Binghamton University has announced that it will use a $5 million donation from Bloomberg L.P. co-founder Tom Secunda to attract, recruit, and retain tech talent for AI research and development [dd5c74f3]. The funding is contingent upon the passage of Empire AI in the 2025 New York state budget. Empire AI aims to establish a state-of-the-art AI computing center in Buffalo, making it the first project of its kind in the country. Binghamton University researchers are already working on AI projects to address societal issues. The Empire AI consortium includes several universities and institutes in New York, such as SUNY, the City University of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute. The goal of the consortium is to promote responsible AI research and development, create jobs, and unlock AI opportunities across the state [dd5c74f3].
This donation is part of Binghamton University's ongoing efforts to advance AI research and development. The university has been recognized for its work in flexible hybrid electronics and has received funding for the creation of Battery-NY, an energy storage hub. Binghamton University has also been designated as a federal Tech Hub. The $5 million donation will further enhance the university's capabilities in AI and contribute to the growth of the tech industry in the region [dd5c74f3] [5071d9de].
Sources:
[dd5c74f3] Eric Reinhardt. 'Binghamton University to use $5 million donation to pursue AI research and development.' March 29, 2024. [Link](https://www.cnybj.com/binghamton-university-five-million-donation-to-pursue-ai-research-and-development/)
[5071d9de] Governor Kathy Hochul. 'Governor Hochul Highlights New York State's $20 Million Investment to Support NextFlex's Innovative Public-private Initiative at Binghamton University.' November 1, 2023. [Link](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-new-york-states-20-million-investment-support-nextflexs-innovative)
