Page 46 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Spring 2021 Digital Interactive Issue

■ DIGITAL FABRICATION LIBRARY AT GEORGIA TECH; PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGIA TECH

GEORGIA – A GROWING TECH HUB FOR AI

In the State of Georgia, innovation is not just a talking point, but rather an Georgia’s emergence as a Tech Hub began a little more than a decade
integrated element of our economic development story. When there’s the ago when Georgia Tech made the first jump across the interstate to
need to embrace new technologies, such as one of the most prevalent, build what is now known as Tech Square. This unique place is home
in artificial intelligence, Georgia provides the right ecosystem for companies to to more than 30 Corporate Innovation Centers including corporate
develop, grow, adapt, and be successful. titans like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, AT&T, and Honeywell.
Tech Square also provides access to top talent in the metro Atlanta area
At the Georgia Centers of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department including schools like Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory
of Economic Development, it’s our mission to work with businesses throughout University, and the Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs)
the state to help them clear the path for innovation and find easier ways schools found within Atlanta’s University Center. In addition to talent
to embrace new technologies. Through our focus in many of the state’s and corporate engagements, top research facilities and data centers
strategic industries – aerospace and defense, agricultural technology, continue to enable new innovations. The convergence of all of these right
energy technology, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing elements has led many corporations including NCR, Anthem, and
– we’re able to understand the resources found within the state and then use Norfolk Southern to also co-locate in the same area.
our industry expertise to create meaningful connections that enable growth.
It’s not just the growth of Tech Square that has made the state a successful
This is especially true with disruptive technologies and their potential hub. Through communities like Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon,
impact on the industry. Perhaps one technology with broad industry and Athens, Georgia is seeing innovative communities take on their
implications discussed most is artificial intelligence and machine learning. From own flavor and help generate cutting-edge opportunities in all parts
retail, health care, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, and many of the state. With tremendous strengths including the nation’s fastest
other industries, the growing presence of AI and machine learning will growing seaport in the Port of Savannah, the nation’s No. 1 research
continue to provide opportunities for companies to innovate. licensing university in the University of Georgia, the home of Army Cyber
Command and state-invested Georgia Cyber Center, and growing software
Georgia is well positioned for this shift in industry due to its growing innovation assets in Middle Georgia, the state’s innovation and technology
nature as a regional and national tech hub. By various metrics, our state offerings are uniquely complete.
continues to rank top tier in many elements related to innovation, and
we continue to look inward through new initiatives like the Partnership for Perhaps the best testament to the state’s success is the number of companies
Inclusive Innovation. This Partnership is meant to ensure that innovation that have reached more than $1 billion in total valuation. From 2015-
is available to everyone throughout the state, no matter their zip code 2019, Georgia had four companies reach this status. However, in just
or size of community. In fact, as recently as 2020, Atlanta was named six months of 2020, four additional companies that call the state home
the No. 1 Tech Hub by Business Facilities magazine. reached this momentous milestone. The fact that these companies – Greenlight,

46. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL