Cornell University enhances AI research with a $10.5M donation for computing and talent growth

AI Future thrives with $10.5M donation: In a major boost for artificial intelligence (AI) research, philanthropist and Bloomberg L.P. co-founder Tom Secunda has pledged a $10.5 million gift to Cornell University. The donation will not only support AI-related research at Cornell Tech in New York City and the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science in Ithaca but also pave the way for groundbreaking advancements, strengthening Cornell's role in AI innovation.

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The generous gift will help fund research efforts associated with the Empire AI Consortium, a state-backed initiative launched in 2024 by Governor Kathy Hochul. The consortium, which aims to position New York as a leader in AI-driven technological advancements, is a key player in this donation. It ensures that AI innovations serve the public good and is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors in advancing AI research.

Fueling AI Innovation in New York

Secunda's donation will help Cornell researchers gain access to the high-performance computing infrastructure housed at the University at Buffalo as part of Empire AI. The University at Buffalo, a key partner in the Empire AI initiative, provides state-of-the-art computing resources that will empower Cornell researchers to make significant strides in AI research. The initiative unites top-tier universities across New York, pooling resources to accelerate AI research.

"I'm proud to be supporting Cornell's top AI researchers in their pursuit of new, groundbreaking AI developments that will benefit the people of New York,” Secunda said. “By giving these researchers the freedom to explore all the opportunities that this nascent technology has to offer, we are opening up a new world of technological development.”

In addition to strengthening Cornell’s AI research capabilities, Secunda's gift will establish the Cornell Empire AI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Fund. This initiative, created in partnership with the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech, will attract leading AI scholars from around the world.

To further highlight Cornell’s AI advancements, Secunda’s donation will also fund an annual AI conference at Cornell Tech. This event will showcase the work of Cornell fellows and faculty utilizing Empire AI's computing resources, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government to discuss the future of AI.

A Transformative Moment for Cornell

Provost Kavita Bala emphasized the impact of Secunda's gift, noting that it will cement Cornell's reputation as a national leader in AI research.

"The transformational potential of their work will be facilitated by the computing resources now available through the Empire AI Consortium," Bala said. “This will also showcase New York state's leadership in AI.”

Greg Morrisett, the Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech, echoed these sentiments, calling Secunda's contribution a "game-changer" for AI research at Cornell.

"The Cornell Tech community is grateful to Tom Secunda for his wisdom and generosity in creating this opportunity for our campus and the AI research community," Morrisett said. “Tom's support allows us to significantly expand our research in AI by attracting an elite cohort of the best researchers in the world.”

The Role of Empire AI in New York's Future

Empire AI represents a new era of AI innovation in New York. By fostering collaboration between universities, state agencies, and private sector partners, the initiative is designed to ensure that AI development remains ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to society, inviting everyone to be part of this transformative journey.

Secunda, who also serves on the steering committee for the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

"I'm honoured to be contributing to the advancement of Empire AI," he said. “It is shaping up to be one of the most impactful public-private technology partnerships in recent memory.”

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With this gift, Cornell Tech and Cornell Bowers CIS are poised to make significant strides in AI research, attracting global talent and driving economic growth in New York's tech sector.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries and reshape the future, Secunda's investment ensures that Cornell remains at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering advancements that will benefit both the state of New York and the world. Keep reading at Education Post News for more global updates.