RPI’s artificial intelligence club, RPai, hosted an exclusive fireside chat with Curtis R. Priem ’82, co-founder of NVIDIA and a key figure shaping the modern AI revolution. The conversation was led by RPai president Aashrut Jain ’27, and discussion points were guided by questions from RPai members and other RPI students. During the chat, Priem reflected on his career and shared his insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of computing. Making the event even more special was that it took place in the building RPI named for Priem in recognition of his visionary support of the arts, technology, and innovation — the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC).  

“It feels like a privilege to be in front of an audience in this facility after all the hard work we went through to get it constructed,” Priem said, welcoming students to what he described as “the most technically advanced performing arts center in the world.” 

RPai is a student club bringing together those who are passionate about AI and eager to shape the future of computing. Members participate in hands-on workshops, collaborate on cutting edge research, and compete in hackathons, all to learn and master the latest AI techniques and tools. As co-founder of NVIDIA, whose development of the world’s first graphics processing unit helped launch modern AI, Priem offered RPai members and other students a chance to directly engage with a true computing expert and AI pioneer, and one who has actually been in the shoes of an RPI student.   

“The opportunity to ask questions and learn from Curtis Priem, a leader in the field who started his career here at RPI, was truly inspiring” said Aashrut Jain ’27, computer systems engineering major and president of RPai. “Speaking with someone who helped shape the technologies we use today makes you think bigger about what you can create.” 

Throughout the discussion, students learned about Priem’s journey from RPI student to co-founder of a leading AI and computing company. Priem spoke about the culture of hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration that defined his time at RPI, and how this influenced his career path and the development of an interdisciplinary NVIDIA. 

“All creative work starts when two or more disciplines come together to fix something or create something new,” Priem said. “EMPAC was built to be a safe place where different departments could collaborate on a project, and that’s what makes RPI special. We have low barriers between disciplines.” 

Priem also shared his insights on the transformation of computing technology since his time as an RPI student. He spoke about using punch cards during his first semester at RPI, and how quickly RPI had access to the very best technology with an IBM 3033. Priem and Jain reflected on how free access to the most advanced technology is a part of RPI’s culture, with RPI being the first university in the world to host the IBM Quantum System One computer on its physical campus.  

Priem and Jain also discussed how quantum computing will influence the development of AI with Priem offering his perspective on the capabilities of AI and its future.  

“We don’t teach creativity — you bring your creativity with you before you step on campus,” said Priem. “We’ll give you a good technical education, send you out into the world, and you will take your creativity and apply it to your trade. The question is, can AI do the same thing?” 

Before closing, Priem offered students advice on how to use their RPI education to succeed: “Question everything,” said Priem. “Drive your own mode. Some of you will be Nobel prize winners, because you’re going to figure out a better way to do things.” 

The inspiring conversation gave RPai members and the broader RPI community the chance to engage directly with an innovator whose journey began on the same campus, one who once sat where they sit now, using the tools of his era to build the technologies that define theirs.