Mississippi has taken significant steps towards establishing itself as a leader in the tech sector by partnering with NVIDIA, the global technology corporation. This collaboration, formalized with a memorandum of understanding in June 2023, aims to enhance large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) education, workforce development, and economic initiatives throughout the state. The initiative is expected to create numerous opportunities for residents, businesses, and investors, positioning Mississippi as a burgeoning tech hub in the southern United States.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with NVIDIA is monumental for Mississippi. By expanding AI education, investing in workforce development, and encouraging innovation, we, along with NVIDIA, are creating a pathway to dynamic careers in AI and cybersecurity for Mississippians.” He emphasized that these careers represent the jobs of the future that will reshape the state’s economy for generations.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
Mississippi’s initiative mirrors efforts in other states, such as Utah, California, and Oregon, which have also formed agreements with NVIDIA. The state plans to integrate AI, machine learning, and data science programs into its community colleges, universities, and technical schools. The goal is to train 10,000 residents for careers in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, with educators certified through NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute.
Courtney Taylor, executive director of Accelerate MS, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “By expanding AI education and fostering collaboration between our research institutions, industry leaders, and workforce initiatives, we are creating an ecosystem that drives innovation and expands Mississippi’s capabilities in AI and cybersecurity.”
In addition to its partnership with NVIDIA, Mississippi has established the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the nation’s first AI system aimed at guiding the state’s approach to AI and workforce development. The state also recently launched the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP), supported by $9.1 million in grants to institutions of higher education. This initiative is part of a broader effort to attract next-generation employers to Mississippi.
Investment and Job Creation
A major player in this transformation is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which has invested $10 billion in a data center that has already created 1,000 jobs, with an average salary of $66,000. The presence of AWS has catalyzed further interest from other companies, including AVAIO Digital, which is establishing a $6 billion data center complex in Brandon, east of Jackson. Governor Reeves noted the substantial impact of AWS on the local economy, stating, “The AWS project has had a remarkable ripple effect.”
The benefits of this economic shift are evident in the ongoing workforce training programs. For instance, Meridian Community College has provided targeted training for over 400 companies and 14,000 individuals in the 2024-25 period, supporting businesses such as Lockheed Martin and Fairbanks Scales. Additionally, East Mississippi Community College has developed noncredit, stackable credential pathways tailored to the needs of employers in the region.
Mississippi’s focus on tech-driven economic initiatives aligns with a favorable business climate. The state is in the process of eliminating individual income tax, and in 2024, it was ranked number 2 in real GDP growth among U.S. states. Major companies already operating in Mississippi include Nissan, Toyota, and Northrop Grumman, underscoring the state’s attractiveness to businesses.
As Mississippi forges ahead, the concerted efforts in workforce development and infrastructure investment are paying dividends. Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, remarked on the momentum generated by the AWS project: “AWS choosing Mississippi affirms that we’re not just in the game, but we’re in it to win it.” The collaborative efforts among state officials, educational institutions, and industry leaders signal a robust future for Mississippi’s economy, positioning it as a key player in the emerging tech landscape.