New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with tech giant NVIDIA on Friday, aiming to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in the state. The announcement comes just days before Murphy’s tenure concludes, with Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill set to take office on Tuesday.
New Jersey has positioned itself as a frontrunner in developing AI policy and training for government employees. The newly established MOU is designed to foster partnerships among government bodies, research universities, community colleges, the New Jersey AI Hub, and NVIDIA, with a focus on advancing education, workforce development, and research.
“With the MOU that we’re celebrating and signing this morning, we’re going to ensure that NVIDIA and the great Garden State grow to new heights together for many years to come,” Murphy stated during his final press conference. He emphasized the agreement’s intention to endure, working alongside Sherrill to finalize the details as his term comes to a close.
The partnership’s primary aim is to harness the advantages of AI for economic growth while mitigating potential adverse effects. NVIDIA co-founder Chris Malachowsky underscored the necessity of equipping individuals to be “augmented by AI, not replaced by it,” during the press conference.
William Tate, President of Rutgers University, described the MOU as “the first step in a very important process,” underlining its potential to better integrate AI into higher education. He pointed out that one of the key objectives is to prepare students with the skills needed for a workforce increasingly influenced by AI advancements.
Friday’s signing also marked the beginning of a collaborative effort, with Murphy announcing a significant financial commitment from the state. He referenced the New Jersey Legislature’s approval of a $25 million investment to support a statewide supercomputer initiative for higher education institutions. This initiative aims to empower students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore AI’s capabilities, with Murphy describing such a supercomputer as an “engine” to drive new AI platforms.
Reflecting on his administration’s legacy with AI, Murphy highlighted initiatives like the AI Hub, one of 12 strategic innovation centers established across New Jersey in recent years to support emerging technologies in areas such as fintech, aerospace, and life sciences. “I would suspect that there will be a lot of cross-pollination in terms of AI applications across these various entities,” he noted.
The MOU aligns New Jersey with other states that have engaged NVIDIA in AI development strategies. In 2024, California partnered with NVIDIA to enhance AI in schools, while Utah collaborated with the firm in March to promote AI education, and Mississippi also joined forces with NVIDIA in July for technology advancement.
Also present at the press conference were key representatives from the education sector, including Teik Lim, President of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, David Reiner, Assistant Vice President of State Affairs at Princeton University, Greg Townsend, Director of Corporate, Government, and Community Relations at Stevens Institute of Technology, Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and Liat Krawczyk, Executive Director of the NJ AI Hub. Each institution is a signatory to the MOU.
As New Jersey forges ahead with its AI strategy, the implications of this partnership extend beyond immediate educational benefits. It represents a broader commitment to shaping an economy increasingly defined by technological innovation and the ethical considerations surrounding AI’s integration into various sectors.
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