New York Governor Sets Out AI Ambitions at AI Summit New York

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has the distinction of being the first woman in New York state history to hold this office and the first governor from upstate New York in more than a century. Under her leadership, New York has solidified its reputation as a global powerhouse, spearheading innovation and high-tech chip manufacturing.

Speaking at the AI Summit New York, Hochul pointed out that she is also the first governor of New York to fully embrace AI. Given her technology resume, that comes as no surprise. 

Just two months ago Hochul announced that New York State had taken the first steps “into a tomorrow that is defined by possibility” by unveiling two supercomputers that are more powerful than any others for public use in the United States. 

“As I saw those massive boxes, I knew that New York had shown the world that when it comes to the AI revolution, we fully intend to lead the way,” she said. “I don't need to tell people in this room what AI can do, what it can deliver, but I do want to tell you how the great state of New York intends to harness it”

During her State of the State address in January, Hochul announced Empire AI, a 10-year, $400 million partnership between the state of New York, the private sector and academic institutions to develop a model of how AI can be used for public good. 

Related:The Role of Humans in AI Superintelligence: AI Summit New York

“Until those supercomputers came online, technology that advanced had largely been concentrated only in the hands of the mega-corporations like Google and Microsoft,” Hochul said. “I know you all want to improve the world and I expect you to. That’s great, but there's also a profit motive behind it, right? Fine, it's capitalism.

“With Empire AI, I asked the question, and we hope industry and other states will ask it as well, what if AI could be harnessed for public good and leave behind a fairer, healthier, more efficient society for our children to inherit?”

Hochul set out ways AI can positively impact the world, including its potential to prevent food insecurity, help develop new cancer therapies, modernize and equalize the health care system and predict storms. 

AI Summit New York attendees listen to Gov. Kathy Hochul Thursday afternoon. Credit: Chuck Martin

According to Hochul, other states are noticing New York’s AI ambitions, even in technology’s traditional heartland California, where she recently met fellow Gov. Tim Walz to discuss cybersecurity and AI. 

“They're very impressed with what we're doing with Empire AI and I encouraged them to do something similar,” she said. “AI imitation is certainly the most sincere form of flattery.” 

“Let me tell you, bringing this idea into our state legislature – those of you who are New Yorkers will know – wasn't easy. It was a high risk but with a high reward. I took that gamble because I believe with all my heart that New York has always been that incredible innovation and since becoming governor, I see a rebirth in innovation and technology and high-tech development across the state.”

Related:Diageo's Ed Dobbles on Harnessing AI for Real-World Solutions at AI Summit New York

Hochul also observed that AI is dominated by white men and is working with the private sector on recommendations to increase diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups. She called on not just the largest corporations but also startups and innovators to lift up the next generation of tech employees.  

“I believe that innovation and AI in New York can and must be ethical and responsible,” said Hochul. “If you agree with me, you have tremendous power to make sure that that happens. So let's do it together.”

This article was first published in IoT World Today's sister publication AI Business.