Last updated on January 31st, 2025 at 02:31 pm
Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) is driving success stories across the state, with its latest achievement being a key role in hosting Vice President Kamala Harris as she launched her Economic Opportunity Tour in Atlanta this past April.
The multi-state tour aims to highlight ways the Biden-Harris administration is supporting economic growth and investment in communities. Georgia AIM is a prime example, fostering technology-driven training, job creation, and advancements in manufacturing statewide. Alongside Georgia AIM, the Georgia Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (Georgia MBC) and Southeast Business Hub, both programs administered by Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, participated in the event at the Georgia International Convention Center near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“This event was an opportunity to showcase how Georgia AIM is helping manufacturers adopt cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence to remain competitive,” said Donna Ennis, co-director of Georgia AIM. “With support from the federal Build Back Better initiative, we are working to equip businesses with tools that drive growth and innovation in Georgia’s manufacturing sector.”
Before Vice President Harris’s arrival, attendees explored exhibits from banks, nonprofits, and government agencies aimed at strengthening Georgia’s economy. The Georgia AIM booth, featuring a robotic “cobot” demonstrating advanced manufacturing capabilities and an array of 3D-printed industrial materials, was a standout attraction. Ryan Scott, Georgia AIM’s community engagement manager, and Kyle Saleeby, a research engineer with the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI), engaged attendees eager to learn about AI-driven solutions for modern manufacturing.
The program included a discussion between Harris and Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, hosts of the popular financial literacy podcast Earn Your Leisure. Harris addressed a crowd of 400, focusing on the administration’s efforts to expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs. “We are putting significant resources into the hands of America’s entrepreneurs,” Harris said. “It’s important to ensure businesses know what’s available to help them grow and succeed.”
Georgia AIM is among the beneficiaries of this federal support, receiving $65 million in funding to bolster its efforts across the state. The event also featured remarks from Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Representative Nikema Williams, who joined Harris earlier at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). RICE, a partner of Georgia AIM, is collaborating with researchers at the University of Georgia to create a mobile lab showcasing AI-based technologies for communities across the state.
“Georgia AIM is proud to be part of the broader effort to strengthen businesses and grow the state’s manufacturing capabilities,” Ennis said. “The administration’s focus on empowering entrepreneurs aligns with our mission to help businesses stay competitive in an evolving economy.”