Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and ASU launch new learning innovation center focused on AI
Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is adding artificial intelligence to her post-Senate portfolio.
Sinema recently launched the new Spark Center for Innovation in Learning with Arizona State University. Sinema funded the initiative with $3 million from her campaign account, she told The Arizona Republic.
It’s a partnership with OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind the powerful chatbot ChatGPT, aimed at finding new ways to help neurodivergent people learn.
“Looking forward to advancing AI solutions for neurodivergent learners, and I’m so excited to partner with @OpenAI in this work,” Sinema wrote on X.
The center aims to “accelerate breakthroughs in AI-driven technologies that support neurodivergent individuals throughout their educational journeys, from pre-K to high school to higher education and as they prepare to enter the workforce,” according to its website.
To do that, the center is creating a “Global AI Competition.” The contest is billed as an “an open call to startups for AI-driven solutions for neurodivergent learners.”
Sinema, an ASU graduate, said that her inspiration for launching the Spark Center for Innovation in Learning came from her time as a social worker at a school in Phoenix’s Sunnyslope neighborhood.
Sinema contributed $3 million to the center through the nonprofit ASU Foundation.
The former Arizona lawmaker said she saw children fall behind in school because they thought and worked differently than other students, leading her to believe there is a “treasure trove of untapped potential” in schools that she hopes to nurture.
“It will foster new technology that will support neurodiverse learners at every age – ensuring every learner has the tools they need to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Sinema said.
The center launched on April 8 and the application process to participate in its AI competition will begin in May 2025.
Competition finalists will present their projects at an annual summit in 2026 hosted by ASU and the “growth investment platform” Global Silicon Valley, according to ASU. 
Sinema has picked up several roles since she opted not to run for another Senate term in 2024. The Arizona independent is an adviser at the law firm Hogan Lovells, sits on an advisory board for the cryptocurrency company Coinbase and founded her own Arizona Business Roundtable.
Artificial intelligence has long been an area of interest for Sinema. She was a member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus during her time on Capitol Hill, and Hogan Lovells touted her AI and tech experience in announcing her new role at the firm.