## CalCompute: A Publicly Owned AI Compute Initiative **CalCompute** is a proposed, publicly owned and operated cloud computing cluster designed to democratize access to the advanced computational resources needed for artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation in California[1]. The initiative aims to provide researchers, startups, and community groups with the high-powered hardware and infrastructure—such as GPUs and data centers—required to develop cutting-edge AI models, rather than leaving this critical resource in the hands of a few large, for-profit tech companies[1][3]. By offering a public alternative, CalCompute seeks to foster innovation in the public interest, ensuring that the benefits of AI are more widely distributed and aligned with societal good[1][3]. ## History and Legislative Journey CalCompute first emerged as part of broader AI safety and innovation legislation in California. State Senator Scott Wiener championed the idea, embedding it within bills such as SB-1047 (the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act) and later SB-53[2][3][4]. SB-1047, which included CalCompute as a public cloud computing cluster under the University of California system, passed both houses of the state legislature in 2024 but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom[4]. Newsom expressed concerns that the bill’s focus on large-scale models might overlook risks from smaller, specialized AI systems, and emphasized the need for flexible, adaptive regulation as AI evolves[4]. Following the veto, Wiener and supporters reintroduced the CalCompute concept in SB-53, a narrower bill focused on establishing a consortium to develop a framework for the public computing cluster[2][3]. ## Key Features and Governance If established, CalCompute would be governed by a 14-member consortium representing diverse fields and industries, with appointments made by the Governor’s Office, Senate, and Assembly[2]. The consortium’s mandate would include developing ethical guidelines, prioritizing the use of the existing