Powerful Computing and Data Center
The UA HPC will house a large, interconnected computing system that will claim the title of the fastest in the state and be on par with peer research institutions. It will boast an estimated $25 million worth of computing power along with additional space dedicated to providing a cloud storage alternative for potential research partners. This center will serve as a powerhouse, supporting research across all campuses of the University of Alabama System and facilitating collaboration with external partners through shared infrastructure for research and workforce development.Attracting World-Leading Faculty
The system is expected to attract world-leading faculty members to UA. These esteemed scholars will enhance educational experiences and help recruit more high-achieving students. The HPC positions the UA System for more industrial, government, and academic partnerships, which will lead to increased economic development and intensified discovery, especially in key research areas such as water, materials, transportation, health, national security, and quantum computing.Funding and Facilities
Most of the funding for this remarkable project comes from a disbursement by the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, along with a supplemental appropriation from the state’s Education Trust Fund. This approval by the Alabama Legislature and the signature of Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023 has made it possible. The HPC will be a petascale computing system, capable of performing quadrillions of calculations per second. It will be the only system in Alabama to meet the benchmarks for the Top500 list, the ranking system for the nation’s high-performance supercomputers. The 40,000 square feet facility will allow for a substantial increase in UA’s computing power in a modern setting that enables UA researchers to compete for and secure federal and private industry grants and contracts.Benefiting Students and the Community
“The application of machine learning to scientific problems means high-performance computing is essential for scientific discovery,” said Dr. Allen Parrish, executive director of the Alabama Cyber Institute. “The new center will offer UA students the chance to collaborate with faculty and find answers to our most pressing questions related to water, mobility, and power technologies. This high-performance computing and data center touches every discipline on campus and presents an opportunity to integrate technology throughout the university’s fabric. It will prepare students for their careers and drive the development of a highly skilled workforce that will fuel economic growth in Alabama for the 21st century.”This story originally graced the University of Alabama’s website, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence in research and education.Empowering Construction with Pegbo's Pre-Seed Success
Backed by Venture Capital
Pegbo's pre-seed round saw an impressive raise of over $1.4 million. This financial boost provides the necessary momentum for the startup to pursue its goals. Managed by Nirman Ventures, with Nikhil Choudhary as the managing partner, the investment validates the potential of Pegbo's approach. Amar Amte, who brings extensive experience from Yahoo! and Google, founded Pegbo in 2023 with a clear focus on addressing the pressing issue of accelerating the participation of local, small, and diverse businesses in construction. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory.Amar Amte took to LinkedIn to announce the newly raised capital and shared exciting updates. "In the last 3 months alone, we doubled our traffic, completed multiple outreach projects with key labels and triggered SaaS revenue in a big way!! Our team remains fully focused on solving user challenges, and this pivotal support from Nirman VC, along with their extensive network, significantly amplifies our impact and reach!" His words highlight the company's growth and the positive impact of the investment.
Pre-Qualified Supplier to Top Contractors
Pegbo is a pre-qualified supplier to multiple general contractors such as Hathaway Dinwiddie, Skanska, Webcor, and Swinerton—all of which have been listed as California's Top Contractors by Market Sector in 2020. This recognition showcases the trust and confidence placed in Pegbo by these industry leaders. Choudhary revealed Pegbo's next steps in an exclusive with The American Bazaar, stating that in December, Pegbo will be deploying its automated spend tracking tool on several multi-million dollar projects across the nation. The team is excited to witness the progress and speed at which CEO Amar Amte executes these plans.The construction tech startup's current offerings are targeted towards supplier outreach for government agencies. By exceeding diverse vendor spend goals through their supplier diversity program, they are making a significant impact. Additionally, their equipment rental services add value to their portfolio. These offerings address a critical challenge by not only helping government agencies and companies find qualified suppliers but also streamlining the vetting process and enabling tracking of spend and procurement while ensuring compliance with supplier mandates and driving real economic impact.
Nirman Ventures' Perspective
When asked about the reason behind Nirman Ventures' decision to invest in Pegbo at this time, Choudhary told The American Bazaar that the partners at Nirman Ventures have extensive industry experience as operators. They have witnessed the problem statement that Pegbo is solving firsthand, from both the sell side and the buy side. "As local, state and federal jurisdictions demand more transparency into the contractors' diversity sourcing process, Pegbo has a clear advantage with its state-of-the-art spend tracking solution," Choudhary noted. This investment reflects Nirman Ventures' belief in Pegbo's ability to make a meaningful difference in the construction industry.Pegbo is tackling a small subset of a large market, which is precisely what Nirman Ventures likes to see. By focusing on this niche, Pegbo is able to make a significant impact and drive real change. With their innovative technology and dedicated team, Pegbo is well-positioned to continue growing and making a positive impact in the construction industry.
Transforming Russell County Hospital for a Brighter Future
Update on the Expansion Process
Hospital CEO Scott Thompson has been actively involved in keeping the community informed about the progress of the expansion and renovation. He recently provided WJRS News with an in-depth update on where things currently stand in this crucial process.
Detailed discussions have been held regarding the various aspects of the project. From reconfiguring existing spaces to adding new facilities, every step is being carefully planned to ensure maximum efficiency and functionality.
Benefits for the Local Community
The expansion and renovation are expected to have a profound impact on the local community. With upgraded facilities and enhanced services, patients will receive better care and have a more comfortable experience.
It will also lead to the creation of new job opportunities, both during the construction phase and in the long run. This will contribute to the economic growth of the region and provide a boost to the local workforce.
Ensuring Quality and Safety
During the expansion, strict attention is being paid to quality and safety standards. The hospital is investing in modern technologies and infrastructure to meet the highest benchmarks in healthcare.
From state-of-the-art medical equipment to improved ventilation systems, every detail is being considered to create a safe and healthy environment for both patients and staff.