SUNY-IBM Partnership Boosts AI Research in New York
New York, Tuesday, 29 October 2024.
SUNY Chancellor announces 14 faculty recipients of the 2024 SUNY-IBM AI Research Alliance grants. This collaboration aims to position New York as a global hub for AI innovation, focusing on next-generation hardware and addressing societal challenges.
Advancing AI Research and Development
The State University of New York (SUNY), in collaboration with IBM, has taken a significant step in advancing artificial intelligence research by awarding grants to fourteen faculty members from its four university centers. Announced by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. on October 28, 2024, these grants are part of the SUNY-IBM AI Research Alliance aiming to bolster New York’s status as a leader in AI innovation. The initiative, which began in 2019, has already launched 22 projects focusing on areas such as cloud computing, sustainable energy, and supercomputing optimization[1][2].
Strategic Focus and Impact
The awarded projects reflect a strategic focus on using AI for social good, addressing critical issues like food insecurity, information integrity, and healthcare advancements, such as improving stroke treatment. By leveraging AI technology, SUNY researchers aim to tackle these societal challenges while also improving the efficiency and sustainability of AI systems. The grants are part of a broader effort supported by the Empire AI Consortium, which was founded by Governor Kathy Hochul and is backed by over $400 million in resources, to elevate New York’s AI research capabilities[1][2].
Expert Opinions and Future Prospects
Experts within the SUNY system have expressed optimism about the potential impact of these grants. ‘As AI becomes further interwoven into every aspect of our society, SUNY has a central role to play in keeping New York State at the forefront of AI research and development,’ said Chancellor King[2]. Furthermore, Andrew Singer, Dean of Stony Brook’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, highlighted the ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve the energy efficiency of large-scale AI systems, addressing what he describes as ‘the single largest challenge of the current AI revolution’[2].
Positioning New York as a Global AI Hub
The SUNY-IBM partnership is not just about advancing technology; it’s about positioning New York as a global hub for AI hardware development. By fostering an environment of innovation and research, the partnership aims to create sustainable solutions that can be commercialized for broader applications. This approach not only enhances the capabilities of both SUNY and IBM but also cements New York State’s position at the vanguard of AI research and development, according to Mukesh Khare, IBM’s General Manager of Semiconductors[2].