This year, the New York State Senate passed legislation I sponsored to establish a pilot program that uses artificial intelligence-assisted dental screenings to help identify oral health issues earlier and connect more patients with care. The SMARTeeth app, developed at the University of Rochester with support from the National Science Foundation harnesses AI to detect tooth decay and connect vulnerable communities, especially children, with the care they need.
The legislation reflects the reality that AI is increasingly helping providers analyze medical imaging, identify problem areas earlier, and improve patient outcomes. As these technologies are more broadly adopted in a healthcare setting, the Rochester community is uniquely positioned not only to reap their benefits, but to build out applications and shape their usage.
The region is home to some of the nation’s leading research universities, a world-class healthcare system, a legacy of innovation in photonics and optics, and a growing network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers. Those strengths are increasingly focused on AI and emerging technologies. We have new opportunities to improve healthcare, strengthen our economy, and reinforce New York’s position as a global leader in innovation.
But only if we continue to break down barriers to AI adoption and support the infrastructure that will empower next generation technologies
At the center of this ecosystem are institutions such as the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College, which play critical roles in research, workforce training, and economic development. With nearly $488 million in annual research funding the University of Rochester attracts hundreds of millions of dollars in investments that support cutting-edge research, create jobs, and fuel growth.
Thousands of scientists and academics work across hundreds of laboratories conducting some of the highest levels of research activity in the nation. The Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences, the New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, EmpireAI, and the NY SMART I-Corridor Semiconductor Tech Hub bring together research, workforce development, inspire startup creation, and provide a roadmap for commercialization. These partnerships are necessary to compete for the industries and investments that will transform the region and encourage decades of growth.
States across the country are competing for research dollars, development projects, startup companies, and highly skilled workers. At the same time, geopolitical rivals like China are investing aggressively in AI, energy generation, and strategic technologies that will shape the global economy and national security landscape for generations.
New York cannot afford to sit on the sidelines, wrap our innovators in unnecessary red tape, or let our policy decisions stop us from building, and leading the future of advanced technologies. As Governor Kathy Hochul has said, whomever leads in AI, will lead the next era of human history. Upstate New York helped pioneer many of the technologies that shaped the modern economy. There is no reason we cannot lead again.
We need renewable, reliable, affordable energy to power research facilities, hospitals, data centers, and advanced manufacturing operations. We need continued investments in workforce development and education to cultivate talent and create high paying jobs. And we need sustained support for the research institutions that generate discoveries, attract outside investment, and transform ideas into economic opportunity.
The good news is that Rochester already possesses many of the ingredients necessary for success. Policymakers in Albany and Washington both have a responsibility to support this ecosystem, and the success of home-grown problem-solving applications like the SMARTeeth app.
If we continue investing in research, infrastructure, and talent, Rochester can help ensure that the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs and advanced technologies are built right here in New York. The opportunity is real, but so is the competition. Let’s not lose sight of what’s at stake.
Jeremy Cooney represents the 56th District in the New York State Senate and serves as chairman of the Transportation Committee.
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