Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has appointed Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, and Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code, as co-chairs of the Emerging Technology Advisory Board. This independent group aims to drive New York’s transformation into an innovation hub, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies. Hochul announced the formation of the board during McKinsey’s Future of New York Summit on March 5, emphasizing its role in guiding the state’s growth and ensuring an equitable and successful emerging tech sector.
Krishna expressed his honor in leading the advisory board and commended Governor Hochul’s initiative in positioning New York as a leader in advanced technologies. With his extensive experience at IBM, spanning over three decades, Krishna has been instrumental in pioneering innovations in cloud computing, AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. He emphasized the importance of talent, ecosystem, and infrastructure in maintaining New York’s technological edge, underscoring IBM’s commitment to supporting innovation within the state.
Girls Who Code, founded by Reshma Saujani, aims to bridge the gender gap in technology and redefine the perception of computer programming. Dr. Tarika Barrett’s leadership in this organization underscores the board’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry.
Governor Hochul’s Empire AI proposal, part of her FY 2025 Budget, aims to position New York at the forefront of AI research. The proposal includes the establishment of an AI computing center in Buffalo, supported by seven founding institutions and industry leaders. This initiative aims to foster responsible AI research and development, create job opportunities, and harness AI for the public good, aligning with New York’s vision for a thriving and equitable tech ecosystem.
