URI professors aiding state’s push to become national leader in artificial intelligence – Rhody Today
Publish Date: 2026-03-12 09:29:00
Source Domain: www.uri.edu
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The Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence Task Force has unveiled a blueprint to make Rhode Island a national leader in AI through collaboration between government and private industry.
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The task force, which includes University of Rhode Island (URI) faculty members, presented their 75-page report to the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.
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The report reviewed AI’s application across six local sectors: education, defense industries/maritime technologies, finance, health, government, and small businesses/startups/nonprofits, providing steps to boost the local economy while mitigating risks.
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URI aims to lead in AI adoption for Rhode Island, focusing on AI workforce development, through initiatives like creating AI accreditation programs, fostering public AI awareness, and launching interdisciplinary research.
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The task force stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the business community to enhance AI-related training and workforce skills.
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They proposed “AI for Rhode Island,” a hub to support local businesses, offer expert services, and provide learning resources, acting as an extension of URI’s community mission.
