​Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $5 million initiative to establish departments, centers, and institutes focused on AI and Society across eight SUNY campuses. This funding aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical AI research, and responsible data use. Stony Brook University is set to launch the Department of Technology, AI and Society as part of this initiative. The program aligns with the broader Empire AI effort, which includes partnerships with institutions like Cornell, Columbia, and NYU to advance AI research for the public good