Binghamton University Receives Historic $30M Donation
Binghamton University has received its largest academic donation ever—an extraordinary $30 million gift aimed at establishing a groundbreaking Center for AI Responsibility and Research. This transformative contribution will position the university as the first public institution in the United States to host an independent research center focused solely on artificial intelligence.
The donation comes from a consortium of benefactors led by Tom Secunda, a Binghamton University alumnus and co-founder of Bloomberg LP. Secunda also serves as the independent chair of the board for the Empire AI Consortium, a public-private initiative created to advance artificial intelligence in New York State.
Pairing Private and Public Funding for Innovation
The $30 million private gift is being matched by a $25 million capital investment from the State University of New York (SUNY). This combined funding will provide the resources necessary to build one of the nation’s most advanced and responsible AI research ecosystems.
The new AI center will focus on critical areas such as safety, security, and transparency in AI models and systems. Its mission is to ensure that AI technologies are developed and implemented in ways that serve the public interest and maintain ethical standards.
Focus on Responsible AI Development
According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence demands an equally swift and responsible public response. “Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and as the technology increasingly influences everything we do, we need to be just as nimble in making sure AI works for New Yorkers safely and responsibly,” Hochul said in a statement.
Tom Secunda echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of public trust and accountability. “This new Center will help create the tools, standards, and talent pipeline the country needs so AI is not only powerful, but also secure, transparent and worthy of public confidence,” he explained.
Part of a Broader AI Strategy in New York
Binghamton University is a founding member of the Empire AI Consortium, an initiative launched by Governor Hochul to provide the state’s top public and private research institutions with access to cutting-edge AI computing infrastructure. Through its involvement with the consortium, the university aims to attract top-tier AI talent to New York State and contribute to the responsible development of transformative technologies.
The new AI research center will collaborate with other consortium members and work to develop real-world applications and policies rooted in evidence-based findings. The goal is to establish the center as the nation’s leading academic hub for responsible AI innovation.
National Search for Top Talent Underway
To ensure the center’s success, SUNY and Binghamton University will immediately begin a national search for leadership and affiliated faculty. These individuals will be essential in driving the center’s independent research mission and translating its academic findings into practical, real-world innovations.
The university is committed to recruiting experts across multidisciplinary fields who can contribute to the center’s objectives of transparency, fairness, and ethical AI deployment.
SUNY Branding and Institutional Alignment
As part of the capital funding agreement, Binghamton University will undergo a rebranding effort to more closely align with the SUNY system’s name and visual identity. This is part of a broader initiative across SUNY’s major university centers to ensure consistent branding and recognition within the state and nationwide.
Officials say that the branding update will help reinforce the university’s identity as a leader in research and innovation while maintaining its unique institutional character.
Looking Forward
The establishment of the Center for AI Responsibility and Research marks a pivotal moment not just for Binghamton University but for the broader landscape of artificial intelligence in higher education. With a focus on ethical practices and public accountability, the center aims to become a model for how academic institutions can lead in shaping the future of AI.
By combining robust private philanthropy with strategic public investment, this initiative promises to put Binghamton University—and New York State—at the forefront of the global conversation on responsible artificial intelligence.
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