Contributor Report - Atlanta: The Capital of Applied AI
This is our time to seize the AI leadership role. Let’s come together with our city’s unique resources and help shape the future of Applied AI by launching the inaugural AtlAI Summit.
Editor's Note: This report on Atlanta's role of Applied AI was written by John Yates, co-founding partner of the Atlanta office of Gunderson Dettmer, and Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Advisor/City of Atlanta. Those interested in learning more about the upcoming AtlAI Summit can reach out directly to them!
In 2025, Atlanta is uniquely positioned to lay the groundwork for becoming the capital of Applied AI – as AtlAI!
This is our time to seize the AI leadership role. Let’s come together with our city’s unique resources and help shape the future of Applied AI by launching the inaugural AtlAI Summit.
Unlike theoretical AI research, Applied AI emphasizes practical applications -- enhancing business operations, improving public services and driving innovation.
For many reasons, Atlanta is ready to claim Applied AI leadership by hosting a national conference focused on formulating key AI policies.
AI Talent Leadership: Atlanta’s abundance of talent is the foundation of its AI influence. Georgia Tech graduates more AI engineers than nearly any other U.S. institution. Many remain in our city, contributing to groundbreaking research and real-world applications. Morehouse, Spelman, GSU and UGA strengthen the diversity of our talent pool, enhancing Atlanta’s capacity to innovate in Applied AI.
Fortune 500 & AI: Atlanta’s corporate giants are harnessing Applied AI to revolutionize commerce. These companies represent a wide range of industries, ensuring Atlanta’s Applied AI leadership will contribute to significant advancements in transportation, logistics, consumer products, finance, technology, and healthcare.
Government AI Leadership: Under Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta’s AI Commission is advancing policies to leverage AI for public service excellence. This ensures the city stays at the forefront of ethical and effective AI implementation.
AI Diversity: As one of the most diverse cities in America, Atlanta is setting a global example for inclusive AI development. Initiatives such as Georgia State’s AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity and the work of the AI Ethics Council, co-chaired by OpenAI’s Sam Altman and John Hope Bryant, ensure AI includes the talents of all communities equitably.
Energy Infrastructure: Metro Atlanta’s energy grid, powered in part by nuclear energy, is reliable and scalable, supporting the rapid expansion of data centers and AI technologies.
Business Community: Atlanta’s robust business ecosystem, championed by organizations such as the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Technology Association of Georgia, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, ATV and ATDC, will accelerate AI startups, attracting global attention to the city’s vibrant Applied AI scene.
Capital Infusion: Atlanta’s role as a leader in Applied AI will attract private equity and venture capital firms to fuel entrepreneurial businesses developing AI solutions.
Private/Public Partnerships: Atlanta is a model for how public entities and private organizations can work together to develop world-leading capabilities and deliver results. Starting in 1996 with the Olympics in Atlanta and continuing with the ongoing development of the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta is ready to develop partnerships to capitalize on the power and benefits of Applied AI.
Atlanta has a unique combination of corporate, tech and government leaders, making our city the natural choice as the capital of Applied AI. This is our time to launch a campaign around strong, unified initiatives. The AtlAI Summit can be the premiere global leadership event setting the standards and policies to drive the growth of Applied AI in business.
Featured image generated by AI exclusively for this story
