Georgia is strengthening its position as a leading center for artificial intelligence and technology innovation. The Georgia Center of Innovation, part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, works with businesses across the state to support growth and adoption of new technologies.
According to David Nuckolls, Executive Director at the Center of Innovation, “When there’s the need to embrace new technologies, such as one of the most prevalent, in artificial intelligence, Georgia provides the right ecosystem for companies to develop, grow, adapt, and be successful.”
The Center focuses on several key industries in Georgia—such as aerospace and defense, agricultural technology, energy technology, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing—to connect businesses with resources that help drive innovation. Nuckolls stated: “Through our focus in many of the state’s strategic industries – aerospace and defense, agricultural technology, energy technology, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing – we’re able to understand the resources found within the state and then use our industry expertise to create meaningful connections that enable growth.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming increasingly important across various sectors including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain. Nuckolls noted: “Perhaps one technology with broad industry implications discussed most is artificial intelligence and machine learning. From retail, health care, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, and many other industries, the growing presence of AI and machine learning will continue to provide opportunities for companies to innovate.”
Georgia’s emergence as a tech hub has been driven by efforts such as Tech Square in Atlanta—a location now home to more than 30 Corporate Innovation Centers operated by companies like Delta Air Lines and The Home Depot. Universities in Atlanta—including Georgia Tech—contribute significant talent pipelines.
“Georgia is well positioned for this shift in industry due to its growing nature as a regional and national tech hub. By various metrics our state continues to rank top tier in many elements related to innovation,” said Nuckolls.
Other cities such as Savannah and Augusta are also seeing growth in innovation-driven communities. Assets like the Port of Savannah—the fastest-growing seaport in the nation—and research centers including University of Georgia’s Innovation Gateway add strength to Georgia’s tech landscape.
Nuckolls pointed out recent business successes: “From 2015-2019 Georgia had four companies reach this status [over $1 billion valuation]. However in just six months of 2020 four additional companies that call the state home reached this momentous milestone.” These companies include Greenlight, SalesLoft, Calendly and Bakkt.
Even during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic’s first year (July–December 2020), project locations and expansions led to record-setting job creation—16,000 new jobs—and nearly $6 billion in investment statewide.
Education plays a central role in developing local talent for future jobs. The Georgia Department of Education prioritizes STEAM fields from K-12 onward. State colleges graduate over 2,400 IT bachelor’s degree students annually.
“This level of talent is what led companies like Microsoft to open a major presence in the state,” said Nuckolls. Apple and Southern Company have also invested $25 million each into initiatives supporting historically Black colleges through facilities like Propel Center at Atlanta University Center.
Research leadership is another highlight; University of Georgia has repeatedly ranked among top U.S. schools for products developed by industry partners based on university research discoveries.
Major corporations are implementing AI into their operations while startups—supported by programs such as Advanced Technology Development Center—develop solutions applicable across aerospace, FinTech (financial technology), logistics and manufacturing sectors.
“Georgia is a state where technologies like artificial intelligence can be advanced,” concluded Nuckolls. “Through the state’s strong tech hub…abundance of resources like the Georgia Center of Innovation that ensure company successes…the state will be a leader in advanced technologies for years to come.”
