Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the first phase of the state’s Empire AI Consortium, marking a milestone in artificial intelligence research aimed at tackling global challenges. The initiative, a public-private partnership funded by more than $400 million, seeks to harness AI for the public good by focusing on critical areas like climate resilience, health disparities, and food security.
“New York is writing the next chapter of human history with our historic Empire AI initiative,” Hochul said. “We’re putting innovation, research, and technology at the forefront of our investments to shape a better future for New Yorkers.”
The Empire AI Consortium, housed at the University at Buffalo, is the first of its kind in the nation, bringing together public and private research institutions to collaborate on AI advancements. The initial phase, backed by a major philanthropic contribution from the Simons Foundation, includes state-of-the-art computing power that will allow researchers to begin work immediately. The project’s permanent home will be determined through a request for proposals issued by the university.
A major step forward in AI research
The Simons Foundation’s contribution provides some of the strongest computing power in the U.S., allowing the consortium to quickly start its research. Stony Brook University’s Dr. Robert J. Harrison, a renowned expert in supercomputing, has been appointed interim executive director while a national search is conducted for a permanent leader. Harrison is known for his work at the Institute for Advanced Computational Science at Stony Brook, which he helped elevate to international prominence.
The consortium includes key New York institutions such as Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the City University of New York, among others. Together, these institutions will work to apply AI to societal challenges, including sustainable energy solutions, cybersecurity threats, and smart city infrastructure.
The Empire AI initiative is a central part of Hochul’s broader strategy to make New York a leader in AI and other emerging technologies. The Governor has emphasized that AI research must prioritize ethical considerations and benefit the public, particularly as the technology continues to evolve.
Significant contributions to the state’s economy and future
AI research is expected to not only advance scientific discovery but also stimulate job growth and innovation across New York. The initiative will create new opportunities for startups and technology development, positioning New York as a global leader in responsible AI research. The project is projected to attract top researchers and expand educational opportunities, further strengthening the state’s competitive edge in technology and innovation.
The state’s fiscal investment includes a $250 million capital grant and $25 million over ten years in SUNY funding, with additional support from private partners such as the Simons Foundation and Bloomberg LP Co-Founder Tom Secunda. These contributions, along with investments from the consortium’s founding institutions, underscore the scale and ambition of the project.
David Spergel, president of the Simons Foundation, said the effort would ensure that New York remains at the forefront of AI research. “Empire AI will enable New York State researchers and students to be the innovators that create the next great ideas in science and technology,” he said.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration will secure the state’s leadership in AI research while addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. The consortium is expected to focus on issues such as climate adaptation, healthcare access, and equitable economic development.
A national leader in innovation
The Empire AI initiative builds on Governor Hochul’s broader innovation agenda, which has already seen significant public and private investments in high-tech industries. Recent announcements include a $10 billion partnership to bring next-generation chip research to Albany and a $113.7 million investment in the Battery-NY initiative to promote green technology. The initiative also aligns with other major investments, such as Micron’s $100 billion megafab campus in Central New York, which is set to create tens of thousands of jobs over the next two decades.
As part of the state’s FY25 budget, Hochul signed legislation to promote the safe and ethical use of AI. The law mandates transparency in the use of AI-generated content in political communication, highlighting the state’s commitment to ensuring AI development remains responsible and trustworthy.
Empire AI’s early launch positions New York as a national leader in the responsible development of AI. By providing academic institutions with cutting-edge tools, the consortium aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs that will benefit society while ensuring that AI technology serves the public interest.
With the consortium now up and running, New York is poised to lead the way in AI innovation, setting a standard for ethical and impactful AI research that addresses the complex challenges of the modern world.
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