At the AI Summit New York, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled an ambitious vision for the integration and advancement of artificial intelligence within the state, focusing on ethical growth and public benefit. The event, hosted in New York, highlighted the state’s commitment to being at the forefront of AI innovation, with Hochul declaring her aim to lead the nation in this pivotal technological revolution.
During her address, Hochul expressed her pride in being the first governor to embrace AI fully, stating, “I want to tell you how the great State of New York intends to harness it.” Her administration is pursuing significant initiatives, including the Empire AI program, a groundbreaking 10-year, $400 million consortium formed between state agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. This partnership aims not only to innovate but also to create a framework for AI that delivers public good.
Hochul referred to recent technological advancements, such as the unveiling of two supercomputers at Upstate New York’s University of Buffalo and the University at Albany. She noted that these resources would empower local innovation and position New York as a leader in artificial intelligence, stating, “When it comes to the AI revolution, we fully intend to lead the way.” She also emphasized that for too long, accessing advanced technology has been limited to major corporations like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, but New York’s efforts aim to democratise these opportunities.
She elaborated on the potential applications of AI, such as addressing food insecurity, developing new cancer therapies, and modernising healthcare systems. This technology's capacity to predict natural disasters was also highlighted as a crucial area of interest, particularly in light of the response required for severe weather events. “My expectation is that we will use this technology to make real changes in the lives of our citizens,” Hochul remarked.
The governor further acknowledged recent developments in federal funding, specifically mentioning an approval for $6 billion that will encourage semiconductor production in Upstate New York by Micron Technology, which she described as the largest private sector investment in American history. Hochul commented on the broader impact of this investment, stating, “We're transforming communities in every corner of this state.”
In her push for ethical AI development, Hochul announced the establishment of New York’s first-ever Emerging Tech Advisory Board. This body, co-chaired by IBM's CEO Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code’s Tarika Barrett, will provide guidance on navigating the rapid growth of technology while ensuring inclusivity and diversity. Hochul pointed out the need for representation in tech, noting that historically, innovation has been dominated by white males, and emphasised her commitment to fostering underrepresented groups in the industry. “Their voices are missing from this conversation,” she stated, referencing initiatives designed to empower young women in technology fields.
Hochul concluded her remarks by reinforcing her government’s mission to redefine the technological landscape in New York, ensuring that as the industry evolves, it does so in a responsible and ethical manner. She reaffirmed her belief that collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector is fundamental to achieving these aims, stating, “We are proud to set the pace…with our partners on the West Coast.” Her closing remarks invited all attendees to continue the conversation on responsible AI development as New York positions itself as a leader in technological innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services