As the technological age continues its relentless trek forward, New Jersey is betting big on artificial intelligence—working alongside the biggest name in the industry.
The state has reached a sweeping agreement with Nvidia—the world’s most valuable tech company—to expand AI research, education, and workforce development across New Jersey’s colleges and universities. Headlining the deal is the newly approved $25 million investment aimed at building supercomputing capacity on campuses across the state.
The partnership centers on institutions of research, including Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where AI-focused supercomputers will power work in medicine, aerospace, climate science, and budding technologies.
These new systems are designed to give students, researchers, and entrepreneurs direct access and experience with the tools currently shaping the global economy, according to Government Technology.
Governor Phil Murphy framed the initiative as a race against time. Murphy positioned New Jersey to lead the race as one of his final moves in office. The outgoing governor pointed to AI as a pillar of his administration’s economic strategy, alongside fintech, life sciences, and aerospace innovation.
State officials frame the move as goal-oriented, aimed at job growth, attracting private investment, and training workers to use AI without being replaced by it.
Nvidia, now worth $5 trillion, will help shape a statewide framework linking government, universities, community colleges, and industry partners. The agreement was reached under Murphy’s watch, but is intended to endure beyond his term. Coordination is already underway with the incoming Governor Mikie Sherrill.
New Jersey’s push builds upon years of AI-focused policy and investment, including the creation of strategic innovation centers that have helped draw hundreds of millions in private capital toward the Garden State.
With Nvidia at the table, state leaders believe New Jersey is positioning itself as a national hub for AI-powered growth that could cement the state as the center of innovation for the next decade.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.