Perhaps the only initiative moving faster than the pace of change around artificial intelligence may be the attempt of Gov. Phil Murphy and the state of New Jersey to become a leader not only in development of AI features and functions but in the economic development possibilities around the efforts.
Just 14 months after declaring an ‘AI moonshot’ initiative announcing during the 2024 State of the State — one Murphy compared to President Kennedy’s proclamation that the U.S. would lead in the space race — a collaboation between Princeton University, CoreWeave, Microsoft and the N.J. Economic Development Authority, broke ground on the NJ AI Hub in Princeton.
The event, held March 27 in Princeton, is the latest in steps the state has taken in an effort to be the East Coast center of AI research – including the first NJAI Summit, held last April in Princeton.
Aaron Price, the CEO of TechUnited:NJ, said the pace of the state’s efforts around AI are astounding.
Equally impressive is the funding behind the effort.
Together, the founding partners will invest over $72 million to support the long-term success of the Hub.
Officials from the organizations said the NJ AI Hub will build on other investments being made by New Jersey to develop the state’s AI ecosystem, including the planned AI Venture Fund. The AI Venture Fund will invest in early-stage AI startups, focusing on companies that are part of New Jersey’s strategic industries.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said investment is key.
Space for research helps, too.
The NJ AI Hub will be located at 619 Alexander Road in West Windsor Township — in space provided by Princeton University.
Officials from all the groups feel the NJ AI Hub will provide a physical location where AI start-ups can collaborate, helping to support new, diverse innovators and drive long-term economic growth.
The officials said the NJ AI Hub aims to bring together AI researchers, industry leaders, start-up companies, and other collaborators to advance research and development, the ethical and responsible use of AI for positive social impact, and workforce training in applied AI, in collaboration with other New Jersey universities, community colleges and vocational schools.
What specifically can be accomplished there?
Among other possibilities, the officials said the Hub will aim to draw on the states’ unique strengths in the health, sustainability, finance, and technology sectors to employ artificial intelligence technologies in advancing innovative breakthroughs.
Here’s how it will work.
Princeton, Microsoft, CoreWeave, and the EDA will focus on three main pillars of programming at the NJ AI Hub, including:
- research and development;
- commercialization and accelerating innovation;
- strengthening AI education and workforce development.
For Murphy, the ground-breaking was a big-picture moment.
“By partnering with one of the world’s greatest academic and research institutions — along with industry leaders, like Microsoft and CoreWeave — we are paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and a new generation of economic growth that will create good-paying, sustainable jobs for the people of New Jersey,” he said. “Together, we are building a stronger, more prosperous future for our residents and businesses alike.”
At a time when university research is under fire, Princeton President Chris Eisgruber said the Hub shows the value of collaboration.
“(The partnership) shows how the public, private and academic sectors can come together to spark innovation in artificial intelligence, spur economic development, and strengthen the regional ecosystem,” he said.
“The NJ AI Hub will not only keep the state and our nation at the forefront of this important field but also advance two of Princeton’s highest priorities, AI innovation and the regional ecosystem.”
Representatives from Microsoft and CoreWeave agreed.
“The opening of the NJ AI Hub at Princeton represents a public-private partnership between the university and Microsoft that will support and drive economic opportunity for the state and greater region for decades to come,” Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft — and a Princeton grad — said.
CoreWeave Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Brian Venturo said the Hub is a symbol of the state’s legacy of innovation.
“As a company proudly headquartered in New Jersey, CoreWeave is deeply invested in the future of this state — and in the people who call it home,” he said.
“This is more than just a space for innovation; we believe it’s a launchpad for aspiring technologists, engineers, and creators across NJ who no longer need to leave home to build world-class careers in AI. Today’s ribbon-cutting demonstrates that New Jersey is not just participating in the AI revolution — we’re driving it.”
Just as Murphy hoped when he pitched the project back during his State of the State in January of 2024.
“The future of generative AI has yet to be written — and New Jersey can be the author,” he said then. “This is not just an economic opportunity for our families — it is, frankly, an imperative.
“Because, if we do not take the lead on AI, I guarantee you: Someone else will.”
