Bill > H1004

This bill appropriates funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hubs and Technology Hubs at constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina, and to fund AI research grants. * **Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hubs:** $24,000,000 from the General Fund is appropriated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. $16,000,000 is nonrecurring for establishing the hubs, requiring a 10% match from selected institutions. $8,000,000 is recurring for operational support and personnel, including an expert in residence at each hub. Up to eight institutions will be selected, with at least one being a Public Historically Black College and University or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. * **Technology Hubs:** $70,000,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund is appropriated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to establish technology hubs or support existing AI hubs at each constituent institution. These funds can be used for capital needs, marketing, personnel, programming, support services, and local partnerships to foster technology innovation, workforce upskilling, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing. * **AI Research Grants:** $30,000,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund is appropriated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to the North Carolina Collaboratory to establish a grant fund for AI research projects. Eligible research areas include applied AI in education, workforce development, healthcare, and government; AI fundamentals and infrastructure; and AI ethics and governance.