision of technological sovereignty, economic growth, and global ai leadership.

the european union

investai initiative to mobilise €200 billion for ai development across europe

at the artificial intelligence action summit in paris, commission president ursula von der leyen launched investai, a groundbreaking initiative designed to mobilise €200 billion for ai investment across europe. central to this initiative is a €20 billion european fund dedicated to establishing ai gigafactories, large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at fostering open, collaborative ai development. these gigafactories will serve as hubs for training the most complex ai models, reinforcing europe’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.

president von der leyen emphasized that ai has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, research, and economic competitiveness. she highlighted the importance of europe’s cooperative and open approach to ai development and the need for significant capital to drive innovation. investai will ensure that ai infrastructure is accessible to all scientists and companies, not just the biggest players, through a unique public-private partnership akin to a “cern for ai.”

the initiative will finance four ai gigafactories across the eu, each equipped with around 100,000 next-generation ai chips—four times more than current ai factories. these facilities will focus on mission-critical applications in medicine, science, and industrial sectors, providing the computational power necessary for major ai breakthroughs. with a layered fund structure designed to derisk private investment, initial funding will come from existing eu programmes such as digital europe, horizon europe, and investeu, with additional contributions from member states.

investai builds upon the eu’s existing commitment to ai, complementing the seven ai factories announced in december and the upcoming five new sites. with €10 billion already allocated to ai development—unlocking over ten times that amount in private investment—the eu has established the world’s largest public ai investment initiative. alongside funding, the commission is introducing support measures, including financial aid for generative ai research, ai-focused education and workforce training, venture capital for startups, and the creation of common european data spaces to enhance ai model training.

the commission will also establish a european ai research council to centralise research efforts and explore the untapped potential of data. later this year, an ‘apply ai’ initiative will be launched to accelerate ai adoption in key industries, reinforcing europe’s position as a leader in ai innovation and economic transformation.

the united kingdom

uk ai sector sees unprecedented investment growth, creating jobs and boosting innovation

since summer 2024, the uk’s ai sector has attracted an average of £200 million per day in private investment, reinforcing its attempt at being the global leader in artificial intelligence.

key highlights:

• more than £14 billion in new inward investment secured since the launch of the ai opportunities action plan.

• thousands of new jobs to be created as global tech companies commit to the uk.

• major infrastructure investments to enhance ai computing power and drive innovation.

the uk’s government’s ai opportunities action plan, has already catalyzed a surge of investment, with more than £14 billion flowing into the uk’s ai sector in just a matter of hours after it was released. it marked a significant step in the plan for change, aiming to establish the uk as the world’s leading hub for ai development and application.

this wave of investment builds on the £25 billion committed to data center infrastructure at the global investment summit, bringing the total to £39 billion over the past six months.

expanding ai infrastructure

coreweave, an american ai cloud computing company, has begun work on expanding the uk’s compute capacity, deploying cutting-edge nvidia technology at its new data center sites in crawley and london docklands. this move will provide ai innovators with unprecedented processing power and follows the company’s £1.75 billion investment into the uk in 2024.

meanwhile, synthesia, a london-based leader in ai-generated video content, has successfully raised new funding, bringing its valuation to $2.1 billion. this investment will fuel the company’s growth, further strengthening the uk’s position as a hub for ai innovation.

creating jobs and new opportunities

the uk government’s plan for change is already delivering results, with thousands of new jobs being created across the country. vantage data centers has committed over £12 billion to expanding its uk operations, generating 11,500 jobs to meet the growing demand for cloud-based services.

french ai firm mistral has announced plans to establish its first european office outside france in london, with an ambitious goal to double its uk workforce by the end of 2025. similarly, kyndryl, a leading it infrastructure services provider, has pledged to create up to 1,000 ai-related jobs in liverpool over the next three years.

building the future of ai in britain

the uk’s commitment to ai innovation is further underscored by the launch of a new london ai hub in farringdon. developed in partnership with tech nation, merantix, and onfido founder husayn kassai, the hub will serve as a collaborative space for ai startups and researchers, fostering the next generation of ai breakthroughs.

homegrown success story nscale has also announced a $2.5 billion investment to support the uk’s data center infrastructure, including the construction of the largest sovereign ai data center in loughton, essex. this project will create 750 construction jobs and 250 permanent roles, driving economic growth and strengthening the uk’s ai ecosystem.

a global leader in ai innovation

as part of its long-term vision, the uk government has set out 50 key proposals from the ai opportunities action plan, aimed at ensuring britain remains a top destination for ai investment and development. with strategic investments, new job opportunities, and cutting-edge infrastructure projects underway, the uk is well-positioned to lead the next wave of ai-driven economic transformation.

conclusion:

with £39 billion in investments, thousands of jobs created, and key infrastructure projects underway, the uk is strengthening its position as a global leader in ai and technology. the economic ripple effect from these investments will likely include increased gdp growth, higher employment rates, and long-term competitiveness in the global ai market.

the united states of america

introduction:

in september 2022, upon arriving at the university at buffalo, jameel gordon presented an ambitious vision and asked for a $150 billion investment to build the center for tomorrow. while initial leadership decisions did not align with his request he remained undeterred. with entrepreneurial spirit, strategic leadership, and resilience, he expanded his network, deepened partnerships, and drove initiatives that have had a lasting impact not only at ub but across higher education institutions, the western new york region, and the state of new york as a whole.

but his vision was never limited to one institution or one region. jameel remained steadfast in his pursuit, determined to reach his original goals. today, we are proud to announce his influence and behind the scenes involvement has led to the development of a project that will redefine the future of ai infrastructure in the united states, far surpassing the initial vision of $150 billion.

the stargate project: a transformative investment in ai:

the stargate project is a groundbreaking initiative that will invest $500 billion over the next four years to build new ai infrastructure for openai across the united states. the project will launch with an initial $100 billion investment, setting the foundation for a technological renaissance that will attempt to:

secure american leadership in ai by establishing state-of-the-art computing systems.

create hundreds of thousands of jobs in ai, engineering, construction, and advanced manufacturing.

generate massive economic benefits for the u.s. and global economies.

support the re-industrialization of america by driving investments in technology, infrastructure, and human capital.

enhance national security by ensuring the u.s. and its allies maintain strategic control over critical ai capabilities.

strategic partners and initial equity funders:

the stargate project is backed by some of the most influential technology and investment leaders in the world. softbank, openai, oracle, and mgx are the initial equity funders, with softbank leading the financial strategy and openai overseeing operations. masayoshi son will serve as chairman, ensuring a visionary and strategic approach to this transformative initiative.

additionally, arm, microsoft, nvidia, oracle, and openai are key technology partners, leveraging their expertise to build a world-class ai infrastructure. the first phase of development has already begun in texas, with additional locations under evaluation across the country.

economic impact on the united states:

the $500 billion investment in ai infrastructure will have an unprecedented economic impact on the united states, stimulating growth across multiple sectors. key projections include:

job creation: more than 500,000 new jobs across ai development, semiconductor manufacturing, construction, and data center operations.

gdp contribution: an estimated $2 to $3 trillion boost to the u.s. economy over the next decade as ai-driven productivity accelerates across industries.

supply chain development: increased demand for american-made chips, clean energy solutions, and advanced computing materials, reinforcing domestic supply chains.

higher education & workforce development : direct investments in stem education, ai research, and workforce training programs to prepare the next generation of ai leaders.

building ai for the benefit of humanity:

beyond its economic and strategic benefits, the stargate project aligns with the broader mission of openai and its partners: developing ai and ultimately agi to elevate humanity. this initiative will empower creative minds, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industries to leverage ai for innovation, sustainability, and global progress.

conclusion:

the vision jameel set forth at the university at buffalo in 2022 was only the beginning. by remaining resilient, innovative, and relentless in his pursuit of impact, jameel have not only reached but far exceeded his original goals. the stargate project is a testament to what is possible when bold ideas meet strategic execution and collaboration at the highest levels.

as we embark on this monumental journey, we are not just building infrastructure, we are shaping the future of ai, and we have secured oaks and oars place as the global leader, when it comes to unlocking new economic opportunities for millions of people.

this is only the beginning.

university at buffalo

our global economic impact at the university at buffalo: $500 million to $2 billion or more over an extended period of time (this is a general estimate until we complete our comprehensive economic impact study).

in the 2022-2023 academic year, the university at buffalo (ub) experienced a profound metamorphosis that catapulted it to new heights in the academic and research world. this journey of transformation was not by chance but the result of an extraordinary synergy between jameel gordon’s influential presence and our innovative organization, oaks + oars. together, we became the driving force behind ub’s remarkable success.

jameel was the strategic visionary who, through oaks + oars, infused ub with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. at the core of this transformative journey was ub’s historic faculty hiring initiative. under the dynamic influence of jameel’s presence and leadership on campus, the university at buffalo and its president satish k. tripathi catapulted an audacious plan to recruit over 200 new faculty members within a span of two years. this initiative aimed to diversify faculty backgrounds and fields of study while reinforcing ub’s commitment to research and representation.

we left an indelible imprint on ub by being the subject of a record-breaking fundraising campaign. ub successfully secured an astonishing $120 million, shattering previous fundraising records. this extraordinary financial influx empowered ub to embark on groundbreaking academic and research endeavors. jameel’s influence is also evident through substantial growth in grant-sponsored research expenditures. the university's research funding skyrocketed from $165 million in 2021 to a remarkable $232 million.

our impact at ub is beyond the academic and financial realm to encompass vital environmental conservation efforts. collaborative projects, were initiated to aid coral ecosystems in recovering from environmental damage. ub’s participation in these crucial conservation initiatives was a testament to the broader impact of jameel’s vision and leadership.

in summary, the economic value created in a global context through the transformation facilitated by oaks + oars at the university at buffalo encompasses enhanced research capabilities, talent attraction, improved educational offerings, philanthropic support, environmental conservation, and the potential for broader global collaborations. these factors collectively contribute to ub’s influence and impact on the global stage.

buffalo state college

jameel gordon’s presence on campus at the state university at buffalo and our organization, oaks + oars, also left an indelible imprint on buffalo state college and the entire western new york region. jameel’s presence and strategic planning served as a catalyst for buffalo state’s initiatives and sparked remarkable economic growth.

the development of oaks & oars at ub ignited brian higgins, ’85, u.s. representative for new york’s 26th congressional district to facilitate the acquisition of a $750,000 federal grant for buffalo state university small business development center (sbdc). this funding was earmarked to assist small businesses in developing websites and expanding their online sales. this financial infusion catalyzed economic growth.

the sbdc, under renewed pressure on brian higgins congressional district, took the lead in an e-commerce program. e-commerce, particularly during the pandemic, experienced substantial growth as it became a preferred choice for consumers. jameel’s influence on the sbdc leadership in this space empowered local businesses to adapt to the digital age and hopefully remain profitable. this support also encourages diversity and inclusivity, fostering economic empowerment among underrepresented groups.

the program involved detailed surveys, enabling business owners to identify their unique brand identity, desired website features, and company goals. experienced website developers then worked to improve or create websites for more than two dozen local entrepreneurs. this resulted in an enhanced online presence and accessibility for local businesses.

the interconnected world offers small-business owners the opportunity to reach a global customer base. however, many of these entrepreneurs lack the expertise and resources to create effective websites. the program, championed and executed by the expert team at the sbdc, provided economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs by empowering them to establish secure and well-designed websites.

the presence and the influence of oaks + oars on the university at buffalo campus was not only a catalyst for buffalo state college’s initiatives but also a driver of economic growth in western new york. the transformative impact led to increased funding, the development of small businesses, support for minority- and women-owned enterprises, and a stronger digital presence for local entrepreneurs. 

villa marie college

jameel gordon’s presence on campus at the state university at buffalo and our organization, oaks + oars, also left an indelible imprint on villa maria college and the greater buffalo community. jameel’s strategic planning and strategy also served as a catalyst for villa maria college’s innovative endeavors, fostering resilience and empowerment. 

villa maria college, inspired by our emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, began to proudly boast about its own diverse student body. this approach not only enriches the educational experience but also reflects a commitment to accessibility and opportunity for all, fostering economic growth through education.

our presence in buffalo on campus at ub ignited villa maria college to hire resiliency trainer duncan kirkwood to establish the center for resiliency at villa maria college. this program equips students, including those from the east side of buffalo, with essential skills to overcome unexpected setbacks. by preparing students to face challenges and setbacks head-on, the center fosters educational persistence and empowers individuals to thrive in their careers.

villa maria college is now promoting its dedication to removing barriers to success for its students, with an emphasis on accessibility. this commitment ensures that students from erie county and the city of buffalo, primarily the east side, have access to quality education. this commitment to access drives economic value by providing educational opportunities to underserved communities.

this initiative by villa maria college underscores the importance of community engagement. the center for resiliency is not just an initiative for villa maria college but extends its impact to area high schools. by reaching out to the community and partnering with local schools, the economic value created by the program extends beyond the college campus.

the focus on resilience, empowerment, and the removal of barriers directly contributes to student success. empowered students are more likely to complete their education, which leads to a skilled workforce and contributes to the economic growth of the region.

oaks + oars have been a driving force in villa maria college’s mission to empower students, enhance resilience, and foster inclusivity. our presence at the university at buffalo campus and our strategic business planning and strategy have catalyzed villa maria college’s initiatives, contributing to economic value through diversity, access to education, community engagement, and student success. this case study highlights the profound impact of dedicated leadership and strategic planning in creating economic value while ensuring that education is accessible to all.

western new york

economic impact:

increased research funding: the influx of research grants attracted to the region could lead to further development of research infrastructure, creation of new research jobs, and commercialization of research findings.

enhanced talent attraction: hiring a diverse pool of faculty and attracting talented researchers could bolster the region's reputation as a research hub and attract other businesses and investments.

improved educational offerings: enhanced education quality and diversified programs could attract more students and contribute to a more skilled workforce in the region.

small business development: the support provided to small businesses in the region could lead to increased sales, job creation, and diversification of the local economy.

increased philanthropy: the record-breaking fundraising campaign could  attract additional funding for initiatives in the region.

social impact :

increased diversity and inclusion: hiring diverse faculty and promoting diversity in education could foster a more inclusive communities and attract talent from underrepresented groups.

greater access to education: removing barriers to education could increase access to higher education for underserved communities.

empowerment and resilience: development of programs that could equip individuals with skills to overcome challenges and contribute to their personal and professional success.

community engagement: collaboration between universities and high schools could strengthen community connections and improve educational outcomes for students.

cultural impact:

enhanced research reputation: increased research activity and publications could elevate the region's profile as a center for innovation and scholarship.

diversification of cultural offerings: a more diverse community could bring new perspectives and enrich the cultural fabric of the region.

support for local businesses: increased economic activity and success of small businesses could contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of the local community.

it is important to note that these are just potential impacts, and the actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.

new york state

economic impact:

enhanced state reputation: increased research activity and innovation could elevate new york’s profile as a research leader, attracting talent and investments across the state.

boost to state economy: increased research funding, talent attraction, and business development could have ripple effects across the state, fostering economic growth and job creation.

improved educational ecosystem: enhanced educational offerings could benefit students statewide, contributing to a more skilled workforce and attracting talent from across the country.

statewide support for small businesses: the success of the sbdc program in western new york could lead to similar initiatives statewide, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout new york.

social impact:

promoting statewide diversity and inclusion: efforts to increase diversity could set a precedent for other institutions across the state, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

increased access to quality education: expanding access to education in western new york could inspire similar initiatives statewide, improving educational opportunities and outcomes for marginalized communities across new york.

building statewide resilience: programs like the center for resiliency at villa maria college could be replicated across the state, equipping individuals with essential skills to navigate challenges and thrive.

cultural impact:

enhancing new york’s cultural landscape: a more diverse population could enrich the cultural fabric of the state through new perspectives and experiences.

supporting statewide arts and culture: increased economic activity could potentially benefit arts and cultural organizations across the state.

promoting innovation and collaboration: increased research activity could foster collaboration with other universities and research institutions within and outside new york, contributing to knowledge development and innovation across the state.

it’s important to note that these are potential impacts, and their actualization depends on factors like scalability, funding, and state-level support. nevertheless, the initiatives and achievements presented hold potential to contribute positively to the overall economic, social, and cultural landscape of New York State.