JACKSON, Mich. — Gov. Tate Reeves today announced the launch of the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP). MAI-TAP is a new initiative that will promote the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related technical capabilities across the state's institutions of higher education to support the expansion of Amazon Web Services in Mississippi. Additionally, the initiative will create training infrastructure that benefits the broader technology and information infrastructure sector. This initiative is a partnership between Acceleratems, Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Gov. Reeves has also announced a $9.1 million grant to institutions of higher education through MAI-TAP. The grant is a strategic investment in Mississippi's future workforce and economic competitiveness.
“This is another bold step for Mississippi,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “We're not just preparing for the future. We're building it. This investment will help ensure that Mississippi has the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”
MAI-TAP stimulates the development of workforce programs that address the skill development needs of the artificial intelligence sector. Institutions seek private funding and resources to utilize it along with state support.
Mississippi's strategy for AI and ML workforce development is organized around five core pillars.
- AI/machine learning infrastructure through investment in human capital infrastructure: Building a skilled workforce for the role of basic infrastructure.
- Mississippi AI/machine learning literacy: promotes basic understanding and capabilities across the state's population.
- Education and Industry-Specific Use Cases: Fit AI education with industry-driven applications.
- Luxury Skills for Product Innovation: Improved Skills for People Creating New Tools and Technology.
- Research Infrastructure: Supports AI/machine learning innovation and technological advancement capabilities.
The newly established AI Workforce Preparation Council will promote this collaboration through the state Workforce Investment Committee and Acceleratems. The Council will be chaired by Dr. Colin Napier, PhD of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, with each recipient appointing designated representatives to actively participate in the Council.
The grant recipients are:
- Alcorn State University: $1.15 million to train individuals in southwestern Mississippi on digital literacy and artificial intelligence fundamentals. The funding also enables the deployment of telehealth resources through ASU's Faculty of Nursing and improves health access to underserved rural communities.
- Belhaven University: For $390K, working professionals ensure practical, industry-placed AI skills by hiring dedicated AI program chairs and integrating AI content into the online MBA curriculum.
- Jackson State University: To attract AI professionals and provide real-time industry insights, launching a $1.3 million roster (XOR) program to ensure employee participants have relevant and appropriate skills. JSU's student consulting team will partner with Millsaps College to provide AI-powered SME support to nurture tech-driven startups and strengthen the Mississippi SME ecosystem.
- Millsaps College: $1 million based on existing private investments. Millsaps will establish chairs donated to AI and emerging technologies. Working with JSU through the Elseworks Student Consulting program, Millsaps will help small and medium-sized businesses with AI integration.
- University of Mississippi: $723,000 to utilize existing private funds. The University of Mississippi funds will create 12-hour certificates and six-hour microcredentials in their law schools to ensure the knowledge that Mississippi's future and current lawyers need to thrive in an AI/machine learning-enabled world.
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Mississippi State University: $2.2 million to establish a fund and seek a private match of AI/machine learning workforce and research initiatives. This includes two new teaching lines and the development of graduate certificates in data center construction management. This is one of the first construction management in the nation.
- Mississippi Southern University: $1.24 million to establish a Maritime AI Innovation Lab to accelerate AI adoption in Mississippi's blue economy. The lab will focus on port efficiency, vessel safety and supply chain optimization. Additionally, USM holds a Master's degree in Robotics and Intelligent Systems. Funding includes support for faculty, graduate researchers, and critical GPU infrastructure. USM seeks private matches to establish donations and support AI/machine learning research and innovation application.
Governor Reeves also highlighted several institutions of higher education that did not receive funding but still play a major role in MAI-TAP through existing funding and collaborative efforts. These include Colin Community College, Mississippi Gulf Community College, Hinz Community College and University of Mississippi.
“It's more than just work, it's about opportunities,” Gov. Reeves said. “This initiative ensures that Mississippi will lead AI and machine learning innovation and workforce preparation. It's another big day for Mississippi.”
Video from today's press conference can be found on Governor Reeves' Facebook page.
