NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Tells Graduates Their Careers Are Starting at the Beginning of the AI Revolution

Jensen Huang told graduates in his keynote address at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)'s 128th commencement that now is the starting point of the AI Revolution. He emphasized that following PC, internet, mobile, and cloud, a new platform shift is now opening where 'intelligence' transforms every industry, and that the power of computing and intelligence is reaching everyone for the first time, which can narrow the technology gap.

He framed AI as an opportunity to rebuild America's industrial foundation, explaining that the benefits could spread even to field jobs like electricians, plumbers, ironworkers, and technicians. He said AI automates tasks but does not replace the purpose of a job itself, giving the example that even if radiologists hand off reading tasks to AI, the essence of patient care only grows larger.

He also repeatedly emphasized responsible development. He said scientists and engineers must build up AI capability and AI safety together, and that policymakers must put in place safeguards that protect society without blocking innovation. He also said that to properly grow AI, the following must be pursued simultaneously:

• Strengthening safety
• Thoughtful policy
• Broad accessibility
• Everyone's participation

In the latter part, he introduced himself as a first-generation immigrant and said he viewed America not as a guarantee but as a land of opportunity. He also praised Carnegie Mellon as the epicenter of AI and robotics, mentioning the Logic Theorist from the 1950s and the Robotics Institute founded in 1979. Before the commencement, he also visited a lab to meet with students, and after receiving an honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree, he told graduates to keep 'My heart is in the work' in their hearts and to create something that proves what they've learned.