New Jersey Unveils Emerging East Coast AI Hub at Princeton University

As U.S. states compete to harness the generative AI boom, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber unveiled plans to establish a new AI hub aimed at fostering collaboration among AI researchers, industry leaders, and startups, in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

In an exclusive interview, Governor Murphy and President Eisgruber shared insights into this initiative, which is set to enhance research and development, provide dedicated accelerator space, promote ethical AI practices, and facilitate workforce development, including AI skills training for over 61,000 state employees.

Governor Murphy described the initiative as “the most exciting project since I took office in 2018.” He expressed optimism about keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI by emphasizing visibility and engagement, likening the approach to Kevin Costner's famous line, “if you build it, they will come.”

The announcement of the AI hub coincides with the recent formation of New Jersey's State Artificial Intelligence Task Force and a new policy promoting responsible AI usage among state employees. Murphy outlined a “three-legged stool” approach focused on economic development, regulatory responsibilities related to AI, and improved workforce training for enhanced government service delivery.

Eisgruber highlighted the hub's importance at this “pivotal moment” for New Jersey to emerge as a leader in AI jobs and research. He noted that Princeton University has already been investing in AI initiatives, such as the recently launched Language and Intelligence Initiative (PLI), aimed at advancing research on large language models. Professor Sanjeev Arora, an expert in theoretical computer science and machine learning, has been appointed as the initiative's first director.

Princeton's rich history in AI research includes figures like Alan Turing, the father of computer science, and notable alumni including Fei-Fei Li. Eisgruber emphasized that the new AI hub would be a larger effort, aiming to position New Jersey as a recognized leader in the AI field.

In response to the AI boom, which is currently centered in locations like the San Francisco Bay Area, Governor Murphy remarked on the industry's fixation on talent. After discussing with AI leaders, he concluded that New Jersey possesses substantial talent, especially in STEM fields, particularly due to its connection with Princeton. “We start with the raw material that I think no other state or university can match,” he stated.

Eisgruber added that Princeton aims to collaborate closely with New Jersey's robust healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors through public-private AI partnerships like the Google AI Lab established in 2019. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities the new hub will create within the local ecosystem.

Governor Murphy concluded by stating that the hub's evolution will remain adaptable, stressing the urgency of action in the rapidly advancing world of AI: “I don’t think we’re going to let a lot of grass grow given the pace of development here.”