Gov. Sherrill announces $125 million supercomputer initiative to expand research, create jobs in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the launch of a new statewide supercomputer initiative backed by more than $125 million in public and private investments, aimed at expanding advanced research, strengthening workforce development and creating economic opportunities across New Jersey.
The New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative (NJSCI) will establish a shared high-performance computing resource for researchers, students, businesses, entrepreneurs and other organizations. The project brings together eight of the state’s research universities, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, state agencies and technology industry partners.
According to the governor’s office, the supercomputer will allow researchers to conduct complex scientific studies and analyze large amounts of data more efficiently than conventional computers. Potential applications include cancer research, flood risk mapping, drug development and artificial intelligence safety.
The initiative is expected to double the combined supercomputing capacity currently available across the state’s research universities while significantly expanding access to advanced computing hardware.
“From Thomas Edison to Bell Labs and beyond, New Jersey has earned its reputation as the Innovation State through groundbreaking research and discoveries that transform lives. Today, we are building on that proud legacy by launching the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative,” said Governor Sherrill. “This major initiative will ensure that New Jersey strengthens its longstanding leadership in using new technologies to uncover scientific breakthroughs, to help our students build the skills and experience they need to compete for jobs in high-demand fields, to expand opportunities for our workforce, and to improve quality of life throughout our communities. We look forward to seeing how this game-changing investment in New Jersey’s future will accelerate cures for diseases, strengthen environmental resilience, and solve many other challenges facing our state.”
More than $125 million in public and private funding
The initiative includes a $75 million personal donation from Chris and Melody Malachowsky. Chris Malachowsky, a Monmouth County native, is a co-founder of NVIDIA, the technology company known for developing advanced computing hardware used in artificial intelligence and scientific research.
Somerset County-based SHI International is contributing $25 million and will provide technical and strategic support for the project. The company’s responsibilities include system design, technology integration, implementation, hosting and daily operation of the supercomputer infrastructure.
The state is also contributing $25 million through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), using funding appropriated in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
“New Jersey is where my story began, and it means a great deal to give back to the community that raised me. I am grateful to Governor Sherrill and our partners across the state for making this a reality,” said Chris Malachowsky, NVIDIA co-founder and fellow, who is providing, together with his wife Melody, a personal donation of $75 million. “Through the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative, we can unlock the talent that exists all around us, transform schools, businesses, and the workforce, and together, tackle our most pressing challenges.”
Thai Lee, president and CEO of SHI International, said the partnership demonstrates how government, universities and private companies can work together to expand access to advanced technology.
“New Jersey is positioned to show what’s possible when government, higher education and industry come together around a shared goal,” said Thai Lee, President and CEO of SHI International. “SHI is proud to support an initiative that reflects the power of public-private partnership, bringing together the expertise and technology needed to help address real challenges facing our communities. By expanding access to advanced AI resources, this initiative is designed to give New Jersey the capacity to accelerate research, strengthen education and drive innovation. We’re pleased to stand alongside the state and its leading institutions in an effort that will help shape how New Jersey competes and leads for years to come.”
Eight universities participating in initiative
The partnership includes Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and Stevens Institute of Technology, along with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
Each participating institution plans to make annual contributions toward the initiative’s operating budget. Additional opportunities for other colleges and universities to participate are expected to be announced in 2027.
Beginning in 2027, the supercomputer will be administered by NJSCI, an independent nonprofit organization operating under principles that include transparent governance and equitable access.
Several state agencies are supporting the project, including the New Jersey Innovation Authority, NJEDA, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
“NJSCI will ensure that the transformative capabilities of new technology are readily available to New Jersey’s leading innovators and are put to work for the benefit of all New Jerseyans,” said Dave Cole, New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer. “This initiative brings public and private partners together to ensure New Jersey has the capacity we need to solve the complex challenges of the 21st century.”
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss said the initiative is expected to benefit businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, life sciences and artificial intelligence.
“From advanced manufacturing to biotech, to the life sciences and artificial intelligence, Governor Sherrill is ensuring that companies in high-growth industries aren’t locked out of the resources they need to make discoveries and expand in the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “The AI Supercomputer initiative exemplifies the impact of partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector in driving innovation, and the breakthroughs made in New Jersey through this plan will advance economic opportunity and startup creation.”
Research projects could address flooding, cancer and AI safety
According to the governor’s office, dozens of potential research projects are being reviewed for use of the supercomputer in 2027.
Among the proposed applications are advanced modeling of flooding and coastal risks, earlier detection and treatment of cancer and other diseases, accelerated drug development and improvements to the safety of large language models.
The computing system is intended to give researchers access to resources that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to obtain through conventional computing systems.
State officials said the shared infrastructure will also support entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to develop new technologies, potentially helping create startups and employment opportunities.
Workforce training and education opportunities
Beyond scientific research, the initiative will support education and workforce development through the AI Higher Education and Workforce Collaborative, which is working with colleges and universities across the state.
The collaborative is developing new academic curricula, hands-on training programs and apprenticeship opportunities focused on artificial intelligence, data science, advanced computing and responsible technology use.
Students will be able to gain experience using advanced computing infrastructure through research projects, coursework and capstone assignments, helping prepare them for careers in technology-related fields.
“Strategic partnerships like this are how we create real economic opportunity — connecting New Jersey workers to good-paying jobs while keeping our businesses competitive,” said Kevin D. Jarvis, Acting Commissioner of the NJDOL. “The apprenticeships and training programs tied to this initiative will help New Jersey workers develop the skills needed to succeed in AI, data science, and advanced computing fields where employers are actively hiring.”
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Margo Chaly said the initiative will expand opportunities for students and researchers while helping institutions respond to changing workforce demands.
“Technology is moving at an exponential pace. New Jersey’s supercomputer initiative opens new possibilities for our institutions of higher education to advance meaningful research, prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and translate innovation into real-world solutions,” said Margo Chaly, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. “Expanding access to advanced computing and research opportunities empowers our students to be leaders of an innovative future with the high-quality education they’ve obtained right here in the Garden State.”
Supercomputer to operate at SHI facilities
The supercomputer infrastructure will be hosted and operated by SHI International at its existing facilities in New Jersey.
The initiative also plans to bring new clean energy onto the state’s electric grid, according to the governor’s office, as part of the administration’s broader efforts to address energy affordability and sustainability.
Additional information about the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative, including future developments and participation opportunities, will be available at NJSupercomputer.org.
