NJ To Establish Artificial Intelligence Hub At Princeton University

PRINCETON, NJ – New Jersey plans to establish a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) activity at Princeton University in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

The announcement was made by Gov. Phil Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber on campus Monday morning. Local leaders including Mayor Mark Freda, Mercer County Director of Economic Development and Sen. Andrew Zwicker were also present.

Through this initiative, NJ hopes to advance its leadership in AI and start innovation in AI technologies, drive job growth and economic development across the region.

“Once again, New Jersey is pioneering cutting-edge technologies in lockstep with one of the world’s most prestigious universities,” Gov. Murphy said.

“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.”

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, in collaboration with other New Jersey universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.

Eisgruber said Princeton University researchers have been leaders in AI and machine learning discoveries and innovation for "many years."

“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,” Eisgruber said.

“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.”

Establishing the hub will leverage the unique strengths of Princeton’s leadership in AI technologies.

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, 2024.

This conference will bring together leaders from academia, industry, and government to discuss the most pressing AI issues of the day. “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 great. Together, we embark on a journey where every problem encountered is a step closer to a solution.”

In October, Murphy 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 the state’s 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. It will also explore ways in which artificial intelligence can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance training and talent development, especially for low-income residents.

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