This Earth Day, learn how robots, AI, and other smart technologies can connect with agriculture through an innovative community event.

The first AgriTech & AI Innovation Expo will take place Tuesday, April 22, at Albany State University’s West Campus. This daylong event features a powerful coalition of partners, including Georgia AIM, Albany State University, the Consulate General of the Netherlands, The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery, and the Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute.

This free event brings cutting-edge AI, robotics, and agriculture-focused technology directly to Southwest Georgia through interactive exhibits, expert panels, and hands-on demonstrations. A key highlight includes the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio, a mobile innovation lab that delivers immersive tech experiences to inspire the next generation of rural innovators and problem-solvers.

The Georgia AIM Mobile Studio is powered by Georgia AIM partners the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) and the University of Georgia College of Engineering. The technology developed for the mobile studio is shaping the future of workforce development, job creation, and economic opportunity across Georgia.

The event is one more way Georgia AIM is connecting to communities across the state, said Donna Ennis, co-director of Georgia AIM and vice president of community engagement for Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute. Ennis will also be speaking at the event.

“Agri-tech is essential to rural economies, particularly in Southwest Georgia,” she said. “This event is a great opportunity for residents and officials to come together and explore new and emerging technology. We want residents to feel empowered and inspired by what’s possible.”

Empowering Communities Through AI and Innovation

As AI continues to transform traditional industries, this event will highlight how technology is creating new opportunities in rural areas and preparing communities for high-growth careers in AI-powered manufacturing and precision agriculture. The event features:

• Breakout sessions with visiting professors from the Netherlands and industry leaders on agri-tech, automation, and AI.
• Interactive exhibits showcasing robotics, smart farming, and AI-driven automation.
• Panel discussions addressing technical training, funding access, and job creation in AI and agriculture.
• Networking opportunities with students, business owners, and policymakers focused on technology-driven workforce development.

Job-growth forecasts predict a surge in AI and automation-focused roles by 2030. Developing the skills for these jobs is critical to driving economic mobility in Georgia and beyond. The AgriTech & AI Innovation Expo will serve as a blueprint for preparing communities, educators, and industries for the next era of innovation, said organizer and Albany resident Clinton Banks-Vicks.

“The Russell Center’s presence and participation with the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio will allow the opportunity to maximize our resources by exposing a very diverse group of rural Georgians to the agricultural technology and AI innovation that will be leading our workforce,” said Banks-Vicks, Georgia AIM community engagement specialist for RICE and owner of the Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery.

The mobile studio provides an interactive experience is designed to introduce AI-powered manufacturing processes to students, educators, and business leaders; showcase automation and robotics as solutions to workforce challenges; and provide hands-on learning experiences to prepare Georgia’s workforce for the jobs of the future. The mobile studio is a part of Georgia AIM’s broader mission to ensure that rural communities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups in manufacturing have access to cutting-edge technology, positioning the entire state for success in a rapidly evolving economy.

This free event is open to high school seniors, college students, farmers, educators, business leaders, government officials, and community members curious how AI and agri-tech can fuel economic and workforce development.

Event Details:

• Date:Tuesday, April 22
• Location:Albany State University, West Campus
• Activities:Interactive exhibits, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and lunch provided
• Register Here