TD SYNNEX has announced a strategic enhancement to its AI go-to-market initiative, Destination: AI™, with the launch of AI Pioneers, a specialized apprenticeship program in North America. This program addresses the AI skills gap by fostering emerging AI/ML talent and connecting partners with real-world AI use cases to scale confidently.
The first cohort included students specializing in AI/ML, computer science, and data science. Participants work closely with TD SYNNEX pre-sales engineers, business mentors, and NVIDIA technical experts to develop repeatable AI use cases leveraging NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, including NVIDIA NIM microservices and use-case aligned NVIDIA Blueprints. These projects provide tangible examples for partners to implement AI solutions at scale.
“Through AI Pioneers, we are investing in the next generation of innovators to address the knowledge gap, providing hands-on AI experience that drives meaningful business impact for vendors and partners,” said Reyna Thompson, President, North America at TD SYNNEX. “This initiative demonstrates that successful AI go-to-market strategies require strong partnerships across the technology ecosystem.”
Highlighted Use Cases from AI Pioneers
- Agentic Platform for Hospitality & Entertainment: A digital assistant using dynamic AI agents to deliver real-time, context-aware support, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency across hospitality, entertainment, tourism, and events.
- Knowledge Knode: An AI-powered platform that integrates enterprise data and efficiently routes inquiries to the right knowledge source, streamlining accessibility and improving decision-making.
- Agent-based Emergency Response Platform: An adaptable system enhancing situational awareness and accelerating incident response by coordinating resources in real time to protect lives and property.
Participants gain practical experience applying NVIDIA AI technology, collaborating with TD SYNNEX engineers to tackle real-world challenges. “The AI Pioneers program allowed me to translate my academic background into impactful solutions,” said Darla Valderrama, a participant in the program.
According to TD SYNNEX’s Direction of Technology report, 75% of partners recognize AI as essential, yet nearly half face talent shortages that limit implementation. The AI Pioneers program addresses this challenge, enabling partners to tailor AI use cases to their own data and regulatory requirements, accelerating deployment, unlocking new revenue opportunities, and strengthening their enterprise AI leadership.
“Empowering the next generation with AI skills is essential for addressing real-world challenges,” said Geoff Fancher, head of worldwide distribution at NVIDIA. “Together, NVIDIA and TD SYNNEX equip young leaders to transform industries and unlock AI’s full potential.”
Collaboration with partners such as SHI integrates fresh talent perspectives with expert guidance, producing innovative AI use cases that leverage NVIDIA Blueprints to tackle business challenges and inspire the next era of AI innovation.
The 2025 class of AI Pioneers presented their use cases at TD SYNNEX’s 2025 Inspire conference in Greenville, South Carolina. AI Pioneers are recruited through TD SYNNEX’s Summer Internship Program, with opportunities to continue through programs like the Technical Scholar Program or the Discovery Rep Program.
To learn more about AI Pioneers, visit TD SYNNEX AI Pioneers.
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