Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- The Partnership for Progress
- Scott Data: A Catalyst for Change
- Empowering Local Businesses
- Attracting New AI Ventures
- The Seeker Platform: A New Frontier
- Economic Impact and Future Prospects
- Infrastructure and Innovation: A Vision for the Future
- Challenges and Considerations
- Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution
- FAQ
Key Highlights:
- Growing AI Ecosystem: Omaha is building a foundation for AI adoption through a new partnership between the Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data, aimed at helping local businesses incorporate AI technology.
- Innovative Facilities: Scott Data's advanced data center, equipped with high-speed AI processors, serves as a key resource for startups and businesses looking to harness AI capabilities.
- Strategic Development: Local officials view AI as a critical utility for economic development, with plans to attract AI-focused companies in sectors like healthcare, finance, and agriculture.
Introduction
As cities around the globe race to establish themselves as hubs for artificial intelligence (AI), Omaha, Nebraska, is quietly carving its niche in this transformative landscape. While it may not rival the likes of San Francisco or New York, the city is actively preparing itself to embrace the potential of AI across various sectors. Local officials, recognizing the technology's significance, are taking steps to ensure that Omaha-area businesses are not only ready to leverage AI but are also positioned to attract companies developing innovative AI solutions. This strategic approach is spearheaded by a new partnership between the Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data, a local data center poised to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies.
The Partnership for Progress
The collaboration between the Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data aims to accelerate AI adoption among small and midsize businesses in the area. With a focus on education, technical advising, and affordable access to AI computing resources, this initiative seeks to empower local companies to harness the capabilities of AI and become more innovative in their operations.
Alec Gorynski, senior vice president of economic development with the chamber, emphasizes the importance of AI, stating, "It's here. It's not going anywhere. And it absolutely will be impactful to every industry." This sentiment underpins the partnership's mission: to equip Omaha's businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Scott Data: A Catalyst for Change
At the heart of this initiative is Scott Data, a 110,000-square-foot data center located in the Aksarben area. Founded by the late Walter Scott Jr., a former Kiewit CEO, Scott Data has undergone significant enhancements over the past two years, including the integration of high-speed AI processors. Ken Moreano, president and CEO of Scott Data, asserts, "We like to say we are experts from concrete to the cloud." This expertise positions Scott Data as a crucial ally for businesses looking to explore AI applications.
The data center's robust infrastructure is likened to a utility, akin to Omaha's reliable electric power supply. Gorynski notes that just as the city’s energy grid attracts new businesses, its AI capacity can draw firms eager to leverage advanced technologies. This analogy underscores the critical role that AI infrastructure will play in Omaha's economic development.
Empowering Local Businesses
The partnership has already yielded tangible results in terms of workshops and consultations aimed at identifying AI opportunities across various industries, including agriculture and manufacturing. Makayla Leiting, the chamber's senior manager for industry development and innovation, is actively engaging with local businesses to help them understand how they can incorporate AI into their operations.
For instance, a cattle company has successfully implemented a system that uses AI to monitor individual animals, analyzing behavior patterns and health indicators. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also plays a vital role in disease management, showcasing the potential for AI to transform traditional industries.
Attracting New AI Ventures
While the immediate focus is on supporting existing businesses, the partnership also aims to attract new companies developing AI capabilities that align with Omaha's key industries, such as insurance, financial services, and healthcare. Scott Data's infrastructure, which offers co-location services and startup support, positions it as an attractive destination for AI startups seeking a secure and efficient operational environment.
The data center already hosts around 110 customers in its co-location operation, providing essential support for businesses that may otherwise struggle to access the necessary technology and resources. By lowering the barriers to entry for AI implementation, Scott Data is fostering a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation and collaboration.
The Seeker Platform: A New Frontier
In a significant development, Scott Data recently introduced its private AI platform, known as Seeker. This secure, Chat GPT-like product allows businesses to utilize AI without the risk of their data being mixed with that of other users, a critical consideration for companies concerned about data privacy. The platform has already begun onboarding customers, demonstrating Scott Data's commitment to providing tailored AI solutions that meet the unique needs of local businesses.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the economic potential of AI is immense. Javier Fernandez, president and CEO of OPPD, highlights that AI technology is anticipated to significantly enhance productivity, potentially yielding three times the economic output for each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed compared to current standards. This promise of increased efficiency underscores the urgency for Omaha to establish itself as a player in the AI space.
Scott Data’s journey began in 2002, and the organization's evolution has been marked by strategic decisions that have positioned it to support AI initiatives effectively. With a focus on innovation, the data center is now equipped with 96 servers and the capacity to expand significantly, further solidifying its role in Omaha's economic landscape.
Infrastructure and Innovation: A Vision for the Future
The vision for Omaha extends beyond merely implementing AI within existing businesses. There is an ambition to leverage the resources offered by Scott Data to foster entrepreneurship and develop new capabilities built on AI. This forward-thinking approach aims to cultivate a culture of innovation that will drive economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Moreano emphasizes the center's role in helping businesses navigate the complexities of AI: "Let's help them understand how this innovation, this revolution, can actually help their business, both the historical business and where they want to go in the future." This commitment to supporting local enterprises is fundamental to the long-term success of Omaha's AI initiative.
Challenges and Considerations
While the prospects for AI integration in Omaha are promising, there are challenges that must be addressed. Businesses often face hurdles when it comes to understanding how to implement AI effectively, particularly those without dedicated teams to explore technological advancements. The partnership between the Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data seeks to mitigate these challenges through comprehensive support and resources.
Moreover, as the AI landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for Omaha to remain agile and responsive to emerging trends and technologies. Continuous investment in infrastructure, education, and workforce development will be crucial in ensuring that the region remains competitive in the face of growing global competition.
Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution
Omaha's journey into the world of artificial intelligence is just beginning, but the foundation being laid by local officials and organizations like Scott Data is commendable. By fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, the city is positioning itself to become a key player in the increasingly AI-driven economy. As businesses adapt and evolve, the potential for growth and transformation is significant, not only for individual companies but for the entire region.
The partnership between the Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data exemplifies a proactive approach to economic development, recognizing that AI is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift that will impact every industry. With continued investment and commitment to fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem, Omaha has the potential to emerge as a significant contender in the national landscape of artificial intelligence.
FAQ
What is the Greater Omaha Chamber's role in AI development? The Greater Omaha Chamber is collaborating with Scott Data to accelerate AI adoption among local businesses, providing education, technical advising, and access to AI computing resources.
How does Scott Data support local businesses? Scott Data offers a secure data center equipped with high-speed AI processors, co-location services, and consulting support to help businesses incorporate AI into their operations.
What industries in Omaha are expected to benefit from AI? Key industries expected to benefit from AI include agriculture, manufacturing, insurance, financial services, and healthcare.
What is the Seeker platform? The Seeker platform is a private AI solution developed by Scott Data, allowing businesses to utilize AI while ensuring their data remains secure and separate from others.
What are the long-term goals for AI in Omaha? The long-term goals include fostering entrepreneurship, attracting AI startups, and ensuring that Omaha remains competitive in the evolving AI landscape through continuous investment in infrastructure and workforce development.