The Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, known as MassTech, of Westborough, has awarded Northeastern University in Boston a $2.2-million grant for a pilot AI Jumpstart Program aimed at helping Massachusetts companies deploy artificial intelligence. The new program will fund computing infrastructure at the Boston school and connect industry partners with facilities and researchers across AI disciplines, according to an announcement from MassTech. MassTech is partnering with Northeastern on the project’s development, working with companies to help them understand the potential benefits of using AI within their firms. “The objective of this program is to increase the competitiveness of Massachusetts’ homegrown businesses, providing them access to world-class technology and experts, as well as the guidance to harness the capabilities of AI,” said Pat Larkin, director of the Innovation Institute at MassTech, in a statement.