MAIN Briefs Mississippi Air National Guard on AI and Workforce Readiness
Last week, Dr. Kollin Napier, Ph.D., Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), had the opportunity to brief the Mississippi Air National Guard at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) on AI and workforce readiness. Representing MAIN, Dr. Napier shared updates on the network’s continued leadership in advancing AI across the state and […]
Building AI Literacy and Digital Citizenship with 8th Grade Students in Jackson County
Today, Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network – MAIN, spent time throughout the day with more than 100 8th grade Cyber Foundations students at East Central Middle School – Hurley, MS in the Jackson County School District – Mississippi for a discussion on AI literacy and responsible technology use. Students explored […]
Artificial Intelligence Regulation Task Force report released
Senate Bill 2426, 2025 Regular Session, established the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AIR) Task Force to undertake a comprehensive analysis of all matters related to the regulation of artificial intelligence in the state. After taking testimony and collecting considerable information on the subject, we the Co-Chairs of the Task Force, on behalf of the other […]
State employees receive hands-on AI training
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – AI is here and it’s here to stay. That’s why Snowflake, an AI data sharing company, came to help train state employees to use this technology. They are learning about collecting and sharing data. “The goal here is to bring that workforce development component to all Mississippians,” explained Dr. Kollin Napier, […]
Mississippi expands AI training for workers
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network is working to lead the state in the rapid rise of AI an the impact across multiple workforce sectors. They held a workshop on Friday to help keep Mississippi workers ahead of the curve. The state partnered with Snowflake to teach agencies how to maximize the […]
MAIN and Snowflake Kick Off 2026 with Hands-On Data and AI Platform Training
Great way to start the year. The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network – MAIN kicked off 2026 alongside Snowflake with a hands-on platform workshop in Jackson, bringing together learners from across our partner network, including state agencies, higher education and industry across Mississippi. Rainy Friday, full room, good energy. This was about getting people past the […]
Tech leader xAI investing more than $20 billion in Southaven
JACKSON, Miss. – xAI, the American artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk, is locating a data center in Southaven. The project will represent a corporate investment exceeding $20 billion and will create hundreds of permanent jobs throughout DeSoto County. xAI has purchased and is retrofitting a building to house the new data center operations. […]
Investing in Talent: MSU receiving $2M to spur AI education, implementation in the Magnolia State
Devin Chen is part of the first generation of Bulldogs using artificial intelligence to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. In his case: hunger. As the son of restaurateurs, the junior cybersecurity major from Louisville understands how food brings people together. He also recognizes many Mississippians face food insecurity—when people either lack access to […]
Dr. Kollin Napier Delivers SACAD Keynote on Mississippi’s Statewide AI Strategy
Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network – MAIN, recently served as the keynote speaker for the Southern Association of Colleges with Associate Degrees (SACAD) Annual Membership Luncheon in Nashville, engaging with institutional leaders from across 11 states. Dr. Napier’s keynote focused on how Mississippi has moved beyond discussion to execution in […]
Mississippi AI Regulation Task Force Meets as Federal AI Executive Order Is Issued
The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AIR) Task Force met yesterday at the Capitol at nearly the same moment a new federal Executive Order on artificial intelligence was issued, underscoring how quickly the AI landscape is evolving and why Mississippi’s engagement is timely and important. The discussion focused on how AI is already being applied across […]