Mercer Times

The recent New Jersey AI Summit held at Princeton University on April 11 brought together 600 leaders from academia, business, and government to discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for the state. The summit aimed to pave the way for New Jersey to play a leading role in the responsible development of AI technology.

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration at the summit, stating, "I am delighted to see it come to fruition today." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the state's potential to shape the future of AI, stating, "We in New Jersey can be its author."

Various speakers at the summit echoed the sentiment of being at the early stages of the AI journey. Thierry Klein from Nokia Bell Labs remarked, “We’re still on maybe Page 2 of Chapter 1 of the book on AI.” Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Corporation, highlighted the responsibility associated with creating AI technologies, emphasizing the need to get it right as the first generation.

Princeton Provost Jennifer Rexford emphasized the collaborative effort required for AI innovation, stating, "No one institution can produce an innovation ecosystem on its own." The importance of making AI technologies broadly available for societal benefit was highlighted by Susan Dumais, Regional Head of Microsoft Research, who stressed the societal impacts of AI.

The summit also addressed the establishment of an AI hub in New Jersey, aiming to bring together researchers, industry leaders, and start-ups to advance AI research and development. The emphasis on ethical AI and workforce development was a key focus of the discussions throughout the event.

The summit showcased various applications of AI in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and education, demonstrating the potential for AI to drive innovation and address societal challenges. The commitment to keeping AI technologies in the public domain and promoting inclusivity in AI careers was underscored by several speakers and attendees.

Governor Murphy announced the introduction of AI Innovation Fellowships in New Jersey to support entrepreneurs focusing on AI-powered discovery, aligning with the state's vision for AI innovation. The summit concluded with a call for continued collaboration across academia, industry, and government to maximize the benefits of AI technology for society.

The summit highlighted the extraordinary opportunity for New Jersey to lead in AI innovation while emphasizing the importance of responsible and inclusive development for the benefit of all.