New Jersey officials have been exploring the potential of AI for years. Earlier this year, the state established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force, led by the state’s CIO, CTO and the CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), to study the rapidly emerging technology and make recommendations for the state to use the tools ethically. The state has also released a policy to guide the use of generative AI by state employees.
The new hub, announced yesterday by Gov. Phil Murphy and the Princeton University president, and in collaboration with NJEDA, aims to help to spur responsible innovation around the technology, drive job growth and economic development, and guide government entities on AI implementation.
"With the establishment of this AI hub, we are not just anticipating the future – we are actively shaping it,” said Office of Innovation Chief Innovation Officer Beth Noveck, in the announcement. “This partnership is a testament to our belief that when we harness Princeton's renowned brainpower and New Jersey's innovative spirit, there's no problem too complex, no challenge too great.”
The initiative will join AI researchers, industry leaders, startup companies and other stakeholders to advance research and development in a dedicated accelerator space.
Princeton’s experience in AI includes applications of the technology across a range of fields. The institution’s foundational research on AI techniques and platforms help position it to be a wealth of knowledge. For the state of New Jersey, leadership in health, sustainability, finance and technology aim to help advance innovative breakthroughs when applied to AI technology.
“Indeed, there’s no better place in the nation to build a nexus for AI development than in the heart of New Jersey at Princeton University, which attracts the companies of the future with its robust innovation ecosystem and unparalleled combination of location and talent,” said Murphy in the announcement. “As these industry leaders seek the next big breakthrough in AI technologies from their labs in Central Jersey, they will help generate economic activity and good-paying jobs in communities across our state.”
Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber also announced that the university and state will co-host a convening on AI at Princeton University on April 11, 2024, during which leaders across the academic, private and public sector will come together to discuss important AI-related issues.
