Artificial Intelligence Testbed

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Testbed at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Central Virginia Node (CCI CVN), is a powerful computing environment designed to support advanced artificial intelligence research and innovation. By enabling rapid experimentation, prototyping, and deployment of AI solutions, the Testbed strengthens Richmond’s innovation ecosystem and supports technology advancement and economic growth across the region.

The AI Testbed expands CCI CVN’s research infrastructure and provides researchers, students, and collaborators with the tools needed to explore new ideas and translate them into real-world applications across cybersecurity, smart systems, and data-driven technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with enterprise-level computing systems, and external partners can engage through collaborative research partnerships that leverage the Testbed’s advanced capabilities.

The AI Testbed is built to handle large, complex computing tasks that go beyond the limits of standard systems. It allows users to experiment with advanced AI and machine learning models, train deep learning and foundation models, run simulations and analyze large datasets, and move research ideas from theory to practical application.

Powered by high-performance processors, large memory and storage capacity, and NVIDIA H100 GPUs, the Testbed supports demanding research in science, engineering, and analytics.

During its initial launch phase, access to the AI Testbed will be available to VCU researchers with ongoing projects supported by CCI CVN. Interested researchers are required to complete an interest form to request access. This access model also supports collaboration with CVN partners beyond VCU, provided a VCU-affiliated user is included on the project and serves as the primary testbed user. Additional access opportunities may be considered as the platform continues to grow.

The AI Testbed supports interdisciplinary research aligned with CVN’s mission, including cybersecurity, smart cities, biomedical and healthcare technology, and applied artificial intelligence.

For questions, additional information, or assistance with the AI Testbed, please contact the AI Testbed Team at aitestbed@vcu.edu.

To help ensure responsible and effective use of the Testbed, approved users are expected to communicate any significant changes to their project to the AI Testbed Team. This includes, but is not limited to:

As part of using the AI Testbed through CCI CVN, users agree to participate in periodic project check-ins and provide updates on their research, resource usage, and project status. Semester check-ins are required for active projects to help the AI Testbed Team monitor usage, address project needs, and ensure that resources continue to support CCI CVN’s research mission.

Please contact aitestbed@vcu.edu before making significant changes to an approved project or adding new users.

Interested in using the AI Testbed? Complete the interest form to request access and learn more about eligibility and usage guidelines.