In January 2023, the National Science Foundation announced that UB had been awarded $20 million to create the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. At this institute, researchers are developing artificial intelligence systems to identify and assist young learners with speech and/or language processing challenges and address the nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists. 

In April 2024, UB hosted Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and National Science Foundation Director Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan for the ribbon cutting, celebrating the opening of the 3,000-square-foot institute near Lockwood Library on UB's North Campus. Its headquarters feature a showcase area, offices, meeting spaces and a sandbox-style research observation lab.