Singularity University will host its first class of 30 graduate students at NASA Ames campus this summer to explore ways to ensure technology improves humanity’s plight, based on the concept that the exponential advances occurring in various fields should be melded to solve daunting problems like poverty, famine, disease, global warming and dwindling energy supplies.

The university was co-founded by Ray Kurzweil, who will be Singularity University’s chancellor, and Peter Diamandis, who chairs the X Prize Foundation. Google is the first Corporate Founder.

Although this summer’s first session will be limited to 30 students, Singularity University plans to accept 120 students next year. The university also intends to offer three-day and 10-day programs aimed more at corporate executives and other professionals.

Students will be required to immerse themselves in 10 fields of study, including computing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, energy, law and finance.

Applications will be accepted through the university’s Web site, www.singularityu.org.