Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, revolutionizing industries and enhancing our daily lives. Generative AI tools are being widely used to diagnose diseases, develop new materials and better yielding crops, optimize supply chains and financial transactions, support teaching and learning, and even create art. AI is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for progress and innovation.

University of Delaware First State AI Institute This initiative will invest in a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure to provide the computational power necessary to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI models, including large language models (LLMs). By investing in AI hardware and software, we will create a sustainable platform from which to create the FIRST STATE AI INSTITUTE at the University of Delaware, a hub of excellence that will integrate existing AI efforts, drive innovation, and position the University as a leader in AI technology.

University of Delaware First State AI Institute

This initiative will invest in a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure to provide the computational power necessary to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI models, including large language models (LLMs). By investing in AI hardware and software, we will create a sustainable platform from which to create the FIRST STATE AI INSTITUTE at the University of Delaware, a hub of excellence that will integrate existing AI efforts, drive innovation, and position the University as a leader in AI technology.

UD Professor Sunita Chandrasekaran (center) is leading a new National Science Foundation project to develop the pipeline for research software engineers (RSEs)

The institute will focus its efforts across four key areas

Research Excellence

The Institute will provide the technical expertise for faculty and researchers to implement AI-based solutions to facilitate their research endeavors. This represents an evolution of the Unidel-funded AI Center for Excellence which will anchor this spoke.

Enhanced Teaching and Learning

The Institute will support enhancements to our teaching and learning tools, including the UD Study AiDE project, and innovation from IT Academic Technology Services, to provide UD-customized study tools for student learning.

Optimized Business Operations

AI can significantly improve business operations by automating tasks, optimizing processes, and providing valuable insights. For example, we envision that the Institute will support the development of AI-powered chatbots to handle inquiries, AI-assisted review of contracts and agreements, and AI-assisted review of faculty research compliance.

Ethical AI Leadership

The institute will foster ethical AI leadership through guidance, research, and education that prioritize transparency, accountability, and societal impact.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AI4Health Industry Day 2026

Jan 23, 2026

AI4Health Industry Day is back! Join us for a oneday summit focused on real-world AI in healthcar, from predictive modeling and daignostics to personalized care and operational improvements

Learn More

DARWIN Computing Symposium

Mar 12, 2026

FSAII and Data Science Institute host the DARWIN symposium, which will highlight an exciting new generation of infrastructure enabling research, education and operations at UD and its partners

Learn More

Ignite AI Challenge

Mar 12, 2026

Solve Real Problems.
Build the Future.
*Register by Jan 15, 2026

Register Team

IN THE NEWS

Diamond Technologies Announces Strategic Partnership with the First State AI Institute to Accelerate Responsible AI Innovation, Workforce Development and Innovative Iniatives Across Delaware

by Diamond Technologies | Jan 28, 2026

Diamond Technologies, a leading technology consulting and managed services provider, today announced a strategic partnership with the First State AI Institute at the University of Delaware, collaborating across multiple initiatives…

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University of Delaware Launching First State AI Institute to Push Boundaries of Research and Innovation

by Tracey Bryant | Jun 24, 2025

The new First State AI Institute at the University of Delaware, led by Prof. Sunita Chandrasekaran, will develop practical tools to help researchers analyze data and streamline complex tasks, while also exploring how AI can improve campus operations….

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AI Institute Leadership Team

Leading the Way

The First State AI Institute is under the direction of Sunita Chandrasekaran, David L. and Beverly J.C. Mills Career Development Chair in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, with Rudi Eigenmann (center), Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and John Huffman, director of IT-Research Infrastructure. The institute’s research will advance an open, human-centered vision of AI — one rooted in transparency, accountability and the public good. The institute will develop practical tools to help researchers analyze data and streamline complex tasks, while also exploring how AI can improve campus operations.
MEET OUR TEAM

VISIT US

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we live, work, and learn — from diagnosing diseases to optimizing business operations and enhancing education. The FIRST STATE AI INSTITUTE is at the forefront of this change, empowering research, improving campus life, and leading the charge in ethical AI development.

Whether you’re a researcher, student, or industry partner, come see how we’re shaping a human-centered, transparent, and responsible AI future.

Visit Us at the FIRST STATE AI INSTITUTE
Located in the Fintech Innovation Hub on STAR Campus
591 Collaboration Way, Suite 417
Newark, DE 19713

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AI Institute Leadership Team

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