​Stony Brook University researchers have developed an AI-powered platform called Influencer, designed to assist individuals with limited design experience in creating promotional posts. Unlike existing tools that separate design and content generation, Influencer integrates both aspects, allowing users to specify prompts and context images. In a study comparing Influencer to Google Search combined with Figma, participants found Influencer superior in design experience, functionality, and task completion rate. This platform aims to support college students and others seeking additional income by simplifying the promotional post creation process.

Stony Brook University is advancing AI-driven solutions to tackle climate change and improve healthcare. The university is working on AI tools for disease detection and treatment optimization, with a focus on personalized healthcare. In climate action, it is involved in the New York Climate Exchange, developing AI solutions for stormwater management, and applying AI in investment and risk management strategies.

Colleges are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) programs to enhance workforce readiness and attract students. Since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, AI has become a focal point in higher education. Many institutions are offering specialized degrees, minors, and certificates in AI, particularly within computer science and engineering disciplines. For example, the University of Pennsylvania provides both undergraduate and master's degrees in AI engineering.​

Beyond technical programs, universities are integrating AI literacy into various fields. The University of Florida, for instance, is embedding AI education across all undergraduate and graduate programs, including disciplines like bioinformatics, hospitality, and public health. Additionally, the American Association of Colleges and Universities is collaborating with 124 institutions to incorporate AI into curricula through its Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum.​

These initiatives aim to equip students with the skills necessary for a workforce increasingly influenced by AI technologies.

A recent Newsday article highlights the launch of New York's Empire AI Consortium, which aims to leverage artificial intelligence to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and hunger. The initiative is supported by over $400 million in funding from both government and private sectors. A key component of this effort is a $7 million supercomputer donated by the Simons Foundation, established by the late James Harris Simons, a former mathematics department chair at Stony Brook University and founder of Renaissance Technologies. The supercomputer will be housed at the University at Buffalo, serving as a central hub for AI research. Stony Brook University is actively involved in the consortium, with Professor Robert Harrison, founding director of the Institute for Advanced Computational Science, appointed as the interim director of Empire AI. This collaboration underscores New York's commitment to advancing AI-driven scientific discovery and technological innovation.