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The New Jersey Innovation Institute this week announced the launch of the NJII AI Lab.

The effort focuses on solving AI adoption challenges for businesses. It offers support for the assessment, identification, design and implementation of artificial intelligence solutions to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, according to a Sept. 23 press release.

NJII Associate Vice President Thomas Villani will lead the initiative. Villani is an expert in this space, as well as the former chief science officer and co-founder of Visikol. NJII AI Lab uses an AI solutions-as-a-service model that leverages subject matter experts within NJII and NJIT, as well as students from the institute’s Ying Wu College of Computing.

NJII is a nonprofit corporation owned by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). It focuses on accelerating technology and fostering innovation to foster a positive economic impact in the Garden State.

Earlier this month, NJIT also launched a $10 million initiative to advance its strength in the AI sector, while positioning it to become a leader in both AI research and application in higher education.

“As part of our 2030 Strategic Plan for NJIT, we are focused on providing 100% of our students with an experiential learning opportunity and we are excited about the prospect of launching this AI initiative through NJII which provides our students with this opportunity while supporting New Jersey businesses,” said NJIT Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs John Pelesko.

Officials say the AI Lab’s launch comes as part of NJII’s three-pronged approach to AI. The effort also includes:

• Collaboration with the aforementioned NJIT AI initiative,
• Education and upskilling through the Learning and Development Initiative, and
• Company creation through the forthcoming NJII Venture Studio.

“This comprehensive AI strategy leverages the unique assets of NJII and NJIT to drive AI innovations and positions New Jersey as a leader in the AI field,” said NJII President Michael Johnson.

Benefits and potential pitfalls of AI:

Experts take a deep dive into all things AI, including its use, possible misuse and how to best use the technology safely. Click here to read – or watch – what the panel had to say.