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The University of New Haven helped bring together a statewide collection of universities, leading corporations, and public sector partners to help launch the .

The founders included Vahid Behzadan, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and data science and director of the University of New Haven’s ; Ron Harichandran, dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering and vice provost for research at the University, and Jen Widness, president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges.

The groundbreaking consortium seeks to advance the development, application, and impact of artificial intelligence across Connecticut. Founded to foster AI-focused business development, workforce training, policy engagement, and community access, CAIA is poised to position Connecticut as a premier hub for AI innovation.

The Alliance launches with support from 16 academic institutions, six associations, and nonprofit agencies, creating a robust foundation for AI advancement across the state. CAIA aims to harness the collective strengths of its diverse members to create an AI ecosystem that positions Connecticut as a leader in artificial intelligence development.

"The Connecticut AI Alliance represents a significant milestone in our state's technology landscape," said Dr. Behzadan, who was appointed in 2023 by Governor Ned Lamont to the Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Working Group. "By bringing together our state's academic institutions, industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations, we're creating a collaborative ecosystem that will drive innovation, economic growth, and workforce development in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence."

“I commend Dr. Behzadan and Dr. Harichandran for the leadership role they have taken in helping to establish the Connecticut AI Alliance,” said University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “At the University of New Haven, we are proud to be at the forefront of equipping our graduates with the knowledge, the skills, and the confidence to become the next generation of leaders to excel in the workforce of the future. A significant part of these efforts is preparing our students for the countless career opportunities that are being created through the continued development and application of AI.”

CAIA's mission focuses on five key pillars:

1. Research and Development: Promoting interdisciplinary research collaborations to address real-world AI applications and challenges
2. Workforce Training: Delivering skills-based programs to equip Connecticut's workforce with necessary AI expertise
3. Business and Industry Growth: Fostering AI-driven businesses and startups through access to computing resources and knowledge transfer
4. Innovation Infrastructure: Establishing shared technical infrastructure, including a state-wide AI computing cluster
5. Community Engagement: Building a thriving AI community through seminars, workshops, and industry events

The Alliance launches with the support of Connecticut's premier academic institutions, including Albertus Magnus College, Charter Oak State College, Connecticut College, Fairfield University, Goodwin University, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Trinity College, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of New Haven, University of Saint Joseph, Wesleyan University, and Yale University. Associations and nonprofit organizations supporting the CAIA include BioCT, Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies, Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, CT AI Health Collaborative, and The WorkPlace.

Through CAIA, academic institutions will collaborate on shared research projects, joint educational programs, and cross-institutional workforce training. This centralized approach will enable Connecticut's institutions to pool their expertise and resources, catalyzing innovation and advancing AI knowledge across multiple sectors.

The Alliance will play a key role in bridging the gap between research and commercialization while ensuring Connecticut's workforce is well-prepared for the demands of an AI-driven economy. By providing access to cutting-edge infrastructure and creating opportunities for collaboration, CAIA will drive economic growth and innovation in industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

CAIA will be governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from academic institutions, industry leaders, and public sector stakeholders. The board will work alongside an executive team led by an executive director.