Black Tech Street Partners with NVIDIA to Transform AI Education in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood
In a significant move for technological advancement, Black Tech Street has established a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with NVIDIA, aimed at transforming Tulsa, Oklahoma, specifically the Historic Greenwood District, into a pioneering hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI). This partnership marks a crucial step towards revitalizing an area historically known as Black Wall Street, with a focus on innovation rooted in AI and cybersecurity.
Black Tech Street, which is actively involved in the steering committee of Tulsa's Tech Hub coalition led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, is aligned with the Economic Development Administration’s designation of Tulsa as a leading Tech Hub for Autonomous Systems. This designation comes with substantial financial backing, including a $51 million grant from the Economic Development Administration, of which $10.6 million is allocated to establish a Greenwood AI Center of Excellence led by Black Tech Street.
Through this collaboration with NVIDIA, Black Tech Street aims to integrate cutting-edge technology into the local community by engaging with educational institutions and community organizations. The initiative plans to train up to 10,000 learners in various critical AI fields, providing the community with essential skills that meet the evolving demands of the technology industry.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with NVIDIA in positioning Tulsa as a national leader in AI. NVIDIA is at the forefront of the AI revolution, a technological leap that has immense potential to reshape human society. Their commitment to our community in Greenwood is transformational," expressed Tyrance Billingsley II, Founder and CEO of Black Tech Street.
Moreover, NVIDIA’s Head of Ecosystem Development, Louis Stewart, emphasized that the collaboration is focused on gearing all segments of the workforce to effectively engage with and sustain the technology shaping the future of the nation.
The MOU outlines several key objectives as part of this partnership. Firstly, there is a strong commitment to expanding AI education in the Tulsa region. This initiative aims to equip residents and students with advanced AI skills through collaborative programs involving local colleges and universities such as Langston University, Oklahoma State University, and Tulsa Community College.
Another crucial element is economic empowerment within the Greenwood District. The partnership aims to stimulate economic growth by supporting tech startups and generating high-paying jobs within the AI sector, thereby enhancing the economic landscape of the area.
Additionally, Tulsa aims to set a precedent as a national model for an AI-powered community. This initiative will serve as a testing ground for the integration of AI into community structures and day-to-day living.
The collaboration also emphasizes the importance of resource sharing. NVIDIA has committed to facilitating connections within local networks to recruit entrepreneurs, technologists, and students for its training and certification programs. Plans for community events, including hackathons and tech fairs, are underway to increase awareness and participation in the endeavor.
Furthermore, the partnership promises advanced computing resources, granting local innovators access to NVIDIA's GPUs and cloud-based platforms for AI project development. This includes a concerted effort to secure funding through Federal, State, Local, and philanthropic grants aimed at groundbreaking research, talent development, and impactful economic initiatives.
Greenwood, alongside the greater Tulsa area, will benefit from NVIDIA's startup ecosystem, which includes the advantages offered by its Inception program, geared towards promoting local innovation.
The importance of this partnership has not gone unnoticed. Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration stating, "It's incredibly exciting to see NVIDIA and Black Tech Street unite to elevate Tulsa as an AI innovation leader. This partnership is set to create job opportunities for Tulsans and open new avenues for the community."
This MOU serves as a foundation not only for immediate advancements in Tulsa but also paves the way for widespread partnerships and growth across Oklahoma, as the state positions itself as a forerunner in education and innovation centered around AI.
Senator James Langford remarked on Oklahoma's rising status as a national leader in cutting-edge technology, noting the unique combination of local talent and visionary initiatives that can thrive anywhere—not just on the coasts.
The execution of this MOU will be supported by a collective of partners including Tulsa Innovation Labs, Microsoft, and the Urban Coders Guild, among others. Education professionals in the region will have opportunities to gain certifications through programs like the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program, which provides instructors with high-quality teaching materials and enhanced resources.
In conclusion, as Black Tech Street works diligently to rejuvenate the Historic Greenwood District into a cutting-edge innovation economy, the collaboration with NVIDIA will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for communities nationwide, showcasing the promise of AI and technology in transforming lives and economies.