Governor Kathy Hochul has announced significant initiatives to position New York as a national leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. The State University of New York (SUNY) will establish the SUNY INSPIRE Center, aimed at scaling AI research and scholarship to benefit the public good. Additionally, select SUNY campuses will create Departments of AI and Society to foster innovation and address ethical considerations in AI development. A new generative AI chatbot program will be introduced, enabling students, faculty, and staff to utilize AI tools for coursework, research, and projects, ensuring privacy and academic integrity. These efforts build upon the $275 million allocated in the FY 2025 budget for the Empire AI initiative, further solidifying New York's commitment to advancing AI capabilities.