What Is NVIDIA Launchpad?

NVIDIA LaunchPad is an initiative by NVIDIA, which provides free access to NVIDIA hardware and software through a browser. Technical and business roles can experience cutting edge AI technology via guided hands-on labs, or test and prototype their own projects in a sandbox based on NVIDIA-Certified Systems™.

NVIDIA Launchpad is a learning platform with a vast array of resources and tools to help you bring your ideas to life. Whether you're designing a new application, creating a new AI solution, or want to gain experience with cutting-edge technology, NVIDIA Launchpad provides the tools, resources, and expertise you’ll need.

What sets NVIDIA Launchpad apart from other platforms is free access to NVIDIA’s advanced hardware, and the ability to practice theoretical concepts in a practical, real-world context.

This is part of a series of articles about NVIDIA A100.

In this article:

• Features of NVIDIA LaunchPad Labs
• ~Hands-On Learning
• ~Ready-to-Use Infrastructure
• ~Assistance From Experts
• ~Supporting Design and Purchase Decisions
• Categories of Learning Resources in NVIDIA LaunchPad
• How to Join NVIDIA LaunchPad
• ~1. Choose Your Desired Lab
• ~2. Fill in the Application Form
• ~3. Wait for Approval
• ~4. Take Additional Labs
• NVIDIA Infrastructure Optimization with Run:ai

Features of NVIDIA LaunchPad Labs

Hands-On Learning

NVIDIA Launchpad provides interactive labs, letting you experiment with different technologies, test your skills, and learn from mistakes in a safe environment.

These labs are designed to be engaging and interactive, offering a dynamic learning experience that goes beyond traditional lectures and textbooks. You can explore different scenarios, work with real data, and see the impact of your decisions in real-time.

Ready-to-Use Infrastructure

NVIDIA Launchpad provides ready-to-use infrastructure, meaning you don't have to worry about setting up your own servers, installing software, or dealing with technical glitches. Everything you need is already set up and ready to go.

This ready-to-use infrastructure not only saves you time and effort; it also ensures you have access to the latest technologies. NVIDIA Launchpad is constantly updated with the newest tools and resources, letting you experience the cutting edge in AI infrastructure.

Assistance From Experts

NVIDIA Launchpad offers assistance from experts. These are seasoned professionals who have a deep understanding of AI, deep learning, and GPU-accelerated applications. They're available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you overcome any challenges you might encounter.

This expert assistance is invaluable, especially if you're new to these technologies. It provides a safety net, giving you the confidence to explore, experiment, and push your boundaries.

Supporting Design and Purchase Decisions

AI infrastructure, such as GPU servers or high performance computing (HPC) systems, can be a major investment for an organization. With the help of NVIDIA Launchpad, organizations can make confident design and purchase decisions. With its comprehensive resources and hands-on labs, teams can get a clear sense of what different technologies can do and how they can benefit their projects.

This knowledge can guide the decision-making process, helping organizations choose the right tools, applications, and hardware for their needs. Moreover, it can give them the confidence to invest in new technologies, knowing they have the skills and knowledge to use them effectively.

Categories of Learning Resources in NVIDIA LaunchPad

The labs and learning resources in NVIDIA LaunchPad are divided into the following main categories:

• AI: Resources encompassing a range of technologies, from machine learning and deep learning to natural language processing and computer vision. You can explore different aspects of AI, learn about the latest developments, and get hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and applications.
• AI Workflows: Learn about different AI workflows, from data preparation and model training to deployment and monitoring. You can also experiment with different workflows in the interactive labs, gaining practical experience of how AI applications are developed and maintained.
• Cybersecurity: Access resources on cybersecurity, from basic principles and best practices to advanced techniques and strategies. You can also get hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools and applications, learning how to identify threats, protect systems, and respond to attacks.
• 3D Design: The platform provides various software and hardware solutions geared towards improving 3D design processes. These include ray-tracing GPUs, VR-ready workstations, and robust design software.
• Data Science: The platform offers powerful GPUs that can handle large data sets and complex computations, software libraries designed for data science such as RAPIDS and cuDNN, and AI models that can be used as a starting point for various data science projects.
• Infrastructure Optimization: The platform provides tools and resources that help optimize your IT infrastructure, including GPU-accelerated servers, networking solutions, and software for managing your infrastructure.
  

Related content: Read our guide to NVIDIA deep learning GPU

How to Join NVIDIA LaunchPad

Joining NVIDIA Launchpad is a straightforward process:

1. Choose Your Desired Lab

The first step to joining NVIDIA Launchpad is choosing your desired lab. The labs are essentially categories that align with your interests or profession. Whether you're a 3D designer, data scientist, or infrastructure manager, there's a lab for you.

2. Fill in the Application Form

Once you've chosen your desired lab, the next step is to fill in the application form. This form requires basic details such as your name, email, and profession. In addition, it also asks for your level of experience and your intended use for NVIDIA Launchpad. This information is crucial as it helps NVIDIA Launchpad tailor its resources to your needs.

3. Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, the next step is to wait for approval. The approval process typically takes a few days, during which NVIDIA reviews your application. Once approved, you'll receive an email confirmation, and you can start exploring the resources offered by NVIDIA Launchpad.

4. Take Additional Labs

Once you're part of NVIDIA Launchpad, you can take additional labs. These labs provide additional learning resources and tools that can enhance your skills and knowledge in various domains.

NVIDIA Infrastructure Optimization with Run:ai

Run:ai automates resource management and orchestration for machine learning infrastructure, including NVIDIA LaunchPad. With Run:ai, you can automatically run as many compute intensive experiments as needed.

Here are some of the capabilities you gain when using Run:ai:

• Advanced visibility—create an efficient pipeline of resource sharing by pooling GPU compute resources.
• No more bottlenecks—you can set up guaranteed quotas of GPU resources, to avoid bottlenecks and optimize billing.
• A higher level of control—Run:ai enables you to dynamically change resource allocation, ensuring each job gets the resources it needs at any given time.
  

Run:ai simplifies machine learning infrastructure pipelines, helping data scientists accelerate their productivity and the quality of their models.

‍Learn more about the Run:ai GPU virtualization platform