Artificial Intelligence has been around since the 1950s.
In 1956, Dartmouth College mathematics professor John McCarthy invited a small group of researchers from various disciplines to participate in a summer-long workshop focused on investigating the possibility of “thinking machines.”
Sixty-eight years later, ChatGPT was launched, and Gen AI became the craze.
According to IBM, GenAI is artificial intelligence that can create original content — such as text, images, video, audio or software code — in response to a user’s prompt or request.
New Jersey is responding to the opportunities and possibilities that GenAI technologies represent in the state.
Last April, Gov. Phil Murphy and Princeton University President Chris Eisgruber announced plans to formally create a hub for AI activity and research on the Princeton campus.
Operated in conjunction with the N.J. Economic Development Authority, the hub will aim to leverage state funding and private-sector partnerships to advance the state’s leadership in AI innovation in AI technologies, drive job growth and economic development across the region, promote rapid and responsible development of the field and guide governments and public entities on AI implementation.
On Jan. 31, Microsoft and CoreWeave announced they have come on as founding partners.
“As the AI industry rapidly evolves, it’s imperative that we capitalize on this moment in New Jersey,” Murphy said in a release. “I’m incredibly proud of this partnership with the top leaders in the industry and higher education, which further establishes our state as a hub for cutting-edge AI innovation and talent.”
The AI Hub will bring together AI researchers, industry leaders, startup companies and other collaborators to advance research & development. It also will house dedicated accelerator space, advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact and promote workforce development to support new technology development.
“The addition of Microsoft and CoreWeave as founding partners of the NJ AI Hub demonstrates how government, higher education and the corporate sector are coming together to advance AI innovation and the regional innovation ecosystem — two of Princeton’s highest priorities,” Eisgruber said in a release. “I’m eager to see many of the state’s other excellent colleges and universities join this effort as its development continues.”
The NJ AI Hub aims to help position New Jersey as a leading East Coast center for AI innovation. It will be located along Route 1 — New Jersey’s innovation corridor — at 619 Alexander Road in West Windsor, in space provided by Princeton University.
Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, said the company is eager to work with its partners in New Jersey.
“New Jersey has long been at the forefront of American innovation and AI is the next chapter of this journey,” he said. “By leveraging the strengths of the private sector, Princeton, and the state of New Jersey, our goal is to build a thriving regional AI economy that not only drives economic growth, but sets a new standard for research, development, and workforce development.”
Conversation Starters
Reach N.J. Economic Development Authority at: njeda.gov or call 844-965-1125.
Reach Princeton University at: princeton.edu or call 609-258-3000.
Reach Microsoft at: microsoft.com/en-us.
Reach CoreWeave at: coreweave.com.
