Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced its investment in Mountain View, Calif.-based Singularity University (SU), an immersive and digital educational program provider, business accelerator, and global online community furthering the application of exponential technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotech fabrication and robotics.
Boeing and SU will explore opportunities to work together, which could include customized educational programs for Boeing employees and the addition of Boeing technical experts to SU’s faculty. The investment represents Boeing’s commitment to furthering its digital transformation in its second century.
“Curiosity and innovation are at the core of who we are and what we do at Boeing,” said Bethany Tate Cornell, vice president, Leadership, Learning and Organizational Capability. “SU shares our commitment to continuous learning that empowers people to solve complex, global challenges; and their work with transformative technologies represent potential game changers in the way we develop as individuals and work together as teams.”
SU builds capability in individuals and organizations to learn, connect and innovate breakthrough solutions by teaching them how to use accelerating technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and digital biology. Its global community spans more than 100 countries and includes entrepreneurs, corporations, development organizations, governments, investors and academic institutions. SU provides education offerings led by world-renowned experts and targeted corporate training programs for emerging and established leaders.
“Boeing’s commitment to continuous learning and innovation aligns with SU’s mission to educate individuals and organizations globally on how to use exponential technologies to tackle humanity’s grand challenges,” said SU’s CEO, Rob Nail. “At SU, we see that the world’s biggest problems are also often the biggest business opportunities, so we are extremely excited to partner with companies like Boeing that have the capabilities to make a true difference at scale.”
Boeing HorizonX Ventures partnered with WestRiver Group to lead the Series B investment round. Cornell will represent Boeing on the SU board of directors.
A certified benefit corporation, SU was founded in 2008 by Ray Kurzweiland Peter H. Diamandis, and is partnered with leading corporations and nonprofit organizations. SU is headquartered at NASA Research Park in Silicon Valley.
Chicago-based Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries
