IBM invests in the next generation of AI
IBM plans to invest over US$2 billion to grow its high-tech footprint. This includes the establishment of an "AI Hardware Center" at SUNY Poly for artificial intelligence-focused computer chip research, development, prototyping, testing and simulation.
Once established, the AI Hardware Center will be the nucleus of a new ecosystem of research and commercial partners.
IBM's expected US$2 billion investment will be made at SUNY Poly and other IBM facilities in New York State.
IBM plans to provide at least US$30 million in cash and in-kind contributions for artificial intelligence research across the SUNY system, with SUNY matching up to US$25 million for a combined total of US$55 million.
Empire State Development will provide a US$300 million capital grant over five years, to the Research Foundation for SUNY to purchase, own and install tools necessary to support the AI Hardware Center.
IBM also plans to expand and extend its partnership with SUNY Poly for the Center for Semiconductor Research (CSR), which is set to expire at the end of 2021, through at least 2023, with an option to extend the CSR for an additional five years through 2028.
The AI Hardware Center will supposedly attract new AI industry companies and federal research to the state, while fostering economic development and working to create several hundred new jobs and retain hundreds of other existing jobs at the SUNY Poly campus and at IBM's and its collaborators' facilities.
IBM Research VP Mukesh Khare says, "AI will transform the world in dramatic ways in the coming years. IBM is pushing the boundaries of AI faster - for the benefit of industry and society.
"By expanding our partnership with New York State, we are creating a global hub of AI hardware research with an ecosystem to innovate, incubate, and lead in the development of disruptive technologies."
Part of US$2 billion commitment by IBM to create a global research hub to develop next-generation artificial intelligence hardware the IBM research AI hardware centre will supposedly conduct groundbreaking research and development to support AI innovations.
