GVSU Awarded $1M for 'Trustworthy AI' Initiative

Funding will establish new West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium at university's Blue Dot tech hub

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten announced over $1 million in federal support for Grand Valley State University to lead the development of 'trustworthy' artificial intelligence. The funding will help establish GVSU's new West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium, which will operate in the future College of Computing as part of the university's $166 million Blue Dot technology hub in downtown Grand Rapids.

Why it matters

As AI continues to transform industries and communities, this initiative aims to ensure Michigan plays a leadership role in shaping the future of AI technology in a way that is transparent, responsible, and worthy of public trust. The consortium will work with partners to advance AI research, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and develop frameworks for ethical AI governance.

The details

The congressionally directed funding will support GVSU's new West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium, which will be housed in the university's future College of Computing as part of the Blue Dot tech hub. Through the consortium, GVSU will collaborate with partners in academia, industry, government, and nonprofits to lead advanced AI research, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and develop frameworks for AI governance aligned with national standards.

  • On February 6, 2026, the GVSU Board of Trustees approved $166 million in project plans to build the new Blue Dot technology hub in downtown Grand Rapids.
  • On February 18, 2026, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten announced the $1 million in federal funding for GVSU's Trustworthy AI initiative at a press briefing.

The players

Hillary Scholten

U.S. Representative who announced the $1 million in federal funding for GVSU's Trustworthy AI initiative.

Philomena Mantella

President of Grand Valley State University.

Marouane Kessentini

Dean of GVSU's College of Computing.

Grand Valley State University

A public university in Michigan that is leading the development of a 'trustworthy AI' initiative with $1 million in federal funding.

West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium

A new consortium that will be established at GVSU's Blue Dot tech hub to advance AI research, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and develop frameworks for ethical AI governance.

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What they’re saying

“Artificial intelligence is no longer some far-off concept. It's here, and it's shaping our communities every single day in the products we manufacture, small businesses, delivery of health care and the training of our workforce. The question in front of us is not whether AI will change the future; it's how we can guide those changes thoughtfully.”

— Hillary Scholten, U.S. Representative (mlive.com)

“As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, higher education has the responsibility to ensure that advancement is paired with purpose. Through our Blue Dot ecosystem, we bring together faculty expertise, students, applied research and regional partners in a coordinated approach that delivers meaningful benefits to the individual and the communities we serve.”

— Philomena Mantella, President, Grand Valley State University (mlive.com)

“At a time when AI is rapidly transforming our economy and our society, this initiative focuses on building AI systems that are transparent, responsible, secure and worthy of public trust.”

— Marouane Kessentini, Dean, GVSU College of Computing (mlive.com)

What’s next

The new West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium will begin operations as part of GVSU's Blue Dot tech hub, with the goal of advancing AI research, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and developing frameworks for ethical AI governance.

The takeaway

This initiative positions GVSU and West Michigan as leaders in shaping the future of AI technology in a way that prioritizes transparency, responsibility, and public trust. By proactively addressing the societal impacts of AI, the university aims to ensure these transformative tools are deployed thoughtfully and for the benefit of the community.