Jackson Jambalaya

 Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

The state of Mississippi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NVIDIA to expand AI education, promote research collaboration, enhance workforce development and drive economic development through AI integration.

The signing of this MOU demonstrates Mississippi’s commitment to developing a technologically advanced workforce and positioning the state as a leader in AI and emerging technologies. Through its collaboration with NVIDIA, Mississippi is helping drive innovation across key industries, including agriculture, healthcare, energy and defense.

“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,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “These are the in-demand jobs of the future—jobs that will change the landscape of our economy for generations to come. AI is here now, and it is here to stay. We are proud to partner with NVIDIA on this game-changing initiative and look forward to the many benefits Mississippians will reap as a result.”

“Our collaboration with the state of Mississippi will prepare students for high-tech jobs in key sectors from healthcare to agriculture, strengthening Mississippi's talent pipeline and building skills that are needed for the next wave of innovation,” said Louis Stewart, Head of Strategic Initiatives for NVIDIA’s global developer ecosystem. “Together, we will enhance economic growth through an AI-skilled workforce, advanced research, and industry engagement, positioning Mississippi as a hub for AI-driven transformation to the benefit of its communities.”

Objectives of the collaboration include:

Expand AI education: Mississippi will collaborate with NVIDIA and Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) to introduce cutting-edge AI programs across community colleges, universities and technical institutions. These initiatives will offer certifications, hands-on training and curricula designed to equip students with practical skills in AI, machine learning and data science. Strengthen workforce development across sectors: The collaboration will develop programs to train educators and provide career pathways for students and professionals. These initiatives will prioritize underserved and rural communities to ensure broad access to AI and cybersecurity training opportunities.

Enhance economic growth through AI integration: Mississippi will leverage NVIDIA’s AI expertise to help businesses integrate machine learning and AI solutions into core industries. These efforts aim to boost productivity, resilience and sustainability.

Promote broad-based engagement: To foster a statewide AI ecosystem, the collaboration will include outreach initiatives to involve diverse stakeholders, including small businesses and community organizations.

Promote innovation and research collaborations: The collaboration will help foster joint research projects between MAIN and industry leaders to address emerging challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy and security.

"AI is not just the future—it’s the present. 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,” said AccelerateMS Executive Director Courtney Taylor, Ph.D. “This collaboration with NVIDIA is another step in equipping Mississippians with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy."

Mississippi will lead AI-driven economic development initiatives to attract technology-focused businesses and expand research capabilities. The state also will provide funding support for educational infrastructure, digital access and workforce training programs designed to serve economically disadvantaged and rural communities.

NVIDIA will collaborate with Mississippi’s higher education institutions to develop comprehensive AI training programs, integrate NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute resources and provide hands-on learning experiences. NVIDIA also will facilitate access to teaching kits, subject matter experts and certification pathways to support student preparation for careers in AI-related fields.