Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland’s AI Innovation Lab, a new initiative within the Maryland Department of Information Technology designed to help state agencies expand the use of artificial intelligence through shared tools, infrastructure, training, and expert support.
The AI Innovation Lab will provide agencies with a secure testing environment, ready-to-use software packages, and technical guidance to develop and deploy AI solutions. The lab will also support major state initiatives, including Maryland’s partnership with Anthropic to explore ways artificial intelligence can help address child poverty and improve government services. Officials said the lab will offer chatbot development tools, AI security testing, and consulting services to help agencies responsibly implement new technologies.
State leaders pointed to existing AI projects already producing results, including an AI-powered tool that helps state fleet drivers locate approved maintenance vendors. Officials estimate the system could save Maryland between $1 million and $1.5 million annually. The AI Innovation Lab will be led by Pat McLoughlin, executive director of the Maryland Benefits Platform, and all AI systems developed through the program will be required to comply with Maryland’s Responsible AI Policy governing data privacy, security, and oversight.
