“Once again, New Jersey is pioneering cutting-edge technologies in lockstep with one of the world’s most prestigious universities,” said Governor Murphy. “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. 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’s strategic framework recognizes the promise and societal implications of artificial intelligence – as well as the University’s ‘unique capacity’ to meet these challenges,” said President Eisgruber. “Working to establish this hub for AI will further our efforts in this important area, while strengthening the regional ecosystem of innovation and advancing Princeton’s teaching and research mission.”

The initiative will bring together AI researchers, industry leaders, start-up companies, and other collaborators to advance research and development, house dedicated accelerator space, advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact, and promote workforce development to support new technology development, in collaboration with other New Jersey universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.

Establishing a hub for AI activity in New Jersey will leverage the unique strengths of the region, including Princeton’s leadership in AI technologies, drawing on its institutional strengths in technology policy and education, applications of AI across a range of fields, foundational research on AI techniques and their application, novel hardware platforms and interdisciplinary collaborations on using technology for good. The initiative will also draw on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial, and technology sectors, which have the opportunity to apply artificial intelligence technologies to advance innovative breakthroughs.

“Today’s announcement by Governor Murphy and Princeton University President Eisgruber is an historic declaration of New Jersey’s ambition to be a leader in shaping and harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation and long term job creation,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “Governor Murphy has made recapturing New Jersey’s leadership position in innovation a centerpiece of his economic strategy, and with today’s great news on the heels of last week’s recommitment to New Jersey from Bell Labs, we are seeing proof positive that the Governor’s strategy is resonating with some of the most prominent institutions in the world.”

“With the establishment of this AI hub, we are not just anticipating the future – we are actively shaping it,” said Beth Noveck, New Jersey Office of Innovation Chief Innovation Officer. “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 greatTogether, we embark on a journey where every problem encountered is a step closer to a solution.”

President Eisgruber also announced that Princeton and the State will co-host a one-of-a-kind convening on AI at Princeton University on April 11.  This conference will bring together leaders from academia, industry, and government to discuss the most pressing AI issues of the day.

The initiative is part of Governor Murphy’s commitment to make New Jersey a national leader in AI. In October, Governor Murphy also issued Executive Order No. 346, which established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force charged with studying emerging AI technologies. The Task Force will be responsible for analyzing the potential societal impacts of AI as well as preparing recommendations to identify government actions encouraging the ethical use of AI technologies. The Executive Order also announced a nation-leading initiative to educate New Jersey’s State workforce about the development, use, and risks of AI, and directed the Administration to evaluate tools and strategies to improve government services through artificial intelligence, as well as explore ways in which artificial intelligence can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and be deployed by employers to enhance training and talent development, especially for low-income residents.