IBM has unveiled watsonx AI Labs, a new initiative aimed at co-creating generative AI solutions with clients, fostering local talent, and accelerating enterprise AI adoption. The lab is housed at IBM’s new offices at One Madison and is designed to serve as a collaborative hub for startups, scale-ups, and large enterprises.
Key Points:
- IBM opens watsonx AI Labs in NYC to co-create generative AI solutions with clients.
- The lab will collaborate with startups and enterprises to develop domain-specific AI applications.
- IBM acquires technology and expertise from NYC-based startup Seek AI to enhance the lab’s capabilities.
IBM’s launch of watsonx AI Labs comes at a time when New York City is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the AI landscape. The city is home to over 2,000 AI startups, and its AI workforce is growing rapidly. The new lab aims to tap into this rich ecosystem by partnering with local universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurs.
A key component of the lab’s strategy is the acquisition of technology and expertise from Seek AI, a New York City-based startup specializing in AI agents for enterprise data. Seek AI’s capabilities will serve as a foundational part of watsonx AI Labs, enhancing its ability to develop agentic AI solutions for complex business challenges.
The lab will focus on co-creating domain-specific AI applications in areas such as customer service, supply chain optimization, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance. By working side-by-side with clients, IBM aims to help businesses unlock real-world value from AI technologies.
IBM’s investment in watsonx AI Labs also includes support for local startups. Over the next five years, startups that successfully launch AI enterprise solutions at the lab will have access to technical experts, mentorship, and potential investment from IBM Ventures and its global $500 million Enterprise AI Venture Fund.
This initiative aligns with New York City’s broader efforts to become a global hub for responsible and cutting-edge AI development. The city’s tech sector has been growing steadily, with AI-related job roles increasing by 39% from January 2023 to January 2024, surpassing San Francisco’s 25% growth in the same period.
By establishing watsonx AI Labs in Manhattan, IBM is not only investing in the city’s diverse talent pool but also contributing to the development of AI solutions that address real-world business challenges. This move underscores IBM’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.