Topline
Billionaire Bloomberg co-founder Tom Secunda has committed $30 million to his alma mater, New York-based Binghamton University, to build what the school calls the first independent AI research center at a public university in the country.
Binghamton, New York, USA – June 7, 2015: Daytime view of the University Union on the campus of The State University of New York at Binghamton
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Key Facts
The gift will establish the Center for AI Responsibility and Research, which Binghamton says will be “the first-ever independent AI research center at a public university in the U.S.”
Secunda has personally committed $30 million, with an additional $25 million coming from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, according to the school.
Governor Hochul’s press release attributes the $30 million commitment to “a group of donors led by alumnus Tom Secunda.”
Binghamton University researchers are among the first members of the Empire AI Consortium getting early access to New York State’s new AI computing power by using Empire Alpha, a temporary high-performance supercomputer located at SUNY Buffalo.
Secunda and Binghamton have not yet responded to Forbes’ request for comment.
Crucial Quote
“This new Center will help create the tools, standards, and talent pipeline the country needs so AI is not only powerful, but also secure, transparent, and worthy of public confidence,” said Secunda, “I’m optimistic about what AI will unlock—new scientific discovery, better health outcomes, stronger public services, and productivity gains that expand opportunity.”
Forbes Valuation
Tom Secunda has a net worth of $5.7 billion as of Friday morning, by Forbes’ estimates. He currently ranks #707 in the world. In 2025, he ranked #264 in the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans and was assigned a philanthropy score of 2 out of 5, which indicates he has donated less than 5% of his net worth to charitable causes.
Key Background
Secunda, now age 72, co-founded financial information and media company Bloomberg LP in 1981 with Michael Bloomberg and two other former Salomon Brothers colleagues. He is credited with building many of the company’s financial products, including the industry-leading (and highly expensive) Bloomberg Terminal, a platform used by professional bankers and traders globally, which accounts for an estimated two-thirds of Bloomberg LP’s nearly $15 billion in estimated revenue. He holds a 4% stake in Bloomberg LP and still serves as vice chairman.