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IBM has swung open the doors to watsonx AI Labs, its new innovation hub in New York designed to support AI developers and fast-track the adoption of enterprise AI solutions.
Located in downtown Manhattan at IBM’s new offices at One Madison, the lab has been positioned as a “collaborative hub” to allow startups, scale-ups and large enterprises to work together. They will help clients co-create agentic AI solutions that can solve challenges related to customer service, supply chain, cybersecurity, responsible AI governance and open-source AI.
“This isn’t your typical corporate lab,” said IBM Data and AI General Manager Ritika Gunnar. “watsonx AI Labs is where the best AI developers gain access to world-class engineers and resources and build new businesses and applications that will reshape AI for the enterprise.”
The company pointed out that over the next five years, local startups that successfully launch AI enterprise solutions at the lab will have access to technical experts, mentorship and amplification, as well as potential investment from IBM Ventures and its global $500 million enterprise AI venture fund. IBM said the lab will also pursue partnerships with local universities and research institutions.
In addition to the launch of watsonx AI Labs, Big Blue announced it will acquire expertise and license technology from Seek AI for an undisclosed amount. Seek AI is a New York City-based startup that helps business use AI to mine enterprise data. As part of its acquisition, Seek AI’s expertise will also be available at watsonx AI Labs.
“Building a foundational part of watsonx AI Labs allows us to pair our expertise building data agents with IBM’s engineering depth to solve clients’ toughest AI challenges,” said Seek AI CEO Sarah Nagy.
“We’re excited to tackle these challenges here in New York City, where Seek AI was founded and the AI talent and innovation ecosystem is thriving.”
The move builds on IBM’s broader AI strategy and its continued investment in New York’s growing innovation ecosystem. Gunnar also doubled down on this messaging in her statement: “By anchoring this mission in New York City, we are investing in a diverse, world‑class talent pool and a vibrant community whose innovations have long shaped the tech landscape.”
According to Tech:NYC, the city is home to more than 2,000 AI startups, and its AI workforce grew by nearly 25% between 2022 and 2023. Since 2019, more than 1,000 AI-related companies in New York City have raised $27 billion in funding.
