Governor Hochul Unveils New State Of The Art AI Supercomputer at the University at Albany

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the unveiling of an advanced University-based AI supercomputer at the University at Albany. The new $16.5 million supercomputer, powered by 24 NVIDIA DGX systems, is a central pillar in UAlbany's AI Plus initiative, which is a holistic push to integrate teaching and learning about AI across every college and school to ensure every graduate is prepared to live and work in a world dramatically changed by technology.

"From skyscrapers to the Erie Canal, New York State has always been at the forefront of innovation," Governor Hochul said. "As we move towards a new frontier of technology and possibility, we are unveiling one of the most advanced AI supercomputers at any University nationwide - giving countless students and researchers the opportunity to take their learning to the next level."

UAlbany's supercomputer has 24 NVIDIA DGX systems. The systems - slotted in server cabinets in the University's Data Center - contain 192 NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs, networked with about three miles of fiber-optic cabling.

The accelerated computing power of NVIDIA GPUs makes them extraordinarily well suited for high-intensity AI tasks that require massive numbers of parallel calculations with large datasets to get answers quickly.

The interconnection of these powerful GPUs is what makes them an effective research tool for applications like deep learning, a type of machine learning that can generate AI models for use cases like computer vision, cancer and tumor prediction and advance weather forecasting. Calculations that would have typically taken weeks on legacy systems can now be completed in days, and tasks that would have taken days can now be completed in hours.

UAlbany's new AI system represents an important preview of what's to come under Governor Hochul's Empire AI initiative. SUNY is a founding member of Governor Hochul's Empire AI Consortium, which is supported by over $400 million in public and private resources. Empire AI will cement New York State's position at the vanguard of AI research and development, as it prepares students for careers in the rapidly emerging field.

Governor Hochul's FY23 Enacted Budget awarded $75 million to UAlbany, half of which was utilized to complete the university's new downtown engineering building, now known as CNSE Downtown, and the other half toward expanding UAlbany's AI supercomputing capacity.

The university is hiring 27 new faculty specializing in AI, the largest cluster hire in the University's history. Together with UAlbany's existing AI experts, they will form the core of the university's AI Plus Institute, which promotes foundational and use-case AI research and helps bring AI specialists together to address AI-related problems and questions.

As we move towards a new frontier of technology and possibility, we are unveiling one of the most advanced AI supercomputers at any University nationwide - giving countless students and researchers the opportunity to take their learning to the next level.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "SUNY is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence research and development to advance the public good, with our faculty consistently pushing the boundaries of what is known and possible. This state-of-the-art supercomputer at the University at Albany represents a significant leap forward in Governor Hochul's mission to make New York State a leader in AI, and it will drive AI to benefit society in fields ranging from public health to climate action."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "The University at Albany stands as one of SUNY's premier research institutions, and the unveiling of this supercomputer marks yet another significant milestone in the university's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence research and development for the public good. This system will play a key role in attracting top-tier faculty and students interested in AI by offering them the chance to learn on a cutting-edge platform. This is another great example of what an excellent education can provide for students and our society."

University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez said, "This new AI supercomputer is a major step forward for the University at Albany - for our faculty, for our staff, for our researchers and especially for our students. UAlbany has been recognized as a national leader for our thoughtful and holistic approach to integrating AI into our teaching and research, and this new AI supercomputer is the next critical evolution of our AI Plus strategy. Even more important than the technology is how we intend to use it - to help people. Our researchers will use this AI supercomputer to advance research in fields as varied as atmospheric science and climate science, public health, RNA and nanotechnology to help build communities that are more resilient, healthier and equitable. Research that impacts the public good is the true value of the technology, and that's where UAlbany shines."

University at Albany Vice President for Research and Economic Development Thenkurussi "Kesh" Kesavadas said, "We approached the challenge of building this remarkable computer from a simple premise: What if our researchers no longer needed to limit their imagination based on the computing infrastructure we currently had? What if we could give them a machine powerful enough to do virtually anything they wanted? So we built an AI system that is second to none in New York and, most importantly, that gives our faculty the power to think big and solve real-world problems. As a public university, we have the responsibility to take on challenges that improve people's lives, especially when the private sector does not see a market for the solution. That is the power of this machine."

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, "As our society and workforce continue to adopt AI-powered tools, it's more important than ever to create opportunities for researchers and students to learn about new technologies. The supercomputer at UAlbany will help achieve this goal while advancing research in fields such as climate and public health for the public good. I thank the Governor, NVIDIA, and the SUNY System for their efforts, and look forward to seeing the impactful work this supercomputer will bring to New York and our communities."

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, "I couldn't be more thrilled to see UAlbany's ground-breaking AI program locate this supercomputer on campus, solidifying it as SUNY's AI super-campus. Continuing to immerse students in the world of AI while they gain skills to enter what many label as the 'economy of tomorrow' is a testament to New York's commitment to investing in student success and careers in the world of artificial intelligence. Congratulations to UAlbany, and to President Havidán Rodríguez, who worked diligently to ensure UAlbany was well-positioned to take on this nationally-recognizable project."

Assemblymember Steve Otis said, "This AI Supercomputer announcement underscores the strong commitment of New York State and SUNY to leading the way on cutting-edge technologies. Congratulations to Governor Hochul and Chancellor King for their leadership. The new Supercomputer at SUNY Albany enhances the Capitol District's place as a center for innovation. We will continue to attract the best minds to the region because of our commitment to new technology."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Congratulations to UAlbany on this new AI Supercomputer and another welcome addition to our region since the Capital Region is also home to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute IBM Quantum System One. I worked with my colleagues Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy to secure funding from the NYS Budget for this initiative because we understand the importance of being a world leader in these emerging technologies here in the Capital Region. The Capital Region is home to these innovative learning centers, and we are grateful to support the partnerships that make these efforts possible."

About The University at Albany
The University at Albany is one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation and a national leader in educational equity and social mobility. As a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, UAlbany and its faculty and students are creating critical new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health, social sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering, informatics, public administration and social welfare. Our courses are taught by an accomplished roster of faculty experts with student success at the center of everything we do. Through our parallel commitments to academic excellence, scientific discovery and service to community, UAlbany molds bright, curious and engaged leaders and launches great careers.

About The State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country's oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2023, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

Contact the Governor's Press Office