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NJ AI Hub will provide space for startups, spurring collaboration and innovation in emerging sector
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP – Governor Phil Murphy, along with representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Princeton University, Microsoft, and CoreWeave, today officially opened the NJ AI Hub, a state-of-the-art, collaborative ecosystem that will integrate world-class research, innovation, education, and workforce development. 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 NJ AI Hub is located at 619 Alexander Road in West Windsor Township, in space provided by Princeton University. Located along Route 1 – New Jersey’s innovation corridor – the Hub will help position the state as a leading East Coast center for AI innovation.
“With the opening of the NJ AI Hub, we are moving forward in establishing New Jersey as a global leader in technology and innovation,” said Governor Murphy. “Under our Administration, the Garden State has emerged as a premier destination for innovators, investors, and researchers blazing a trail in generative AI. And 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. Together, we are building a stronger, more prosperous future for our residents and businesses alike.”
The NJ AI Hub will 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. The Hub will also draw on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, finance, and technology sectors to employ artificial intelligence technologies in advancing innovative breakthroughs.
Earlier this year, Governor Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber announced that Microsoft and CoreWeave would join Princeton University and the NJEDA as founding partners of the NJ AI Hub.
“The partnership we celebrate today 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,” said President Eisgruber. “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.”
“Today marks an exciting addition to New Jersey’s storied history of innovation,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “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.”
“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,” said Brian Venturo, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at CoreWeave. “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.”
“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has been committed to bringing new industries to the Garden State to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge breakthroughs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With Princeton University, Microsoft, and CoreWeave as our partners in this endeavor, New Jersey is positioning itself to become a national leader in the AI industry, building upon our centuries-old legacy in technological innovation and discovery. As we support young companies in AI, we are helping create good-paying jobs and sustainable economic growth across the state.”
Princeton University, Microsoft, CoreWeave, and the NJEDA will focus on three main pillars of programming at the NJ AI Hub, including 1) research and development; 2) commercialization and accelerating innovation; and 3) strengthening AI education and workforce development. Together, the founding partners will invest over $72 million to support the long-term success of the NJ AI Hub.
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.
Plans for an AI Hub were announced by Governor Murphy and President Eisgruber in 2023. Pending NJEDA Board approval, the NJ AI Hub will be supported through the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) initiative. The NJEDA has executed a non-binding term sheet to support the NJ AI Hub’s operating budget for up to five years. In total, the NJEDA is anticipated to invest up to $25 million to support the NJ AI Hub and the NJ AI Venture AI Fund.
As part of this investment in the NJ AI Hub, Microsoft will be bringing its TechSpark program to New Jersey. Founded in 2017, Microsoft TechSpark fosters inclusive economic opportunity across the U.S., including job creation and innovation, by working in communities and investing in local organizations. TechSpark operates across all 50 states and to date has helped secure more than $700 million in community funding for local innovation, trained 65,000 people in critical technology skills, and created 4,500 jobs.
For further updates, please visit the NJ AI Hub website at njaihub.org.