Delegates joined us at the University at Buffalo for the IHE US AI Summit 2026, where leaders from higher education, industry and policy came together to shape the future of artificial intelligence in the service of society.

At a defining moment for AI, this summit moved beyond theory to focus on action – exploring the governance frameworks, cross-sector partnerships and practical decisions required to advance trustworthy, responsible AI.

High-level panels, applied case studies and collaborative discussions examined how AI can strengthen public infrastructure, expand economic opportunity and enhance human creativity while delivering measurable public value.

Amplifying human problem-solving

These sessions explored the risks and rewards of amplifying our thinking, creativity and problem-solving beyond natural limits.

AI and economic opportunity

These sessions discussed how we can ensure that technological progress does not come at the cost of human dignity and inclusive economic growth.

AI as public infrastructure

These sessions delved into bold framing that positions AI as a public responsibility, not just a business opportunity.

 View the full agenda

The summit culminated in the Buffalo Statement: AI for society, a collective manifesto positioning AI as a shared societal resource and responsibility.

Framed around the central provocation that AI must be treated as public infrastructure, the statement set out principles for democratic, responsible and equitable AI. Shaped through dialogue across higher education, industry and policy, it outlined practical commitments for the next decade of AI research, deployment and governance, with potential to evolve into a broader scholarly and policy publication.

More than discussion, the summit is a call to action: to define how AI can serve society, strengthen democracy and expand opportunity – and to position higher education as a convening force shaping that future.

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