Tulsa's Greenwood District Set to Become AI Hub Through NVIDIA and Black Tech Street Partnership

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Training 10,000 Future Innovators
4. Local Economy at the Core of the Mission
5. A Collaborative Vision with Broad Support
6. What Comes Next for Greenwood and Beyond

Key Highlights:

• Major Investment: NVIDIA collaborates with Black Tech Street to establish Greenwood, Tulsa, as a national AI leader, training up to 10,000 individuals.
• Local Impact: The initiative aims to stimulate high-paying tech jobs and support local startups through NVIDIA’s resources and educational programs.
• Growing Ecosystem: The partnership lays the groundwork for expanding technological innovation across Oklahoma and contributing to economic growth.

Introduction

The fusion of technology and community empowerment is set to take a transformative leap in Tulsa's historic Greenwood District, famously known as the original Black Wall Street. In a groundbreaking partnership, NVIDIA, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has teamed up with Black Tech Street to launch an extensive AI education and innovation initiative. The collaboration is designed to not only reshape the technological landscape of Tulsa but also to enhance the economic fabric of the region itself, aiming to train up to 10,000 learners and support local entrepreneurs. This partnership signals a robust commitment to community-driven growth, serving as a model for other regions looking to harness the power of AI for economic and social advancement.

Training 10,000 Future Innovators

Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Greenwood AI Center of Excellence, which will spearhead training programs tailored for students, workers, and budding entrepreneurs across Tulsa. The project has secured significant funding through Tulsa's Tech Hub award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with $10.6 million allocated specifically for the AI center.

This comprehensive training plan involves collaboration with local educational institutions, including Langston University, Tulsa Community College, and Oklahoma State University. By involving local educators and institutions, the initiative ensures that the training provided is relevant, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the community. Furthermore, educators will gain access to certifications through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program, enabling them to utilize NVIDIA’s cloud-based tools powered by cutting-edge GPUs.

Such an investment in human capital is crucial in a rapidly evolving job market increasingly dominated by technology. Providing extensive training opportunities will help equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in AI-driven environments. As Terrance Billingsley II, CEO of Black Tech Street, asserts, this effort represents a monumental opportunity for the community, emphasizing the impact on the ground.

Local Economy at the Core of the Mission

The partnership aims not only to train future technologists but to ignite a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within Greenwood. NVIDIA's commitment extends to offering startups access to its Inception program, which facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through technology support and networking opportunities. The integration of local startups into this ecosystem is integral, providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Advanced computing resources will also be made available to local AI projects, including access to NVIDIA’s powerful GPUs and cloud platforms. This access allows innovators to experiment and develop AI applications without the substantial upfront costs typically associated with acquiring such technology. With these resources, local entrepreneurs have the potential to create groundbreaking solutions that can ripple through various industries, stimulating economic growth and generating high-paying jobs in the process.

Billingsley recognizes the broader implications of this partnership for Greenwood, envisioning a future where technology plays a central role in driving economic transformation. “The next step is getting NVIDIA integrated into the community, getting certain programs up and running for people to take advantage of,” he noted. By prioritizing local engagement, the project seeks to align technological advancements with community needs, paving the way for lasting change.

A Collaborative Vision with Broad Support

This initiative is not merely a localized effort; its vision extends across the entire state of Oklahoma. As U.S. Senator James Lankford remarked, Oklahoma is emerging as a national leader in next-generation innovation across various sectors, including AI and aerospace. This sentiment points to a growing recognition that innovation is not confined to the coastal tech hubs but can be cultivated in diverse regions across the country.

Louis Stewart, NVIDIA's head of ecosystem development, echoed this vision by highlighting the significance of collaboration within the Tulsa ecosystem. By preparing and equipping all segments of the workforce to operate transformative technologies, the partnership aims to build a robust foundation for America's future in tech. Such initiatives could inspire similar collaborations in other regions, emphasizing the importance of localized efforts in fostering technological advancement.

Mayor Monroe Nichols expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the potential for job creation and the positive impact on the community. “NVIDIA and Black Tech Street are setting the stage for new jobs for Tulsans,” he stated, underscoring the dual objectives of innovation and community enrichment.

What Comes Next for Greenwood and Beyond

Looking ahead, Black Tech Street is poised to continue its collaborative efforts with various partners, including Tulsa Innovation Labs, Microsoft, and the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, to broaden the program's reach and impact. This ongoing commitment to collaboration will ensure that the benefits of technology education and innovation extend well beyond the launch phase.

As various stakeholders come together, plans for community events, workshops, and additional training sessions will likely emerge, creating a vibrant atmosphere of learning and opportunity. This proactive approach aims to foster a sense of community ownership over the technological advancements being pursued and to encourage a culture of innovation that can sustain long-term growth.

Tulsa’s Greenwood District, once synonymous with economic prosperity in the early 20th century, stands on the verge of a new renaissance powered by artificial intelligence. By investing in education and entrepreneurship, the partnership between Black Tech Street and NVIDIA not only revives the district's historical legacy but also reimagines it for a future that aligns with the demands of a new technological era.

With the groundwork laid through this collaboration, the potential for Greenwood to emerge as an AI hub is immense. By positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, Tulsa is on track to attract new industries, retain talent, and generate meaningful economic opportunities for its residents.

FAQ

Q: How will the partnership between NVIDIA and Black Tech Street specifically benefit the local community?
A: The partnership aims to provide training for up to 10,000 individuals, support local startups through technology resources, and create high-paying tech jobs, thereby revitalizing the local economy.

Q: What type of training programs will be offered?
A: The AI Center of Excellence will offer various training programs targeting students, workers, and entrepreneurs, in collaboration with local educational institutions.

Q: How does this initiative support local startups?
A: Startups will gain access to NVIDIA's Inception program, which provides technology support, networking opportunities, and advanced computing resources, helping them develop and grow within the local ecosystem.

Q: Is this initiative limited to Tulsa?
A: No, while it begins in Tulsa, the vision includes expanding technological innovation and education across Oklahoma, reinforcing the state’s leadership in next-generation industries.

Q: How can local residents get involved in these AI training programs?
A: Interested individuals can look for announcements from Black Tech Street and partnering educational institutions regarding enrollment and program details as they become available.