Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) training pilot program aimed at the New York State workforce. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to prepare state employees for responsible AI use, as outlined in her 2025 State of the State pledge.
“From the moment we first announced Empire AI, I vowed to put New York State at the forefront of the AI revolution and to ensure that our journey forward was safe, responsible and thoughtful,” Governor Hochul said. “I appreciate ITS leadership for their work and look forward to reviewing the results and hearing ideas from our talented workforce about how we can innovate to better serve New Yorkers.”
The training is being delivered in partnership with InnovateUS, an online platform that provides education to over 150 government agencies nationwide. The two-part course is designed specifically for public sector employees in New York State, focusing on responsible AI practices.
As part of the program, participants will have access to ITS AI Pro, a generative AI tool developed by the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and powered by Google Gemini. This tool offers a secure environment for state workers to develop their skills and explore ways AI could support agency problem-solving.
New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of ITS Dru Rai stated, “Governor Hochul is providing the leadership and the vision to make New York State a national leader in leveraging this powerful and ever-changing technology, allowing us to create efficiencies that help agencies better serve the public. This is an exciting moment on this journey — responsible AI will bring us limitless possibilities to enact positive change to the way our government operates and serves New Yorkers, all while giving our hardworking employees an opportunity to build and grow their own skills for the future.”
The pilot involves volunteer users from various state agencies representing sectors such as health, human services, public safety, operations, and infrastructure. The outcomes are expected to inform future phases of AI adoption within state government. The pilot is scheduled for completion by year’s end.
Google’s Public Affairs Manager MJ Henshaw commented, “Equipping New York State employees with both the skills and tools to use AI responsibly is critical to unlocking the potential of this technology to drive efficiency, enabling public servants to better serve their constituents. ITS AI Pro, powered by Gemini, underscores Google’s commitment to supporting New York State’s digital transformation, and we applaud Governor Hochul’s focus on setting an example for the ways that government can embrace technology to build a better future.”
Beth Noveck, Director at InnovateUS added: “With the expansion of artificial intelligence’s capabilities, it is essential that everyone, including governments, are equipped with the knowledge to use these technologies safely. We are thrilled to be partnering with New York State and are grateful to Governor Hochul for the opportunity.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis said: “This announcement provides the latest example of New York’s recognition that responsible AI use by state agencies needs to come with training and a focus on quality control. Governor Hochul and our NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) understand that New York’s success in AI will continue to depend upon training and careful use of AI tools. The same lesson should be followed by private companies choosing to bring AI systems to the workplace. This pilot program is an example of the state leading by example. Careful and wise use of AI is an ongoing priority of our Assembly Science and Technology Committee and our partners in the Senate. The Governor’s announcement is good news on a rapidly evolving technology issue.”
Assemblymember Alex Bores remarked: “Throughout her term, Governor Hochul has been the most consistently thoughtful and proactive Governor in the country on AI policy, and the AI Training Pilot Program is no exception. AI is here to stay and we should use it to help state agencies, not replace workers. Making sure that public employees are trained in AI will improve both their experience and the quality of services we provide to New Yorkers.”
This pilot aligns with several other initiatives launched under Governor Hochul’s innovation agenda aimed at expanding advanced technology development across New York State. Among these efforts was launching Empire AI—a $500 million partnership among leading universities in New York—to establish an advanced computing center at SUNY University at Buffalo focused on statewide research into artificial intelligence.
In addition, last year saw formation of an Emerging Technology Advisory Board co-chaired by IBM CEO Arvind Krishna alongside Girls Who Code CEO Dr. Tarika Barrett; they issued initial recommendations in December 2024.
Other measures introduced include programs for student training related to jobs enabled by artificial intelligence; funding opportunities for local startups working with this technology; assistance for small businesses adopting new tools; as well as tracking how emerging technologies may impact employment trends throughout New York.
Under direction from Governor Hochul—and through ITS—New York released its first statewide policy governing acceptable uses for artificial intelligence technologies within government operations.
Major investments have also contributed significantly toward transforming New York’s economy. For instance,GlobalFoundries committed $11.6 billion toward expanding chip manufacturing facilities in upstate regions—creating thousands of jobs—while Micron announced plans totaling $100 billion over two decades for new semiconductor manufacturing campuses projected likewise generate tens-of-thousands direct or indirect roles statewide.
