Today, the Mississippi Governor’s Office announced an award of a $7.1 million RESTORE Act grant to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to expand the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN). As the nation’s first statewide AI initiative, MAIN is a collaborative effort among all 15 Mississippi community colleges, multiple universities, and public and private organizations, uniting under a common goal of transforming Mississippi’s economy and workforce through artificial intelligence.

“This grant is a pivotal step forward for Mississippi’s future,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC President. “With the support of this funding, MGCCC and our partners across the state will empower a new generation with cutting-edge skills, prepare our industries for unprecedented growth, and position Mississippi as a leader in the national AI landscape. We are deeply grateful for this investment, which will open new doors of opportunity for our students, our workforce, and our communities.”

This substantial investment in MAIN places Mississippi at the forefront of AI advancement, creating opportunities to develop, educate, and employ Mississippians in high-demand fields like AI, cloud computing, and data science. The new grant will allow MAIN to establish the first artificial intelligence hub on the Gulf Coast, expanding statewide access to advanced training, technology, and industry partnerships that will drive both local and statewide economic growth. The inaugural AI Hub along the Gulf Coast lays the groundwork for additional hubs across the state.

“Mississippi is on the precipice of a major technological transformation, and MAIN will play a central role in that journey,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodward, MGCCC’s Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus. “The establishment of our first hub will not only benefit students and local industries but will also serve as an economic catalyst for the entire state, preparing our workforce to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.”

With AI expected to play a critical role in multiple industries, Mississippi’s need for trained professionals in machine learning, data science, and business intelligence is projected to increase significantly. The MAIN Hub will serve as a state-of-the-art training center, preparing students with hands-on experience in fields that are seeing rapid growth and creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and defense.

“This grant is more than an investment in technology; it’s an investment in Mississippi’s future,” said Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of MAIN. “By empowering individuals and institutions across the state with advanced AI skills, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and positioning Mississippi as a competitive player on the national stage.”

The MAIN Hub will not only deliver cutting-edge AI training but will also foster collaboration across multiple sectors, from disaster management to agriculture and maritime. This statewide initiative is aimed at addressing Mississippi’s specific needs while contributing to AI-related economic development that will benefit communities statewide. The AI Hub will be supported by additional funding for infrastructure, software, and industry-specific solutions, creating a sustainable ecosystem for innovation that attracts both talent and investment to Mississippi.

As MAIN works in conjunction with the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI), MGCCC envisions establishing an AI and cybersecurity corridor along the Gulf Coast, with the MAIN Hub ultimately growing into the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Center, which would complement the Mississippi Cyber Center. This synergy between AI and cybersecurity will create a powerful force for innovation and job creation, helping Mississippi build a resilient economy for the future.

For more information on MAIN and how it is reshaping Mississippi’s technological landscape, visit mgccc.edu/mississippi-artificial-intelligence-network.