NJEDA and Princeton University Take Next Steps to Develop AI Hub

TRENTON, N.J. (April 8, 2024) – Ahead of Thursday’s first-ever AI Summit, hosted by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Princeton University, the partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input on best practices and operational insights for the creation and development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub, which will help advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. The public feedback received will help the NJEDA and Princeton better understand the scope and characteristics of the AI Hub, with a particular focus on opportunities for collaboration with the private sector. Responses are due by May 31.

The AI Hub, which is supported by the NJEDA, will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and start-up companies to advance research and development in the emerging field. The hub will promote workforce development to support new AI technology development and implementation. Additionally, the AI Hub will house dedicated accelerator space and work to advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact.

“AI has the power and potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and build long-term economic growth. Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey remains poised to capture the incredible momentum created by this emerging industry, which will enhance our state’s economic competitiveness for years to come.” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The AI Hub will build upon the Garden State’s longstanding legacy in innovation and establish Central Jersey, already famed for its Route 1 ‘research corridor’, as a leading national base for AI activity. I look forward to our continued collaboration with Princeton University as we forge ahead in establishing New Jersey as a premier location for the creation of cutting-edge AI technologies and companies.”

In December, Governor Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber announced plans to create an AI innovation hub. The state’s collaboration with Princeton will leverage the university’s institutional strengths in research, technology policy and education, as well as its long history in making societal impacts. Thursday’s AI Summit at Princeton University will further these goals by convening leaders from the region and beyond, including Governor Murphy and President Eisgruber, who are both slated to speak, along with other titans of the industry and academia. Recordings of the invitation-only event will be made available shortly after the summit.

The AI Hub is part of Governor Murphy’s broader commitment to make New Jersey a national leader in the AI field. Last fall, Governor Murphy established the AI Task Force, of which NJEDA CEO Sullivan is a member, and charged it with studying emerging AI technologies and its societal impacts. The state’s AI initiative draws on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial, and technology sectors, which stand to benefit from the application of AI technologies to advance innovative breakthroughs.

“Bringing together academia, industry, and government, this integrated hub of AI activity will foster collaboration on AI development and innovations,” said Princeton University Provost Jen Rexford. “The input and feedback we receive through this RFI will build upon Princeton’s leadership in AI and the strengths of the Central New Jersey region to ensure that we are leveraging the expertise and insights of various stakeholders, including New Jersey’s outstanding higher education institutions.”

The RFI issued by the NJEDA and Princeton is aimed at identifying potential partners and how they can help catalyze a hub for AI activity in the state. The RFI also seeks input on identifying specific sites, financial contributions, and other resources that interested parties may contribute to the development and operations of the AI Hub.

All questions must be submitted in writing no later than Friday, April 19th, at 11:59 p.m. EDT via email to AIHub@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-#XXX AI Hub”.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than, Friday, May 31st at 11:59 p.m. EDT via email to AIHub@njeda.gov. The subject line of the email should state: “RFI response-AI Hub”.

Potential respondents may include, but are not limited to, AI software developers, consumer protection and privacy firms, higher education institutions, workforce development and community outreach professionals, and technology workforce providers. Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input. The RFI can be found here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn