New York has begun its first Empire AI supercomputer research projects focused on treatments for ALS, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular diseases.
The work is led by the University at Albany in partnership with the University of Rochester, using the Empire AI computing system housed at the University at Buffalo.
Researchers will apply AI to analyze movement data from patients with conditions like myotonic dystrophy, aiming to develop targeted therapies. Funding for the projects includes $230,000 in grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and more than $2 million from federal agencies.
“By leveraging the new Empire AI Supercomputer, our researchers will be able to amplify and accelerate their groundbreaking work,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez.
The initiative is part of a broader $500 million investment in public AI research. The Empire AI Consortium includes 10 major institutions across New York and is designed to harness artificial intelligence for public benefit.
During a visit to UAlbany for World RNA Day, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised the project’s potential to “protect public health and wellbeing moving forward.”
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