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Leveraging the Mass Leads Act, Initiative Will Support Game-Changing AI Research, Drive Business Growth, Train a Workforce of Tomorrow, and Harness AI to Advance Solutions to World’s Greatest Challenges
Boston - On December 19, 2024, Governor Maura Healey launched the Massachusetts AI Hub, a groundbreaking effort to make Massachusetts a national leader in artificial intelligence innovation. This pioneering initiative will drive cutting-edge collaboration between government, industry, startups and academia, pursue solutions to the world’s most critical challenges, and unlock economic opportunity for businesses and residents across the state.
The Massachusetts AI Hub will be established at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), the state’s quasi-public economic development agency focused on advancing technology and innovation, and will leverage resources authorized in the Mass Leads Act to support AI initiatives and the creation of an AI Hub in Massachusetts.
As part of today’s announcement, made during an event with leaders from the AI ecosystem at the Museum of Science in Boston, the Healey-Driscoll Administration also unveiled a partnership with the nonprofit Massachusetts Green High Performance Computer Center (MGHPCC) in Holyoke to expand access to sustainable high-performance computing that is necessary for AI innovation. Through the partnership, public and private higher education institutions, startups and businesses in the innovation ecosystem, and the residents of Massachusetts will be able to access this vital infrastructure. This partnership will involve joint investments from Massachusetts and MGHPCC partner universities that are expected to exceed more than $100 million over the next five years as it scales.
“Since the founding of our country, Massachusetts has pioneered revolutionary innovations that changed human history, from developing the first computer to creating lifesaving vaccines. Today, we are building on that longstanding legacy with the Massachusetts AI Hub,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the AI Hub, we will set the standard for AI development by supporting trailblazing research, attracting and retaining unparalleled AI talent, and transforming our state into the global leader in applied AI innovation, solving the greatest challenges facing our society today.”
“We have an opportunity to make our state the best place in the world for collaborative and responsible AI innovation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Massachusetts AI Hub draws from our state's existing strengths, including our unparalleled innovation ecosystem, world-class universities, highly skilled talent, and revolutionary spirit, to advance transformative technologies and power economic opportunity for all.”
The Massachusetts AI Hub will serve as the central entity for coordinating and managing key assets required for AI innovation, including data resources, high-performance computer power and interdisciplinary research. Convening Massachusetts’ world-class ecosystem of talent, industry and academia, the AI Hub will accelerate research, foster homegrown industry from our universities and colleges, deploy AI for real-world applications, and train our state’s current and future workforce.
The framework for the Massachusetts AI Hub is informed by recommendations from the state’s AI Strategic Task Force, which the governor established in February 2024 to explore how the Healey-Driscoll administration can best support AI adoption and innovation to drive economic growth. The AI Strategic Task Force, co-chaired by the Executive Office of Economic Development and Executive Office of Technology Services and Security in partnership with the City of Boston and the University of Massachusetts, and comprised of representatives from universities, industry, and state and local government, presented its final recommendations to the governor today. The full report is available here.
“The Massachusetts AI Hub will position our state and its people to be more competitive while setting the standard in how to apply AI to solve real-world problems facing society,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, AI Strategic Task Force Co-Chair. “Massachusetts is moving forward with a sense of urgency given the economic stakes. By harnessing the potential of AI, Massachusetts can power economic growth for our businesses, universities and residents.”
“Today’s announcements represent the culmination of many collaborative efforts that firmly cement Massachusetts state government as a leader in emerging technology: from the recommendations of the AI Task Force that encourage state government to continue innovating under strong policy frameworks, to continuing our higher education AI partnership with the faculty and students at UMass-Amherst to accelerate that responsible innovation,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder, AI Strategic Task Force Co-Chair. “We are truly fortunate to have committed partners across the ecosystem, dedicated to our shared vision. While today is a day to celebrate, it is also a day to look forward and strategize how we come together to move this vision into reality.”
“I am deeply honored to have served as co-chair of the AI Task Force and to have collaborated with such an extraordinary group of leaders and experts from across the Commonwealth,” said UMass CIO and Task Force Co-Chair Michael Milligan. “AI will undoubtedly impact – if it hasn’t already – every industry and every individual in the Commonwealth. By prioritizing equity and access, and developing strategies for responsible and effective AI use, we can ensure that AI serves as a force for good. We believe that these recommendations provide a strong foundation for a future where AI benefits everyone in the Commonwealth.”
“Boston is a global hub for talent that wants to do good,” said City of Boston CIO and Task Force Co-Chair Santiago Garces. “The exciting investments in computation that uses clean energy sources, and the strengthening of our AI ecosystem in Boston and the Commonwealth will contribute to the continued growth. Beyond this milestone, we will work to ensure that our workers and communities see the benefits by having access to trainings and to tools. With a plan based on values, Boston and Massachusetts will keep growing and attracting the best talent and the best companies.”
Aligning with recommendations in the AI Strategic Task Force report, the AI Hub will center on three core components:
As part of today’s announcement, the Healey-Driscoll administration also launched a new partnership with UMass Amherst to recruit a cohort of students to work full-time in collaboration with Massachusetts state agencies on experiential AI projects for social good. The program builds on the success of InnovateMA, through which the administration partnered with Northeastern University to deploy co-op students to work alongside state agency partners to improve the delivery of services and programs for Massachusetts residents using AI. In addition to serving as an accelerator of state adoption of GenAI, these higher ed partnerships are a successful talent pipeline for the state; the majority of the first student cohort have come to work in agencies as either interns or full-time staff members.
"MassTech is focused on building a strong coalition of thought leaders from across the entrepreneurial community, academia and industry to understand how artificial intelligence can advance our shared priorities,” said Massachusetts Technology Collaborative CEO Carolyn Kirk. “We want to thank the Healey-Driscoll administration for creating this hub and recognizing AI’s potential to transform industries and unlock a new future for innovation and technology in our state."
"Making productive and responsible use of AI will be a long and challenging journey. We are delighted to be part of this bold step by the Healey-Driscoll administration to bring the combined energy and insights of government, industry and academia together to deliver near term progress, tempered by a long-term view,” said John Goodhue, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center.
Last week, Governor Healey celebrated the signing of the Mass Leads Act, a far-reaching, $4 billion economic development bill that authorizes $100 million to support the Massachusetts AI Hub. This Massachusetts AI Hub will also leverage other tools from the Mass Leads Act, such as the $1 billion, 10-year extension of the life sciences initiative; the new 10-year, $1 billion climatetech strategy; and $115 million for the Massachusetts TechHub Program for investments in key technology areas, modeled on the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Program. For more information about the Mass Leads Act, please visit www.mass.gov/economic-development-bill.
Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center:
The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in Holyoke is a joint venture of Boston University, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, the University of Massachusetts system and Yale, serving more than 20,000 faculty and student researchers and educators. Resources housed at the MGHPCC enable its users to perform millions of virtual experiments each month. MGHPCC is also the first university research data center ever to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level awarded by the Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program. It is powered by hydroelectric from the Holyoke Gas and Electric Company along the Connecticut River and the design of the facility also maximizes energy efficiency.
Statements of Support
Senator Michael O. Moore, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“With every advance that artificial intelligence technology makes, its potential to revolutionize the way we live and work grows. Partnerships like those established by the Massachusetts AI Hub will help us harness these groundbreaking technologies for the good of everyone in the Commonwealth. I’d like to thank Governor Maura Healey and her administration for bringing key government, industry, and academic leaders together to create this initiative. Together, under the leadership of MassTech, we will stay on the forefront of AI advancement and bring its economic growth and prosperity to the people of Massachusetts in a responsible and sustainable way.”
Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“Bringing industry leaders and academia together gives Massachusetts the opportunity to lead in the application of Artificial Intelligence to solve our most difficult problems. I particularly note that the tapping of UMass Amherst as the next university partner demonstrates a clear signal that we are investing these dollars throughout the entire state. There is much more to do and many more problems to solve. Today is a strong start.”
President Melissa Gilliam, Boston University:
“On behalf of Boston University, I want to commend Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary Hao, and Secretary Snyder for their vision and leadership in advancing Massachusetts as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The work of the AI Strategic Task Force, supported by transformative investments through the Mass Leads Act, is a testament to the power of collaboration between government, academia, and industry. President Emeritus Robert A. Brown's insights into the infrastructure needed for AI innovation have been instrumental in shaping strategies that will not only drive economic growth and life changing research, but also ensure that the benefits of AI reach every corner of the Commonwealth. These recommendations mark a pivotal step in leveraging AI to address the most pressing challenges of our time and to unlock opportunities for generations to come.”
President Emeritus Robert A. Brown, Boston University:
“Today’s announcement of the partnership between the Commonwealth and the research university community through the MGHPCC is a historic occasion as we come to lead the state into the exciting future of applying AI across all sectors of our economy and society. Working together we can lead in the application of AI for good.”
President Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts System:
“Artificial intelligence represents one of the most transformative technological developments of our time, and I am extremely proud of the significant role UMass played in the efforts of the AI Task Force. Because of the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and the work of the AI Task Force, Massachusetts is now better-positioned to lead the nation in harnessing the potential of AI in a way that is ethical and prioritizes equity and access. I want to recognize Michael Milligan for co-chairing this vital initiative, and for his tireless dedication to ensuring that the Commonwealth remains at the forefront of the ethical use of AI. As the Commonwealth’s public research university, we will live up to our mission and educate the workforce that will power this industry into the future, encourage our faculty in their groundbreaking research in this field, and support the state’s economic development aspirations.”
Chancellor Javier Reyes, UMass Amherst:
“Our partnership with Governor Healey and Secretary Snyder will help students and faculty find ways in which the responsible use of AI can help the Commonwealth be more efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs while providing both important experiential learning and potential public service career opportunities to our students. I am proud that UMass Amherst continues to fulfill its mission as a land grant university to provide teaching, research and public service to benefit people in Massachusetts, the nation and the world.”
President Joseph E. Aoun, Northeastern University:
“The AI Compute initiative is a game-changer for academia and industry and will facilitate the kind of cutting-edge research that is essential to Massachusetts maintaining its competitive edge. We are thrilled to partner with Governor Healey who has made artificial intelligence a priority for the Commonwealth. From the AI task force to the state’s co-op pilot and now to AI compute, Massachusetts is well-positioned to harness the power of the AI revolution.”
President Alan Garber, Harvard University:
“Harvard is pleased to collaborate with the state and with our partner institutions to bring new artificial intelligence infrastructure to Massachusetts. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its creative and bold leadership in harnessing the power of the region’s knowledge-based ecosystem. Through continued partnership and investment, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to translate research and discovery into applications and solutions that will have far-reaching implications for humanity. Today’s announcement is an exciting step toward fulfilling our potential to lead in AI innovation.”
President Sally Kornbluth, Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
“AI is the defining technology of the age, and MIT is pleased to see the Commonwealth taking the lead on important questions about using it in ways that are not only groundbreaking but responsible and beneficial to all.”
President Maurie McInnis, Yale University:
“I am delighted that Yale is joining the other MGHPCC universities in partnership with the State of Massachusetts in support of cutting-edge research in AI. This effort not only enhances our access to high-performance computing at scale, but also fosters innovative collaborations that will drive discovery to benefit society across many sectors and industries.”
Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“For centuries, evolving technologies have impacted work, and there are lessons. We know how crucial it is for the working people most impacted by new technologies to have a real voice in the process. We appreciate the Healey Administration leading an ongoing deep dive into the rapidly increasing use of AI to better understand all the opportunities and risks it presents, and to help ensure that worker input informs how AI is used at work - whether that work is at home or at a workplace.”
Jane Moran, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Mass General Brigham, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“As a hub of innovation in technology and healthcare, Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in applying artificial intelligence to power future discovery and progress in medicine. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the important work of Governor Healey's AI Strategic Task Force, including sharing insights from Mass General Brigham’s innovative application of AI to drive advances in research and empower clinicians to improve patient care.”
Rudina Seseri, Founder and Managing Partner of Glasswing Ventures, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“Governor Healey’s AI Task Force has been a significant undertaking and today we are seeing the concrete results of its efforts for Massachusetts. This initiative has energized leaders from every sector of the Commonwealth to come together and lay the foundation for our state to capitalize on AI and the immense opportunities it is creating. Between the work of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the economic development law passed earlier this month, the collaboration of academic and research institutions on AI, the availability of a wide pool of highly technical talent, and a motivated startup ecosystem, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is well-positioned to become a powerhouse in the wave of AI.”
Armen Mkrtchyan, Origination Partner, Flagship Pioneering, Member of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force:
“I am inspired by the collaborative spirit of the Task Force members and the Governor’s office over the past months, and proud of the direction we mapped out for Massachusetts to compete and win in AI. The establishment of the Massachusetts AI Hub is a transformative opportunity to leverage AI in driving innovation, addressing critical challenges, and shaping a more inclusive future. This initiative builds on Massachusetts' proud legacy of leadership in life sciences, technology, and engineering, and at Flagship, we are eager to work together to push the boundaries of AI in search of a healthier citizenry and a more sustainable planet.”
James E. Rooney, President and CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce:
"I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Snyder in launching the Massachusetts AI Hub. With the signing of the Mass Leads Act and creation of the AI Hub, our workforce, entrepreneurs, higher education institutions, and companies are positioned to win the AI revolution nationally and around the world. These new investments in AI infrastructure demonstrate how policymakers and businesses can collaborate to lead forward meaningful innovation and success in the region.”
Jay Ash, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership:
“AI is promising to transform the world, and Massachusetts, once again, thanks to the Healey administration, is positioning our private sector to be a leader in that transformation! The AI hub as devised by the administration and the Task Force is a smart and bold move to capitalize on our academic, entrepreneurial, and talent advantages to create opportunity and vitality throughout the state.”