Cornell University will join six other research institutions in a consortium announced today by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to elevate New York to the forefront of the artificial intelligence playing field. The project, called Empire AI, will build a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center in upstate New York to be used by New York’s leading institutions to promote responsible research and development, create jobs and support AI opportunities focused on public good.

“I am excited to see the development of this shared computing facility, which will fast-track cutting-edge research and responsible AI tools to the benefit of all New Yorkers,” said Cornell President Martha E. Pollack. “As artificial intelligence promises to transform our economy, accelerate medical breakthroughs and offer unprecedented tools for research, it is imperative that academic research institutions like Cornell partner to optimize AI technology in service of the public good. I especially want to thank Governor Hochul for a groundbreaking approach that will unlock pioneering AI research by and with Cornell faculty, and put New York at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation.”

The Empire AI consortium also includes Columbia, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY) and the Simons Foundation. By increasing collaboration between New York state’s world-class research institutions, Empire AI will create efficiencies of scale, empower and attract top faculty, expand educational opportunity and give rise to a wave of responsible innovation that will significantly strengthen the state’s economy and national security.

Today’s announcement builds on Cornell’s momentum in artificial intelligence research, computing and applications across the university. Cornell’s AI Initiative and research spanning Cornell’s campuses in upstate New York and New York City – from cognitive science to computer and information science, from law and ethics to biomedical technology and food systems – is cultivating a community of Cornell researchers who can leverage research resources such as Empire AI to tackle data-informed challenges creatively and responsibly.

“Cornell faculty, staff and students are innovating and using [artificial intelligence] computing approaches to address societal challenges from sustainable agriculture to improved urban design to personalized medicine and health. We look forward to Empire AI enabling computing resources in New York state to advance purposeful, cutting-edge AI research. We’re excited to support this milestone to put New York at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation – and to advance research, innovation and translation that develops and uses artificial intelligence creatively and responsibly for the greater good,” said Krystyn J. Van Vliet, vice president for research and innovation.

Read more:

• Full press release from Governor Hochul
• Coverage from The New York Times