ALBANY — This week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited Albany and Buffalo to announce substantial state investments in artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into research and education.
During her visit, Hochul showcased a new AI supercomputer at the University at Albany, part of a larger initiative that includes a $250 million investment from the state and the SUNY system, complemented by $125 million in private donations. The governor described these efforts as a pivotal step toward positioning New York as a leader in responsible AI development.
“If you think about it, it’s like a heart beating in a body, pumping technology and future through its veins,” Hochul remarked at a Friday event in Buffalo, highlighting the transformative potential of AI.
The new supercomputer, which utilizes advanced NVIDIA technology, will play a critical role in UAlbany’s AI initiative, known as AI Plus. With an investment of $16.5 million, the supercomputer features 24 NVIDIA servers equipped with high-performance chips designed to enhance AI capabilities. UAlbany recently received $75 million from the state budget to support this initiative and to complete its new engineering school building.
“This new AI supercomputer is a major step forward for the University at Albany, for our faculty, for our staff, for our researchers, and especially for our students,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez. He emphasized the university’s commitment to using technology to benefit society.
Hochul stressed that the rapid advancement of AI should serve the public interest, saying, “New York is writing the next chapter of human history with our historic Empire AI initiative.” She asserted that ensuring AI is used for the common good is crucial as states and research universities compete in the evolving tech landscape.
To bolster these efforts, UAlbany is undertaking the largest faculty recruitment in its history, hiring 27 new AI-focused professors, backed by over $5 million in funding from SUNY.
Hochul framed the current era as a critical race for knowledge and innovation, stating, “The race to become the global leader in AI will be one of the defining competitions of our lifetimes.” As the Empire AI Consortium moves forward, plans for a new computing center in Buffalo will soon be unveiled, inviting contractors to submit bids for the facility.
This ambitious initiative aims not only to enhance New York’s technological infrastructure but also to ensure that the benefits of AI are harnessed for societal advancement.
As companies worldwide embrace AI, Hochul remains optimistic about New York’s role in shaping a future where technology serves the greater good.