Sherrill launches $125 million New Jersey supercomputer initiative

Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Oct. 20 the launch of a supercomputer initiative backed by more than $125 million in public and private investment, aimed at expanding research computing, education and workforce training across the state.

The New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative will offer shared computing resources to researchers, students, entrepreneurs, businesses and other organizations.

The state expects the system to double the aggregate supercomputing capacity currently available across New Jersey’s research universities and increase access to advanced hardware.

Potential research applications include cancer research and flood-risk mapping, which the state says could be conducted more cost-effectively and quickly than with conventional computers.

“From Thomas Edison to Bell Labs and beyond, New Jersey has earned its reputation as the Innovation State through groundbreaking research and discoveries that transform lives. Today, we are building on that proud legacy by launching the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative,” Sherrill said.

“This major initiative will ensure that New Jersey strengthens its longstanding leadership in using new technologies to uncover scientific breakthroughs, to help our students build the skills and experience they need to compete for jobs in high-demand fields, to expand opportunities for our workforce, and to improve quality of life throughout our communities.”

The funding includes a $75 million personal gift from Chris and Melody Malachowsky. Chris Malachowsky, an NVIDIA co-founder and Monmouth County native, said the initiative would help make advanced computing and its applications more accessible.

SHI International, a Somerset County-based IT company, is investing $25 million and will provide technical and strategic guidance. Its responsibilities include architecture and design, coordination of technology partners, implementation, hosting and day-to-day operation of the infrastructure.

The state is investing an additional $25 million through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, using funds appropriated for the initiative in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

“New Jersey is where my story began, and it means a great deal to give back to the community that raised me. I am grateful to Governor Sherrill and our partners across the state for making this a reality,” Malachowsky said.

“Through the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative, we can unlock the talent that exists all around us, transform schools, businesses, and the workforce, and together, tackle our most pressing challenges.”

The partnership includes eight research institutions: Kean University, Montclair State University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and Stevens Institute of Technology.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is also a partner. Each institution plans to make annual contributions to the initiative’s budget. Additional higher education institutions from across the state may be able to participate, with pathways for joining expected to be announced in 2027.

An independent nonprofit organization, NJSCI, is scheduled to begin administering the supercomputer in 2027. The initiative is guided by principles that include transparent governance and equitable access. SHI will host and operate the infrastructure in its existing New Jersey facilities. The state said the project will bring new clean energy onto New Jersey’s grid.

Dozens of projects are under review for potential use of the system in 2027. They include using high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to model flooding and protect coastal communities, detect and treat cancer and other diseases earlier, accelerate drug development, and improve the safety of large language models.

The initiative also includes education and workforce programs. The AI Higher Education and Workforce Collaborative is working across the state’s colleges and universities to develop curricula, hands-on training and apprenticeship pathways.

The programs are intended to range from AI literacy and responsible use to advanced computing, data science and related fields. Students are expected to gain direct experience with the infrastructure through research projects, capstones and coursework.

“Strategic partnerships like this are how we create real economic opportunity — connecting New Jersey workers to good-paying jobs while keeping our businesses competitive,” said Kevin D. Jarvis, acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

“The apprenticeships and training programs tied to this initiative will help New Jersey workers develop the skills needed to succeed in AI, data science, and advanced computing fields where employers are actively hiring.”

Several state agencies are supporting the effort, including the New Jersey Innovation Authority, the NJEDA, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. The release does not specify the system’s technical specifications or provide a more detailed operating schedule beyond the planned 2027 administration and project reviews.

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