Nine top universities sign agreement to establish New Jersey Big Data Alliance

Unprecedented Alliance of New Jersey Universities Works to Advance Computing Innovation and Education in the State

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Nine of the state’s top universities have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formally establish the New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJBDA). Members of the NJBDA are Rutgers University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kean University, Rowan University, St. Peter’s University, Stockton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the newest members of the Alliance, The College of New Jersey and New Jersey Research and Education Network (NJEDge.Net), a non-profit technology network of academic and research institutions in New Jersey. The formation of the NJBDA was a grassroots effort by these universities and NJEDge.Net to pool resources and expertise in order to build capabilities in advanced computing and big data for New Jersey.

Advanced cyberinfrastructure is the hardware, software, networks and human expertise used to store, manage, transport and analyze massive quantities of digital information, known as “big data.” “Big data” refers to the massive volume of structured and unstructured data produced by the proliferation of data sources such as smartphones, wearable technology, sensors and other forms of digital devices. Advanced computing is used in every discipline and industry sector, and has become an essential resource for innovation and growth.

The NJBDA brings together the diverse advanced cyberinfrastructure resources and talent housed at the state’s universities and colleges and NJEDge.net to identify areas of synergy, develop joint educational and research programs, provide advanced computation resources to industry, build an effective alliance that will increase the competitiveness of New Jersey’s institutions of higher education and industry, and drive economic development in the state.

Membership in the NJBDA is open to higher education institutions, industry, government, and non-profits. Being a member of the NJBDA enables stakeholders to provide input and guidance on academic course development, topics for training and workshops, research needs and projects, and the strategic direction of the NJBDA.

Detailed information on the NJBDA can be found at njbigdata.org.