Governor Kathy Hochul underscored the state’s commitment to leading in responsible artificial intelligence development, envisioning AI as a transformative force for public good, economic growth, and social equity. Speaking at the AI Summit New York, Hochul highlighted initiatives designed to harness AI’s potential to create a “fairer, healthier, more efficient society” for future generations.
“What if AI could be harnessed for public good?” Hochul asked. “It can tackle food insecurity, help us develop new therapies for cancer, modernize healthcare, and even predict dangerous storms.”
The Governor pointed to Empire AI, a $400 million, 10-year consortium between the state, private sector, and academic institutions. Launched earlier this year, the initiative aims to democratize AI innovation by placing state-of-the-art supercomputers in public hands. According to Hochul, this move ensures that AI development is not confined to major tech corporations.
The supercomputers, located at the University at Buffalo and the University at Albany, are among the most powerful ever deployed by a state. Hochul described this as a step toward revitalizing upstate communities by attracting businesses, innovators, and tech talent to historically underdeveloped regions.
“Instead of blight and neglect, I’m building supercomputers, companies, innovators,” she said. “We’re transforming communities in every corner of this state.”
Hochul emphasized the ethical and inclusive use of AI. She called for greater diversity in tech leadership, advocating for traditionally underrepresented groups to be part of the AI revolution. To support this vision, she announced New York’s first Emerging Tech Advisory Board, co-chaired by IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code CEO Tarika Barrett. The board will develop recommendations to ensure AI growth benefits all communities.
The Governor praised efforts by organizations like Girls Who Code, which empower young women to innovate in tech. “Their voices are missing from this conversation,” Hochul said. “They’re innovating solutions to problems others may not even know exist.”
Hochul’s speech also touched on broader investments in tech infrastructure. The federal government recently approved $6 billion to support Micron’s semiconductor manufacturing expansion in upstate New York, marking the largest private-sector investment in U.S. history.
Throughout her remarks, Hochul expressed confidence that New York’s proactive approach to AI would serve as a model for other states. “We fully intend to lead the way,” she declared.
Governor Hochul concluded by urging industry leaders to commit to ethical AI practices and workforce diversity. “Innovation in New York can and must be ethical and responsible,” she said. “You have tremendous power to make sure that happens.”
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