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The basics:

• NJ AI Hub launches AI Accelerator in West Windsor, powered by Plug and Play
• Founding partners include Princeton University, Microsoft, CoreWeave, State of New Jersey
• Program offers mentorship, workshops, funding access, global startup network connections
• Hub also provides coworking space, education, workforce development, community AI events

The New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Hub announced Dec. 15 the launch of an AI Accelerator. Planned for early next year, global innovation platform Plug and Play will power the center.

NJBIZ has previously reported on the NJ AI Hub. Located in West Windsor, the collaboration features founding partners Princeton University, the State of New Jersey, Microsoft and CoreWeave.

The partnership with Plug and Play is the latest step forward in the development of the Hub. It comes on the heels of a recent announcement, which NJBIZ reported on, that it will establish one of two sites worldwide to host the Microsoft Discovery platform.

Officials say the AI Accelerator will connect New Jersey’s AI startups and higher-ed-affiliated entrepreneurs with mentors, investors and industry partners.

“The AI Accelerator is a major step toward cementing New Jersey as a global center for innovation,” said Liat Krawczyk, executive director of the NJ AI Hub. “Through this partnership with Plug and Play, we’ll unlock new technologies, forge powerful collaborations, and move AI breakthroughs from concept to real world impact.”

An expanding ecosystem

It also marks the latest partnership between Plug and Play and the Garden State. It builds on the collaboration on NJ FAST as well as another strategic innovation center in South Jersey.

“Our team is committed to making New Jersey a global leader for AI. Due its world-class research institutions, thriving talent base, and institutional support, all the pieces exist to bring this partnership to life,” said Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “Michael Olmstead, Plug and Play’s CRO, is leading our expansion with the NJ AI Hub to build an ecosystem where the most promising AI founders can innovate, scale, and make a real-world-impact.”

Amidi said that the program will offer startups a robust suite of services dedicated to scaling AI ventures, such as:

• Experienced mentorship
• Business model retirement
• Hands-on workshops
• Access to funding
• High-value introductions

The AI Accelerator is a major step toward cementing New Jersey as a global center for innovation.
– Liat Krawczyk, executive director, NJ AI Hub

It will also leverage Plug and Play’s global reach, including its network of 100,000-plus startups, more than 550 corporate partners and 60 innovation hubs in over 25 countries.

In addition to the AI Accelerator, the Hub will also house:

• An entrepreneur’s coworking space
• Education and workforce development efforts
• Community events such as workshops and AI policy discussions

What they’re saying

Leaders from the respective founding partners applauded the announcement of the AI Accelerator. They also expressed excitement about the Hub’s potential.

“We are excited that the partnership with Plug and Play will enable the NJ AI Hub to catalyze AI innovation, including opportunities for faculty and students to turn their novel ideas into successful products and companies,” Princeton Provost Jennifer Rexford.

“Under Gov. [Phil] Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has strengthened its position as a national leader in AI innovation through forward-thinking initiatives like the NJ AI Hub,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan. “Plug and Play’s Accelerator Program will add to existing collaborations with Microsoft, CoreWeave, and Princeton University to expand resources for entrepreneurs, boost startup creation, and catalyze innovative technology development.”

“CoreWeave was founded and built in New Jersey, so we know firsthand the depth of talent here. This accelerator gives local innovators the resources, mentorship and infrastructure they need to flourish, and to innovate on both a national and global stage. We are proud to help create a pathway for the next generation of AI builders in our home state,” said Corey Sanders, senior vice president of product at CoreWeave.

“Innovation flourishes when talented people are empowered with mentors and programs that help unlock their full potential,” said Mike Egan, general manager of Microsoft TechSpark. “The NJ AI Hub Accelerator, powered by Plug and Play, is a testament to New Jersey’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI leaders. At Microsoft we’re proud to support this important work for New Jersey innovators and beyond.”