SUNY receives major funding boost in New York state budget

New York is dramatically scaling up its artificial intelligence capabilities through a strategic expansion of Empire AI, a consortium led by the University at Buffalo (UB) that now encompasses multiple SUNY institutions. This initiative represents a coordinated effort to position New York as a leader in AI research while simultaneously preparing students across the SUNY system for AI-driven careers, reflecting the state’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for economic growth and societal benefit.

The big picture: New York is significantly increasing its investment in Empire AI, a research hub established last year at the University at Buffalo, to expand computing power and research capacity across the SUNY system.

• The state is building upon an initial $400 million public-private investment with additional funding in the 2025-26 budget to strengthen AI research capabilities.
• Eight SUNY campuses have now launched AI departments and centers, joining the Empire AI Consortium with focuses ranging from health equity to environmental applications.

What they’re saying: SUNY officials view the investment as crucial for establishing New York’s leadership in responsible AI development.

• “Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology and we want to make sure New York is a leader in the field, and particularly a leader in using AI to advance the public good,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
• “We’ve got tremendous momentum, and UB is certainly leading the way,” King added, noting UB’s “tremendous history in the field” and faculty expertise dating to AI’s earliest days.

Key details: UB will create a Department of AI and Society specifically dedicated to education and research on using artificial intelligence to benefit society.

• The initiative includes launching the Innovative Network Pioneering AI Research and Excellence Center (INSPIRE) to advance AI research and provide student internships and new professorships.
• SUNY will use a $5 million state investment to advance inclusive AI research while addressing ethical concerns in AI development and promoting responsible data use.

Education transformation: SUNY is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence education across its entire system to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.

• AI or AI-related curriculum is now being offered at 61 of SUNY’s 64 campuses, demonstrating a system-wide commitment to AI literacy.
• Starting in fall 2026, AI literacy will become a core competency requirement for all incoming SUNY undergraduates, having been incorporated into the system’s general education framework.
• The new AI for the Public Good Faculty Fellows Program will develop resources and support curriculum development focused on effective and ethical AI use.