“The University at Albany looks forward to collaborating across higher education, state government and beyond through the Empire AI Consortium proposed by Governor Hochul. We are committed to ensuring New Yorkers realize the full benefits of an AI-powered future — and do so responsibly. UAlbany has already laid significant groundwork toward that goal, including our ongoing collaboration with IBM on the Center for Emerging AI Systems and the largest cluster hire in University history, which is recruiting top-flight faculty who will lead our innovative AI Plus initiative and anchor our AI Plus research institute. New York can, and should, be a worldwide leader in the AI transformation. With the Empire AI Consortium harnessing the collective artificial intelligence expertise and research power on campuses across the state, we will be.”
About AI Plus at UAlbany
Propelled by a landmark 2022 investment of $75 million by New York State, UAlbany is building a truly holistic approach to integrating teaching and learning about AI across our academic and research programs to ensure every graduate is prepared to live and work in a world radically changed by technology. AI Plus is an institution-wide recognition of the centrality of AI to the future of knowledge creation, scientific discovery, creative expression and workforce development. It includes the largest cluster hire in University history, construction of one of the fastest university-based supercomputers in the U.S., a collaboration with IBM to pilot new AI hardware developed at Albany NanoTech, and the creation of new research initiatives, such as the Global Center for AI in Mental Health, that complement and advance UAlbany’s existing research strengths in fields such as public health, weather prediction and next-generation semiconductor design.