Keaton PetersMassachusetts is looking to become a leader in artificial intelligence innovation with the launch of a new state-backed program. Governor Maura Healey recently announced the creation of the Massachusetts AI Hub, a $100 million effort that will bring together government, academia, and industry to advance AI research and development across the state.
The initiative will be established at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the state’s economic development agency. It’s being funded through the recently passed Mass Leads Act, a $4 billion economic development bill that authorizes $100 million specifically for the AI Hub’s creation and operations.
Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming an essential technology for future growth and innovation. As AI is rapidly transforming industries and creating new economic opportunities, states are racing to establish themselves as centers of AI innovation and talent to ensure that they are in a position to reap the benefits. Massachusetts’ initiative stands out as one of the largest state-level investments in AI.
The AI Hub will focus on three main areas: expanding access to advanced computing and datasets, fostering innovation through research grants and entrepreneurship programs and ensuring ethical AI development that benefits the public. The framework for the AI Hub emerged from recommendations by the state’s AI Strategic Task Force, established by Governor Healey in February 2024. The task force included representatives from universities, industry, and government.
“The Massachusetts AI Hub will position our state and its people to be more competitive while setting the standard in how to apply AI to solve real-world problems facing society,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, who co-chaired the AI Strategic Task Force.
The centerpiece of the program is a new partnership with the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in Holyoke to expand access to sustainable high-performance computing resources. The partnership, which includes joint investments from Massachusetts and MGHPCC partner universities, is expected to exceed $100 million over five years as it scales up operations.
One of the largest early projects is a collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Amherst to place students in full-time positions at state agencies, where they’ll work on AI projects focused on improving government services. This builds on an existing program with Northeastern University that has already successfully placed AI-focused student workers in state positions.
The AI Hub has garnered support from major academic institutions across the state. The MGHPCC partnership includes Boston University, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, the University of Massachusetts system and Yale.
The program is also expected to leverage other resources from the Mass Leads Act, including a $1 billion extension of the state’s life sciences initiative, a new $1 billion climate tech strategy and $115 million for the Massachusetts TechHub Program modeled on federal technology innovation programs.
“Making productive and responsible use of AI will be a long and challenging journey,” said John Goodhue, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. “We are delighted to be part of this bold step to bring the combined energy and insights of government, industry and academia together.”
The project is now moving into its implementation phase. Public hearings and stakeholder meetings will be held in early 2025 to gather input on specific programs and funding priorities. The state expects to begin accepting applications for the first round of research grants and computing projects by mid-2025.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
