LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska System has launched a new, systemwide Artificial Intelligence Institute designed to position Nebraska as a national leader in responsible, human-centered AI development.
Announced Feb. 9, 2026, the NU AI Institute connects all four campuses University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney and University of Nebraska Medical Center in a coordinated effort to expand research, teaching and engagement in artificial intelligence.
University leaders say the initiative reflects a commitment to transformative innovation under President Jeffrey P. Gold and fulfills the system’s land-grant mission to serve the public good. Structured as a hub-and-spoke model, the institute will act as a central coordinating hub, aligning campus strengths in agriculture, cybersecurity, workforce development, health care and other key areas.
Its work will span multiple sectors, including health care, agriculture, rural and urban development, business and national security. Leaders say the goal is not only to accelerate innovation but also to ensure AI development remains ethical, responsible and centered on people.
The institute is co-directed by Santosh Pitla and Adrian Wisnicki, both based at Nebraska–Lincoln and builds on recommendations from a faculty-led NU AI Task Force that developed a systemwide roadmap for AI research, instruction, outreach and service.
Pitla said the institute will take a distinctly human-centered approach.
“We want to put the human in the center,” he said. “Our goals are AI, but also how we can responsibly and ethically use AI with humans in the loop.”
In its first year, the NU AI Institute plans to expand AI literacy workshops, strengthen interdisciplinary research collaborations and increase connections among faculty and students across campuses. Leaders also plan to deepen partnerships with industry, small businesses and rural communities to ensure AI tools address real-world needs across Nebraska.
Early supporters include Google and the Nebraska Research Initiative.
With more than 55,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff across the system, university leaders say the potential impact on workforce development and economic growth is significant. Final approval from the NU Board of Regents is expected in June, paving the way for expanded partnerships and additional investment.
In the meantime, the institute is inviting faculty, students, staff and community partners statewide to help shape Nebraska’s AI roadmap and participate in its first year of programming and events.
