NVIDIA Empowers U.S. States, Cities and Universities to Drive AI Innovation and Economic Growth Nationwide

NVIDIA is driving nationwide innovation by expanding access to AI technology across states, municipalities, and universities, aiming to ensure that economic development and educational opportunities in AI are not limited to major urban tech centers. Through strategic partnerships, the company is helping communities across the U.S. build AI infrastructure, train workforces, and prepare students for the future of technology. At NVIDIA GTC Washington, D.C., government and academic leaders are sharing progress on initiatives designed to democratize AI. These efforts include state-level AI factories, municipal strategies for AI-driven growth, and widespread educational programs for learners of all ages. The State of Utah is leading the way with the launch of its first State AI Factory, a collaboration with the University of Utah, NVIDIA, and HPE. Backed by a $50 million investment from public and philanthropic sources, the initiative will more than triple the university’s computing capacity. This enhanced infrastructure will support groundbreaking research in healthcare and science, including projects focused on Alzheimer’s, cancer, genetics, and mental health. University of Utah President Taylor Randall emphasized the goal of building a robust ecosystem for developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs across the state. Utah is also expanding AI education through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program, equipping educators at universities, community colleges, and adult education programs with AI training and certification. This effort is part of a broader movement, with states like California, Mississippi, and Oregon also partnering with NVIDIA to strengthen AI readiness and economic development. In Rancho Cordova, California, a city of about 85,000 residents near Sacramento, a unique municipal AI strategy is underway. In collaboration with NVIDIA and the Human Machine Collaboration Institute (HMCI), the city is building an AI and robotics ecosystem to attract tech businesses. The plan includes reliable power infrastructure and workforce pipelines from local colleges. Revenue generated from new AI ventures will be reinvested into training programs, research, and further infrastructure. City Manager Micah Runner said the initiative is a model for how mid-sized cities can use AI to drive innovation and create new economic opportunities. Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of HMCI, highlighted the importance of this approach: cities don’t need to be Silicon Valley to embrace AI. Rancho Cordova’s model can be replicated nationwide. NVIDIA is also scaling AI education through partnerships with colleges and universities. Miles College, a historically Black college in Alabama, is integrating AI across academic programs, faculty research, and community engagement. With NVIDIA’s support, the college is using Deep Learning Institute resources to train faculty and students, expand AI curricula, and support innovation. Nearly half of Miles College’s faculty are already using AI in course design, and 60% of its research is AI-powered. President Bobbie Knight emphasized that AI fluency will be a core competency for every graduate, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and communities. Knight also launched the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Growth to support HBCU entrepreneurs and boost regional economic development. Leaders from Miles College, the University of Utah, Coppin State University, and Houston City College will join a panel at GTC Washington, D.C., to discuss how institutions are embedding AI into education to meet workforce demands and advance regional goals. NVIDIA is also expanding into K-12 education through collaborations with StudyFetch and CK-12, launching the first phase of its national K-12 AI education plan. This initiative supports the White House’s executive order on advancing AI education for American youth. Sam Whitaker, vice president of social impact at StudyFetch, said the mission is clear: ensure every student, regardless of background, can succeed in the AI era. The work, he said, starts now.