IBM has announced the opening of Watsonx AI Labs, a new innovation hub in the heart of Manhattan designed to empower AI developers and drive enterprise AI adoption at scale. Located at IBM’s new offices at One Madison, watsonx AI Labs extends IBM’s global network of engineering labs, bringing together researchers, engineers, startups, and large enterprises to co-create advanced, agentic AI solutions for real-world business challenges.

Fostering Collaboration and Local Talent

The lab is positioned as a collaborative space where IBM’s enterprise resources and expertise meet the next generation of AI builders. Startups, scale-ups, and the world’s largest enterprises will work side-by-side with IBM teams to unlock the value of AI, focusing on domain-specific applications in areas such as customer service, supply chain optimization, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance.

IBM’s investment taps into New York City’s thriving tech ecosystem, which boasts over 2,000 AI startups and a workforce that grew by nearly 25% from 2022 to 2023. Since 2019, more than 1,000 AI-related companies in the city have raised $27 billion in funding, underscoring NYC’s emergence as a global AI hub.

Strategic Acquisition: Seek AI Joins watsonx AI Labs

As part of its commitment to the local startup ecosystem, IBM has acquired expertise and licensed technology from Seek AI, a New York-based startup specializing in AI agents for enterprise data. Seek AI’s tools enable businesses to interact with data using natural language, translating questions into database queries and delivering high-level analysis and summarization. This technology will form a foundational part of watsonx AI Labs, enhancing its ability to help clients mine value from enterprise data and solve complex AI challenges.

This isn't your typical corporate lab. 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. 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.

Ritika Gunnar, General Manager, Data & AI, IBM

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. 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. 

Sarah Nagy, CEO of Seek AI

Commitment to New York’s Innovation Ecosystem

IBM's launch of watsonx AI Labs signals a transformative investment in New York's innovation ecosystem. By bringing together world-class engineering talent, emerging startups, and deep enterprise expertise right here in the heart of the city, this initiative strengthens New York's position as a global hub for responsible and cutting-edge AI development. It's a win for our tech sector, communities, workforce, and economy. We're thrilled to see IBM betting big on the extraordinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit that make this city so unique.

Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC.

Over the next five years, local startups that successfully launch AI enterprise solutions at watsonx AI Labs will have access to IBM’s technical experts, mentorship, and potential investment from IBM Ventures and its global $500 million Enterprise AI Venture Fund. The lab also plans to collaborate with local universities and research institutions, further fueling New York’s reputation as a center for AI excellence.

Focus Areas and Future Vision

Watsonx AI Labs will prioritize the co-creation of domain-specific AI solutions, targeting some of the most complex challenges faced by enterprises today. By fostering a developer-first environment and leveraging New York City’s diverse talent pool, IBM aims to reshape the future of enterprise AI and cement the city’s status as a leader in responsible, innovative AI development