Data & Infrastructure

What AI runs on

Every AI system depends on data and the infrastructure that processes it. On one side: where training data comes from, how it's prepared and governed, and the ethical questions that come with it. On the other: the hardware, cloud platforms, and operational practices that keep AI systems running in production. GPUs, specialised chips, deployment choices, monitoring, security, and the growing concerns around energy consumption and environmental impact. Understanding this layer helps you appreciate what AI actually costs to build and run, make better decisions about infrastructure, and engage seriously with questions about sustainability and access that are becoming increasingly important.