Ann Arbor, MI – June 17, 2026 – Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) at the University of Michigan today announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Presidio to accelerate AI and data science research innovation across campus.
The engagement establishes a comprehensive support system for researchers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and societal impact. Through this collaboration, MIDAS-affiliated researchers will gain access to AWS cloud and AI technology, technical expertise, and hands-on training to advance cutting-edge research projects.
“This strategic engagement with AWS and Presidio represents a novel approach for MIDAS and our research community to leverage industry partners,” said Dr. Jing Liu, Executive Director of MIDAS. “By providing our researchers with access to cutting-edge cloud computing resources and technical expertise in industry, we’re removing barriers to innovation and enabling them to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges. This engagement will accelerate the pace of discovery across disciplines, from healthcare and climate science to social equity and economic development, and help ensure that AI and data science advances benefit everyone.”
MIDAS advances data science and AI research across disciplines to achieve lasting scientific and societal impact. MIDAS supports innovative research and collaboration, provides research resources, offers training for faculty and researchers, hosts postdoctoral and graduate training programs, and develops extensive research partnerships with academia, industry, and government.
Central to this engagement is the Innovation Sandbox on AWS, a self-service cloud environment that empowers MIDAS researchers to rapidly prototype, experiment, and iterate on research projects without the burden of traditional infrastructure provisioning. Through on-demand access to AWS AI and cloud services within a secure, governed environment, researchers can move from idea to proof of concept faster than ever before.
Beyond the Innovation Sandbox, the engagement framework delivers a comprehensive support ecosystem: AWS will help fuel research use case exploration, architectural guidance and hands-on implementation support, and semester-based workshops led by AWS and Presidio ensuring best practices. Presidio will further deepen its commitment through sponsorship of key MIDAS community events.
“The University of Michigan is driving cutting-edge research and development in AI and data science, and AWS is deeply committed to fueling their mission,” said Faisal Hanfi, Director, AWS Public Sector. “The AWS Innovation Sandbox removes the barriers between a researcher’s boldest idea and a working proof of concept—giving them the infrastructure to experiment freely and move at the speed of discovery. By bringing together Michigan’s world-class research talent, AWS’s cloud and AI capabilities, and Presidio’s partnership expertise, we’re creating the conditions for breakthroughs to happen faster and drive meaningful societal impact.”
About MIDAS
The Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) advances cross-cutting research in data science theory, methodology, and applications. MIDAS supports the development and use of data science and AI methods across disciplines, facilitates the work of the broad U-M data science and AI research community, and promotes their use to benefit society. For more information, visit https://midas.umich.edu/.
About Presidio
Presidio is a leading global technology services and solutions provider that helps customers connect IT of today to IT of tomorrow. As an AWS Premier Consulting Partner, Presidio brings proven expertise and a collaborative approach to help organizations design, implement, and manage agile, secure digital platforms. With deep technology expertise across cloud, security, modern IT infrastructure, and networking, Presidio enables customers to accelerate time-to-outcome and innovate in the way they interact with their customers, employees, and partners. For more information, visit https://www.presidio.com/.