KINGSTON, R.I. – March 12, 2026 – Since Rhode Island created its Artificial Intelligence Task Force in 2024, the group’s primary focus has been ensuring that no business sector is left behind in the growing technology boom. Now, the AI Task Force, which includes two University of Rhode Island faculty members, has unveiled a blueprint to help Rhode Island become a national AI leader, calling for cooperation and collaboration between government and private industry to responsibly implement the technology.
Reviewing local industries
This section details how URI professors Gaurav Khanna and Zhu (Drew) Zhang were part of separate fact-finding teams, analyzing AI's potential impacts on various business sectors in Rhode Island. Khanna's team focused on healthcare, where AI can improve diagnostics, support administrative tasks, and advance precision medicine, while also addressing data privacy and regulatory concerns. Zhang's group reviewed manufacturing and defense industries, finding a foundation of older AI forms but noting challenges with generative AI deployment and concerns about workforce displacement, highlighting the need for up-skilling.
Workforce push
This section emphasizes the critical need for developing an AI workforce in Rhode Island, as outlined in the task force's report. Recommendations include creating AI accreditation, micro-credentialing programs, and certified apprenticeships, alongside incentives for training and public awareness campaigns. The University of Rhode Island is actively contributing to this effort by launching the Institute for AI and Computational Research, offering workshops, and introducing new academic programs like a computer science track in AI and an undergraduate certificate in AI. The report also proposes an 'AI for Rhode Island' hub to foster research, collaboration, and provide expert services and learning resources to local businesses and nonprofits.
