# NSF Launches Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has initiated a **$100 million** program to establish up to 10 State and Regional Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Hubs across the United States, announced in early August 2026. This federal initiative aims to expand access to advanced AI computing resources for researchers, students, and educators by fostering partnerships among academia, government, industry, and philanthropy. The program builds on successful state-level models such as New York's Empire AI Beta supercomputer project at the University at Buffalo, which received **$40 million** in funding and serves as a national example of responsible AI infrastructure development.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the significant federal funding directed toward AI infrastructure, creating opportunities for vendors specializing in high-performance computing, AI hardware, and collaborative research platforms.
- The program emphasizes regional collaboration, workforce development, and multi-sector partnerships, indicating a demand for integrated solutions involving academia, government agencies, and private industry.
- Vendors like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Dell Technologies are key technology providers supporting these initiatives, highlighting the importance of advanced computing hardware and software in upcoming procurements.
- Organizations involved in AI research infrastructure should evaluate participation in regional hubs and consider aligning proposals with NSF's focus on scientific discovery and responsible AI use.

**Jurisdictions:** federal, sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** August 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- State of New York
- State University of New York (SUNY)
- City University of New York (CUNY)

### Vendors
- NVIDIA (supporting company)
- AMD (supporting company)
- Intel (supporting company)
- Dell Technologies (supporting company)

### Key Quotes
> Artificial intelligence is transforming how we conduct research, accelerate scientific discovery and address complex challenges across disciplines.
> — Brian Stone, Performing the duties of the NSF Director

> Turning on Beta is a major leap forward for Empire AI and for academic research across New York. Researchers who were once limited by access to computing power can now ask bigger questions, test more ambitious ideas and move faster from theory to discovery.
> — Kiran Keshav, Empire AI Research Computing Director

> New York State built Empire AI to show that artificial intelligence can be developed for the public good and with Empire AI Beta officially online, New York is giving our researchers the most powerful academic AI research computer in the country.
> — Kathy Hochul, Governor

### Sources
- [New NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs will power AI-enabled scientific research across the country | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/news/new-nsf-state-regional-ai-infrastructure-hubs-will-power-ai) - NSF
- [NSF Launches $100M Program to Expand Regional AI Research Infrastructure](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/nsf-state-and-regional-ai-infrastructure-hubs) - ExecutiveGov
- [Governor Hochul Announces Empire AI Beta Fully Online as Federal Government Takes Inspiration From New York to Launch State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs | Governor Kathy Hochul | New York State](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-empire-ai-beta-fully-online-federal-government-takes-inspiration-new) - NY