“This initiative reflects our broader commitment to grow research, scale our areas of excellence and prepare students to lead in a technology-driven future.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý President

The institute will unite more than two dozen world-class faculty across multiple colleges who are advancing foundational and applied artificial intelligence (AI) in areas like computer vision, robotics, machine learning, healthcare, finance and mathematics. By bringing AI-related faculty, students, research, and partners together, the institute will serve as a nucleus for collaboration, driving education and discovery with real-world impact.

“AI is massively transforming how we live, work and learn. As Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University, �鶹ӳ����ý is uniquely positioned to lead in this critical space,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright.

With focus on research, applications-translation partnerships and education-workforce talent development, the IAI will:

• Unite an initial 25 faculty across four colleges — the College of Business, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Medicine, and College of Sciences — leveraging �鶹ӳ����ý’s expertise and scale to promote a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.
• Promote collaboration across industry, government and community stakeholders — enhanced by �鶹ӳ����ý’s location in a thriving metropolitan region.
• Strengthen the AI skillset of all students so they can have competitive advantages as they enter the workforce.
• Support collaboration in research and education for other �鶹ӳ����ý faculty who are doing research in AI and on its applications, opening doors learn about AI and contribute to the enhancing its applications across disciplines.

Strengthening Impact Through AI

“By bringing together leading faculty, motivated students and forward-thinking partners, the institute will unlock new possibilities across disciplines.” — Mubarak Shah, IAI director

�鶹ӳ����ý’s momentum in AI is already strong. The university’s computer vision research ranks No. 8 nationally, with affiliated faculty publishing dozens of papers in premier venues and securing millions in external funding, including major awards from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Intelligence Advanced Research Project (IARPA), U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and industry. In the past two years, �鶹ӳ����ý’s AI Initiative has hired 11 faculty members across multiple colleges, with eight more joining this fall. Additionally, the Center for Research in Computer Vision (CRCV) will also be joining IAI.

“The Institute of Artificial Intelligence unites �鶹ӳ����ý’s AI strengths under one roof, creating a platform for high-impact research and talent development,” says Trustee Chair of Computer Science Mubarak Shah, who has been named inaugural director of the institute.

The institute will also support �鶹ӳ����ý’s AI for All Initiative, which integrates AI into teaching and learning across disciplines. Led by Kevin Yee, special assistant to the provost for artificial intelligence, AI for All is helping to scale AI tools and curriculum across all disciplines so that students graduate with an understanding of how to effectively use AI in their careers.

About Our AI Faculty

At the core of the institute is a growing network of faculty whose excellence and expertise reflect the depth of �鶹ӳ����ý’s interdisciplinary strength in AI. Their research and teaching are defining �鶹ӳ����ý’s approach to AI as collaborative and grounded in real-world impact.

These faculty include:

• Niels da Vitoria Lobo
  Associate professor of computer science
  His research focuses on computational vision, active vision and mobile robotics, and user interfaces and graphical modeling, which has contributed to advancements in object detection, curve detection, person tracking and obstacle detection.
• Laura Brattain
  Associate professor of medicine
  Her research integrates biomedical AI, medical ultrasound and surgical robotics, with recent contributions to real-time diagnostic assistants and advancements in minimally invasive procedures. She also mentored six College of Engineering and Computer Science seniors who developed the AIMS (AI for Medical Surgery) system with Pegasus Partner Orlando Health. The system keeps track of surgical staples, enabling surgical teams to operate more efficiently and reduce waste.
• Cuneyt Akcora
  Associate professor of finance
  His research examines data science on complex networks and large-scale graph analysis, with applications in social, biological, the internet of things and blockchain networks. �鶹ӳ����ý’s future fintech involvement includes developing an AI lab within the finance department. Researchers participating in the program are looking at having blockchain nodes within the department, allowing them to download and access blockchain data, such as Bitcoin prices and activity on the transaction network. It would enable students to more easily learn about fintech and access up-to-date cryptocurrency information as they conduct research.
• Aritra Dutta
  Assistant professor of mathematics
  College of Sciences
  His research focuses on making AI models and computer systems smarter, private, faster, and more efficient. He works on improving how machines learn from large amounts of data, especially in a distributed setting, and applications in areas like image and video analysis. His interests include advanced machine learning techniques, distributed computing, and mathematical tools that help simplify learning from complex data, giving a foundational aspect to the design of advanced neural network architectures. Dutta has collaborated with major organizations such as Lockheed Martin, 1QB Information Technology, and ExxonMobil.
  
• Amrit Singh Bedi
  Assistant professor of computer science
  His research explores AI for autonomous systems. At a time when AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and daily life, Bedi leads the SAFERR AI (Safety and Fairness for Reliable and Responsible AI) Lab, which aims to develop and test safer, more robust and more reliable AI systems. The interdisciplinary research team addresses critical challenges in ensuring AI systems operate dependably in real-world settings. Bedi has published over 100 papers and received numerous awards for his work on robust AI systems.

Other IAI faculty are: 

• Chen Chen
  Associate professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Xinyu Chen
  Assistant professor of mathematics
  College of Sciences
• Shahana Ibrahim
  Assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Shubhra Kanti Karmaker
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Christian Küemmerle
  Assistant professor of mathematics
  College of Sciences
• Wu Lin
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Jialin Liu
  Assistant professor of statistics and data science
  College of Sciences
• Yogesh Rawat
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yuzhang Shang
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Ali Siahkoohi
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Shashank Sonkar
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yu Tian
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Shruti Vyas
  Assistant professor of material science and engineering
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Song Wang
  Assistant professor of computer science
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yue Wang
  Assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering
  College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Zhenyi Wang
  Assistant professor of computer engineering
  College of Engineering and Computer Science

What Our Partners Say About the Institute

“On behalf of Leidos, I am excited to hear that �鶹ӳ����ý is creating the Institute of AI, under the directorship of Professor Mubarak Shah. I would like to express our strong support as the AI Institute represents a significant and timely investment in national security and technological superiority. The proposed institute’s research focus — ranging the use of machine vision in multiple domains, human and AI coordination, and cyber-AI integration to develop robust security solutions is directly aligned with emerging operational challenges faced by many of Leidos’ customers.

“Leidos has collaborated with �鶹ӳ����ý researchers on computer vision, autonomous operations, remote sensing, and other related technologies needed to further the advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The establishment of the IAI enables a deeper relationship between �鶹ӳ����ý and Leidos to accelerate development and deployment of next-generation AI technologies. It would be a privilege to serve in an advisory capacity for the institute and contribute to aligning the complex challenges faced by industry with emerging AI research produced by the IAI. This ecosystem will also nurture the next wave of AI-enabled systems and train a pipeline of engineers and technologists who are essential to the future workforce.”

-Corey Hendricks, vice president and chief engineer commercial and international, Leidos

“The National Center for Simulation was founded in 1994 to promote dual-use modeling and simulation technology and is the cornerstone for the $7 billion military modeling and simulation enterprise in the Central Florida Research Park. The military’s latest objectives depend highly on AI technology, and �鶹ӳ����ý must be utilizing leading-edge AI technology to compete for valuable research funding projects. This new technology is not only important to �鶹ӳ����ý’s Institute for Modeling and Simulation and the National Center for Simulation, but its development is critical for ensuring national security and we are thrilled to be a partner with the new �鶹ӳ����ý Institute of AI.”

-George Cheros, president and CEO, National Center for Simulation

“At Mitsubishi Power Americas, we view AI as a transformative force — one that is essential for driving innovation, national competitiveness and societal impact. As this technology reshapes industries and redefines capabilities, the creation of this institute represents a timely and critical step toward advancing responsible, high-impact AI research and education. We look forward to the ways these advancements will revolutionize the power generation industry — through predictive maintenance, energy optimization and strengthened cybersecurity.”

“Mitsubishi Power Americas is excited to support the �鶹ӳ����ý Institute of AI through collaborative research initiatives, helping translate innovations into real-world applications, and advancing education through internships and mentorship opportunities. By working together, we hope to contribute to a vibrant ecosystem that empowers the next generation of talent and delivers solutions to the pressing challenges faced by our organization and the global workforce.”

–Shane Mickey, senior vice president of strategic initiatives, Mitsubishi Power Americas

“�鶹ӳ����ý has been a consistent and capable partner in helping us explore advanced simulation, synthetic training environments and emerging digital capabilities. The Institute of AI directly supports our efforts to modernize and scale training through technologies like generative Al and machine learning. We appreciate the leadership role �鶹ӳ����ý continues to play in advancing technology and talent in Central Florida, and across the nation.”

-Col. Marcus Reynolds, program manager for training systems, U.S. Marines

“The launch of the �鶹ӳ����ý AI Institute under Dr. Shah’s leadership signals a defining moment for Central Florida and the nation. AI will shape the next era of medicine, mobility, security and society. AdventHealth is proud to stand alongside �鶹ӳ����ý to unlock the full potential of this technology through trusted partnerships, shared innovation, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of AI leaders.”

-Rob Purinton, chief AI officer, AdventHealth

“Siemens Energy is using artificial intelligence in every aspect of our work, including expanding our Innovation Center Orlando to create a new laboratory that will use AI to analyze the electric grid. The education and workforce development that will take place at the �鶹ӳ����ý Institute of AI will prepare students for this work and many other opportunities in our 21st century economy.”

-Rich Voorberg, president, Siemens Energy North America

“L3Harris is thrilled that �鶹ӳ����ý is creating the Institute of AI, under the directorship of Professor Mubarak Shah. As a leading aerospace and defense technology company, L3Harris is actively advancing AI/ML (machine learning) capabilities to support national security across domains such as space systems, resilient communications and edge computing. We see strong alignment between the IAI’s research and transition goals and our interest in accelerating innovation, supporting IP (intellectual property) generation and transitioning foundational Al advances into deployable defense technologies. L3Harris looks forward to exploring future collaboration opportunities with �鶹ӳ����ý and the new Institute of AI to help shape the next generation of AI technologies that will enhance the security, resilience and sustainability of our nation.”

-Chad Wingate, space and airborne systems AI chief scientist, L3Harris

The traditional financial system is evolving from the days of simple paper notes and metal coins backed by gold. Fintech, or financial technology, refers to computer programs and other technologies used to support or enable banking and financial services. Advancements in technology have led to cost-effective and streamlined financial programs, such as cryptocurrency on blockchains, which are shared digital ledgers.

In 2019, �鶹ӳ����ý launched the fintech program which now features undergraduate certificates and a minor in fintech, a master of science in financial technology, bachelor’s in finance, and online programs in fintech and data analytics. The university also offers the first master’s degree in fintech in Florida. The need for this education and talent development for fintech roles is paramount. In addition to Orlando’s overall projected tech industry job growth in 2030, financial analysts job growth is expected to grow 12.2%, blockchain developers will rise 32% and cyber defense analysts will increase 33% by the same year.

The master’s program graduates 60 to 70 highly qualified students each year. Most of them are currently working for major financial institutions, corporations and consulting companies in Central Florida and beyond. The work done by �鶹ӳ����ý will have a lasting impact on the financial sector for decades to come, and the university is well-positioned to navigate the shifting trends of an ever-evolving field.

Fintech Studies in a Changing Landscape

�鶹ӳ����ý’s future fintech involvement in this area includes developing an artificial intelligence (AI) lab within the finance department. Researchers participating in the program are looking at having blockchain nodes within the department, allowing them to download and access blockchain data, such as Bitcoin prices and activity on the transaction network. It would enable students to more easily learn about fintech and access up-to-date cryptocurrency information as they conduct research.

Associate Professor of Finance Cuneyt Akcora says at the beginning of Bitcoin — the first established cryptocurrency — in 2009, the transaction network data was unstable, which caused researchers to examine Bitcoin and its underlying engine, the blockchain. As interest in blockchain technology grew in 2015, it evolved, leading to the development of stablecoins and online exchanges. Cross-chain lending provided a way to obtain money from blockchains with less interest than typical banks. He says that as technology continues to evolve, banks will continue to adopt cryptocurrency, thus the importance of preparing students for future careers.

“If I’m right, in a few years we will see all major banks and financial institutions have blockchain offices,” Akcora says. “If we can teach our students how to analyze this data, how to be good analysts, for example, scientists that can run code to identify a few things, I think students will find very good jobs.”

Led by finance professor and fintech program director Christo Pirinsky, the program will conduct research on credit analysis projects that predict personal defaults or characteristics.

Pirinsky says the program is already conducting AI-related research on financial intuitions and credit bureaus such as Experian. Faculty and students are examining the access that AI and open-source technology have to personal data, as well as the potential problems that may arise when AI has access to this data.

“How do you draw the line?” he says. “How far do you go [with] data privacy? How far should [companies be allowed to] go in using personal data that you generate?”

The Experts and Expertise Behind the Program

Before coming to �鶹ӳ����ý, Pirinsky worked with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., to examine the interplay between technology, IT-related work and finance.

Pirinsky has published research and conducted extensive data-related studies in finance, utilizing data analytics to gain insights into various subjects including behavioral economics, corporate finance and investments.The exploration of new technologies like AI and production processes by firms is recognized as a key factor shaping the accumulation of knowledge, early-stage innovation and economic development. However, Pirinsky says exploration has been an elusive concept because it is difficult to measure.

In his recent study, A Language-Based Approach to Measuring Creative Exploration, co-authored with �鶹ӳ����ý associate professors of finance Vladimir Gatchev and Buvaneshwaran Venugopal, Pirinsky proposed a new method to measure financial firms’ exploratory activities based on textual analysis of their annual reports. The approach is based on the idea that as firms experiment with new courses of action, they need to use new vocabulary to describe their activities.

For example, Pirinsky says that 15-20 years ago the word “cloud” had a different meaning. Firms discussing clouds were primarily in the agricultural sector until innovative software was developed, leading to cloud computing. By simply observing which firms were the first to use the word “cloud” in a new context, one could identify who was behind this major innovation.

Understanding the Blockchain

Before joining �鶹ӳ����ý in 2023, Akcora began researching fintech in 2017 as he examined Bitcoin price prediction. He shifted to studying blockchains, such as Ripple and Iota, and investigated network anomalies that could be identified as hacking attempts. Through the research, he identified undisclosed ransomware payments on the Bitcoin blockchain.

This multi-year research has now led to Akcora developing a framework that embeds all blockchain addresses, enabling people to search, query and analyze them. Akcora says he hopes to develop a website where a person can view their address and see what has happened on the market regarding cryptocurrency price changes and their implications.

Other studies Akcora has worked on, such as his research paper Bitcoin Risk Modeling with Blockchain Graphs, examined how certain sub-graphs called chainlets showed predictive influence on Bitcoin prices and volatility. The research findings showed there would be activity in the blockchain transaction network that would affect the price days later. Specific transaction activity indicates that people are investing in or selling Bitcoins.

As the fintech field continues to evolve, Pirinsky and Akcora aim to advance research and talent development for the industry, which Akcora notes is an essential effort since �鶹ӳ����ý is one of few universities that offers degrees in the area.