Governor Kathy Hochul has urged the Trump administration to make global competitiveness, intellectual property safeguards, and energy innovation top priorities in its upcoming Artificial Intelligence Action Plan.
In response to a federal request for information, Hochul outlined New York State’s recommendations, focusing on the critical need to support AI advancements that boost economic security, create jobs, and drive cutting-edge research.
New York has already established itself as a prominent player in the fields of AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, boasting world-renowned research institutions and pioneering companies. Hochul cautioned against policies that could undermine American innovation, including potential cutbacks in federal research funding and actions that might weaken the CHIPS Act.
“The United States is in a race with China and the rest of the world in the global AI revolution, and with our first-in-the-nation Empire AI Consortium, New York is leading the way,” Hochul stated. “We stand ready to ensure that AI is a force for good, not just for huge global companies.”
The Governor’s position aligns with her broader strategy to make New York a central hub for technological growth. In 2024, she appointed IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code CEO Dr. Tarika Barrett as co-chairs of the state’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board, which advises on AI-driven economic development.
New York has already made considerable investments in semiconductor and AI research. Hochul signed the Green CHIPS legislation designed to boost semiconductor development, and a $10 billion partnership has been established to advance next-generation chip research at Albany NanoTech. Several other initiatives, including a $620 million Life Science Initiative and the $113.7 million Battery-NY program, have further bolstered the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Major private sector investments have followed, demonstrating growing confidence in New York’s tech sector. GlobalFoundries recently announced an $11.6 billion expansion in New York’s Capital Region, expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly. Micron’s $100 billion, 20-year commitment to a chip manufacturing megafab in Central New York is predicted to generate 50,000 jobs.
Hochul’s remarks reinforce New York’s commitment to maintaining a leading role in AI, while also advocating for federal policies that protect research security and prevent adversaries from exploiting U.S. innovation. As the administration crafts its AI strategy, Hochul has positioned New York as a key player in shaping the nation’s technological future.
