New Jersey has taken a major step in establishing itself as a leader in artificial intelligence with the opening of the NJ AI Hub. The state-of-the-art innovation center, located at 619 Alexander Road in West Windsor, is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Gov. Phil Murphy in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Princeton University, Microsoft and CoreWeave.
Strategically positioned along New Jersey’s Route 1 innovation corridor, the NJ AI Hub is designed to serve as a catalyst for AI research, commercialization and workforce development. The facility will provide AI startups with a dedicated space to collaborate, helping to drive technological advancements, attract investment and foster job creation.
“With the opening of the NJ AI Hub, we are reinforcing New Jersey’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation,” Murphy said. “By bringing together academia, industry leaders and government support, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters groundbreaking discoveries and sustainable economic growth.”
The hub will focus on three core areas: research and development, commercialization of AI-driven solutions and strengthening AI education and workforce training. By leveraging the state’s expertise in health care, finance, sustainability and technology, the initiative aims to advance responsible AI innovation while equipping businesses with the talent and tools needed to compete in an evolving economy.
Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving AI innovation. “The NJ AI Hub will strengthen New Jersey’s position in this transformative field and further Princeton’s commitment to regional economic development.”
Microsoft, a founding partner, is bringing its TechSpark program to New Jersey as part of the initiative. The program, launched in 2017, focuses on inclusive economic development through investments in local organizations, job creation and training. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith highlighted the long-term benefits of the partnership, noting that the AI Hub will “support and drive economic opportunity for the state and greater region for decades to come.”
CoreWeave, a New Jersey-based AI infrastructure company, sees the AI Hub as a key driver for local talent retention. “New Jersey’s AI ecosystem is poised for incredible growth, and the NJ AI Hub will serve as a launchpad for homegrown innovators,” said Brian Venturo, CoreWeave’s co-founder and chief strategy officer.
The NJEDA is expected to invest up to $25 million to support the AI Hub and the complementary AI Venture Fund, which will provide early-stage funding for AI startups in key sectors. Pending NJEDA board approval, the initiative will receive additional backing through the Strategic Innovation Center program, further strengthening the state’s commitment to fostering AI-driven economic expansion.
For New Jersey businesses, the NJ AI Hub represents a new frontier in AI adoption, talent development and investment opportunities. With major players in academia and the private sector at the helm, the state is positioning itself as a key AI innovation hub on the East Coast.
