TC3 Joins Newly Formed SUNY Partnership Aimed at Advancing AI Research and Education

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) says they have recently joined the newly formed SUNY partnership designated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research and education for public good.

The partnership, titled Empire AI, was announced by Governor Hochul of a partnership between SUNY university centers, university colleges, and community colleges to leverage the Empire AI supercomputer located at SUNY Buffalo, TC3 says. This will allow an increase in access to AI for research and professional development for both students and staff.

“Through Empire AI, New York is ensuring the power of AI is harnessed responsibly,” Governor Hochul said. “By bringing together SUNY institutions through these campus partnerships, we are furthering the use of AI for the public good and shaping a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”

Four university centers within the SUNY system, Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brooke, will be partnering with several SUNY colleges, universities, and community colleges to provide research experiences, professional development, micro-credential courses, and other opportunities.

TC3 says they are one of the colleges partnering with Binghamton University, along with SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, and SUNY Broome Community College. The group will create an online, free of charge AI Prep for Careers non-credit micro-credential to introduce students to foundational AI principles, workforce applications, and ethical considerations.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Binghamton University on this initiative, which we see as a tremendous benefit to our students. AI continues to redefine both the world we live in and the future we are preparing our students for,” said TC3 Professor of Computer Science Ken Whitener. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with our fellow SUNY campuses to increase our student’s understanding of AI, and the opportunities it provides.”