By Anne Levin

At a presentation on Monday in the Chancellor Green Library at Princeton University, a new hub for artificial intelligence (AI) was announced by Gov. Phil Murphy and University President  Christopher L. Eisgruber.

A collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the initiative puts Central New Jersey and the University at a key position in the AI boom. On April 11, the University and the state will cohost a conference designed to bring together leaders of industry, academia, and government to discuss AI and its capabilities.

AI is defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Murphy said AI has the capability to help find new cures for diseases and new solutions for battling climate change.

“Once again, New Jersey is pioneering cutting-edge technologies in lockstep with one of the world’s most prestigious universities,” Murphy said. “Indeed, there is no better place in the nation to build a nexus for AI development than in the heart of New Jersey at Princeton University, which attracts the companies of the future with its robust innovation ecosystem and unparalleled combination of location and talent. As these industry leaders seek the next big breakthrough in AI technologies from their labs in Central Jersey, they will help generate economic activity and good paying jobs in communities across our state.”

Eisgruber said the University, already engaged in the study and development of AI, has a unique capacity to meet AI’s challenges. “Working to establish this hub for AI will further our efforts in this important area, while strengthening the regional ecosystem of innovation and advancing Princeton’s teaching and research mission,” he said.

As an example of the power of AI, Murphy referred to a chemist who recently used AI to devise a process for creating oxygen on Mars. “He did it in a matter of weeks. Without AI, it would have taken 2,000 years,” he said. “That’s more than a 50,000 percent increase in efficiency. What could this mean for us on Earth? How far and how fast can we all go if we equip New Jersey’s best and brightest with the latest achievements in AI?”

Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, called the announcement “an historic declaration of New Jersey’s ambition to be a leader in shaping and harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation and long-term job creation.”

In her remarks before introducing Eisgruber, University Provost Jennifer Rexford said students flock en masse to any course on AI. “Excitement about AI is palpable on campus,” she said. “We see this in the phenomenal attendance at any event on campus that has the letters ‘A’ and ‘I’ in it. We don’t even have rooms on this campus big enough to hold everyone.”

Citing the accomplishments of pioneering computer scientists John von Neumann and Alan Turing at Princeton, New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer Beth Noveck said there are “strong roots” for the foundation of AI. The initiative will focus on “tackling societal challenges,” she added.

“With the establishment of this AI hub, we are not just anticipating the future, we are actively shaping it,” she said. “This partnership is a testament to our belief that when we harness Princeton’s renowned brainpower and New Jersey’s innovative spirit, there’s no problem too complex, no challenge too great. Together, we embark on a journey where every problem encountered is a step closer to a solution.”