Microsoft, CoreWeave, and Princeton University partner with New Jersey to launch an AI Hub, aiming to boost research, education, and economic growth in AI innovation.
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| New Jersey unveils its AI Hub, a $72 million initiative with founding partners Microsoft and CoreWeave to drive economic growth and AI innovation in the region. Image: ChicHue |
Trenton, New Jersey, USA — February 1, 2025:
Governor Phil Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber on Friday unveiled that Microsoft and CoreWeave will join the State of New Jersey and Princeton University as founding partners in the newly launched NJ AI Hub. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem designed to propel AI research, education, innovation, and workforce development in New Jersey. The venture is set to bolster the state's position as a key player in the East Coast’s AI innovation scene.
Located at 619 Alexander Road in West Windsor, on the state’s innovation corridor along Route 1, the NJ AI Hub will be housed in space provided by Princeton University. The NJ AI Hub’s impact is expected to extend beyond academia, positioning New Jersey as a hub for cutting-edge AI development, talent, and business growth.
"As the AI industry rapidly evolves, it’s imperative that we capitalize on this moment in New Jersey," Governor Murphy said. "I'm incredibly proud of this partnership with industry leaders and higher education, which further establishes our state as a beacon of innovation. This collaboration will help attract high-paying, sustainable jobs for our residents, driving New Jersey toward a stronger and more prosperous future."
The initiative is a joint investment, with Microsoft and CoreWeave expected to contribute over $72 million, with a commitment from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) of up to $25 million to support the Hub’s long-term success. The NJ AI Hub will focus on three main pillars: advancing research and development, commercializing innovation, and strengthening AI education and workforce development.
Microsoft will leverage its TechSpark program to bring expertise and resources to the Hub, particularly in AI skilling and workforce development. Through TechSpark, Microsoft aims to create opportunities for innovation in New Jersey while building a talent pipeline for future generations of AI professionals.
"The addition of Microsoft and CoreWeave as founding partners is a strong example of how government, academia, and industry are uniting to drive AI progress," said President Eisgruber. "Princeton University is excited to support this initiative, and I look forward to seeing other universities and colleges in the state join as the Hub continues to grow."
CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure provider, emphasized the significance of the partnership. "This collaboration represents the best of what private-public partnerships can achieve," said Brian Venturo, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of CoreWeave. "Together, we’re advancing the future of technology while driving meaningful economic growth and solidifying New Jersey’s place as a leader in the global AI landscape."
The NJ AI Hub is expected to foster AI-driven innovation in industries where New Jersey already has a strong presence, including life sciences, clean energy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and logistics. The Hub will also serve as a research incubator, bringing together businesses and universities to address complex challenges and accelerate AI solutions.
A key component of the Hub is its AI accelerator program, which will assist early-stage startups in AI development. The accelerator will provide essential services such as workspace, compute power, legal assistance, and business development advice. Additionally, the Hub’s corporate partners will offer mentorship and networking opportunities to these startups.
Education is another cornerstone of the NJ AI Hub’s mission. By working with New Jersey’s higher education institutions, the Hub will ensure the development of a skilled AI workforce. The NJ AI Hub will also collaborate with Microsoft’s TechSpark program to create training and upskilling opportunities across the state. These efforts will ensure that students and workers alike are prepared with industry-recognized credentials and in-demand AI skills.
"AI is rapidly evolving, and New Jersey is capitalizing on this moment to cement our place as a national leader in the industry," said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. "Governor Murphy is building on New Jersey’s innovation legacy, helping advance AI technologies and creating high-growth sectors for the state’s economy."
With plans for the NJ AI Hub formally announced in 2023, the project is now moving forward with critical funding and strategic support. Pending NJEDA Board approval, the Hub will be sustained through the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) initiative, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a destination for high-tech industries.
Microsoft’s TechSpark program, operational since 2017, has helped foster innovation across the U.S. through investments in local organizations, job creation, and technology skills training. So far, TechSpark has trained 65,000 people and secured over $700 million in community funding. The NJ AI Hub will build on these successes to further strengthen New Jersey’s role in AI research and development.
The NJ AI Hub promises to be a major catalyst for innovation in New Jersey, attracting top-tier talent, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the state’s leadership in the rapidly growing AI industry.