The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) represented Mississippi at the inaugural US AI Congress, held May 27 to 28, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. MAIN is the nation’s first coordinated statewide AI initiative of its kind. Much of the national conversation still asks what states should do about AI. Mississippi, by contrast, came to Washington to show a working statewide AI model that is already in practice.
Key Details
- What: The inaugural US AI Congress, a national convening of government, industry, and academic leaders shaping the AI agenda.
- Who: MAIN, represented by its Director, Kollin Napier, Ph.D.
- When: May 27 to 28, 2026.
- Where: The National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
- Why it matters: Mississippi presented a statewide AI model that is already operating, and offered other states a path to follow.
A working statewide AI model on the national stage
Mississippi’s message in Washington was direct. AI readiness is not a someday goal. It is something a state can build and deliver now, for the workers, educators, students, and small businesses already feeling AI’s effect on their work. Through MAIN, Mississippi is demonstrating how that work is done at scale, and offering a statewide AI model that other states can follow.
How Mississippi is making AI education accessible
Napier delivered a featured presentation, “How Mississippi is Making AI Education Accessible,” outlining a statewide model that is already operating. Through MAIN, Mississippi offers free AI courses open to any resident, training pathways for workers and educators, and a single coordinated network. That network connects K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, workforce partners, and state agencies.
“AI should not be something that only reaches people in big cities or big companies. In Mississippi, a teacher in a rural district, a worker changing careers, and a small business owner can all take a free AI course today. We built MAIN so the technology reaches the people who do the work of this state, not just the people who talk about it.”
Kollin Napier, Ph.D., Director, Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network
Napier’s role across the US AI Congress
Napier’s participation went beyond the featured presentation. He represented Mississippi on the featured fireside about building AI-ready states and regions. He also contributed to a roundtable on AI education, workforce, and economic development, and he helped lead a roundtable on “AI for Everyone,” focused on impact and accessibility. For more on the fireside, read Mississippi at the US AI Congress: Building AI-Ready States and Regions.
Why it matters for Mississippi
The work MAIN brought to Washington reflects what is already available at home. A teacher in a rural district, a worker changing careers, and a small business owner can each take a free AI course today. By coordinating education, workforce, and state partners in one network, Mississippi shows that broad AI access is achievable now, not eventually.
Acknowledgments
MAIN extends its thanks to Zack Huhn and the Enterprise Technology Association for convening leaders from across the country. Thanks also go to the US AI Congress coordinating committee, and to all sponsors and event partners. The committee includes Summer Crenshaw (Enterprise Technology Association), Grant Ecker (Chief Architect Network), and Matthew Versaggi (Presidential Innovation Fellows Foundation).
About MAIN
The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) is the nation’s first coordinated statewide AI initiative, advancing AI education, workforce readiness, and economic development across Mississippi. MAIN connects K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, workforce partners, state agencies, industry, and local communities. The goal is to ensure every Mississippian can access and benefit from artificial intelligence. Learn more about MAIN, explore free AI courses, or contact MAIN.