The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has released a new report outlining a roadmap to establish the city as the global capital of applied artificial intelligence. The report, titled “New York City’s Artificial Intelligence Advantage: Driving Economic Growth and Technological Transformation,” details 18 commitments aimed at advancing AI adoption, fostering business partnerships, and preparing a diverse workforce for the AI-driven economy.
A key initiative announced in the plan is the NYC AI Nexus, a $3 million project designed to connect startups and businesses to AI solutions that enhance industry competitiveness. NYCEDC is seeking an operator to run the program, which will accelerate AI adoption and innovation across sectors.
Additionally, the city has partnered with OpenAI, which recently opened its first East Coast office in Manhattan’s Puck Building. Through this collaboration, OpenAI will support several programs, including NYCEDC’s Founder Fellowship and the NYC AI Nexus, and provide $500,000 in Application Programming Interface credits to program participants. OpenAI will also serve on the newly created AI Advisory Council, advising city leaders on policies to ensure AI benefits all New Yorkers.
The report highlights three main priorities for securing the city’s AI leadership:
- Positioning New York as the global hub for applied AI.
- Encouraging new business creation and AI partnerships.
- Developing a skilled, AI-ready workforce.
To promote the city’s AI sector, NYCEDC is launching a branding campaign in partnership with Tech:NYC, designed to attract top AI talent and investment through high-profile events, conferences, and strategic partnerships.
The city is also committed to making AI accessible to all residents. As part of the initiative, NYCEDC will pilot AI literacy programs in public libraries, providing training on AI fundamentals, safe usage, and practical applications for career development. The city will also connect City University of New York students with internships at AI-first startups to ensure that graduates are prepared for the growing AI job market.
According to the report, New York is already a leader in AI innovation. The metro area is home to over 2,000 AI startups and more than 40,000 AI-skilled workers. In 2023, about one-third of venture capital funding for New York City startups went to AI companies. Additionally, over 87,000 AI-related degrees were awarded by New York universities from 2018 to 2023.
AI is expected to drive growth across multiple sectors, including life sciences, healthcare, and climate technology. The city is investing in programs to ensure AI innovation supports economic development while addressing challenges such as bias, misinformation, and workforce displacement.
With a thriving tech ecosystem, top-tier academic institutions, and strong public-private partnerships, the report positions New York as the future hub for AI innovation, ensuring that all residents and businesses can benefit from the opportunities of the AI era.
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