IBM announced watsonx AI Labs, which is a new developer-first innovation hub in New York City designed to for helping AI builders and accelerating AI adoption at scale. And watsonx AI Labs connects IBM’s enterprise resources and expertise with the next generation of AI developers to create breakthrough AI applications for business.
Based in the heart of Manhattan at IBM’s new offices at One Madison, watsonx AI Labs extends IBM’s global network of engineering labs, bringing together IBM researchers and engineers in a collaborative hub dedicated to co-creating and advancing meaningful, agentic AI solutions. And the lab will collaborate with startups, scale-ups, and the world’s largest enterprises to help clients unlock real-world value from their AI.
watsonx AI Labs will be focused on the co-creation of domain‑specific AI solutions to solve enterprises’ most complex challenges, from customer service and supply‑chain optimization to cybersecurity, responsible AI governance, and open-source AI.
The lab looks to tap into New York City’s rich technology landscape by attracting local talent, pursuing collaborations with local universities and research institutions, and supporting local entrepreneurs. Consistent with IBM’s long-time investment in New York State, over the next five years, local startups that 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 $500M Enterprise AI Venture Fund.
Seek AI Acquisition: IBM also announced it will acquire expertise and license technology from Seek AI, a New York City-based startup building AI agents to harness enterprise data. Seek AI helps businesses leverage agentic AI to mine value from enterprise data, and their expertise will serve as a foundational part of watsonx AI Labs.
KEY QUOTES:
“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
“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
“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