MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has opened a new artificial intelligence lab in partnership with Microsoft, marking what officials say is the first AI Co-Innovation Lab focused on manufacturing and the only one located on a college campus.

University leaders and company representatives announced the lab’s launch during an event held Wednesday, June 25.

The facility aims to support both academic research and private-sector development in the AI sector, particularly in areas relevant to Wisconsin’s manufacturing economy.

Brian Thompson, chief innovation and partnership officer at UW-Milwaukee, said, "It is an opportunity for businesses to come in and learn how to implement AI solutions in their business." He added, "The students are here at UWM working in the Connected [Systems] Institute and we’re looking forward to getting them involved in projects with companies."

According to Microsoft, there are only five AI Co-Innovation Labs globally.