The Pelican State has long been a hub for some of the best food, culture, and music in the nation. Louisiana has added technology and innovation to its list of impressive exports. Two new data centers are bringing jobs and attention to our economy, an AI focused company is building in the state, and our own universities are contributing breakthroughs to the world of technology.

Within the last few months, two data center projects were announced, promising to bring hundreds of permanent jobs to their respective areas. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is building an artificial intelligence data center in North Louisiana. Reporting on the project,  noted that, “The $5 billion project is expected to employ 300 to 500 people with an average salary of $82,000.” Shortly after Meta’s announcement, plans for an additional data center in West Feliciana Parish were announced. Data centers, the massive warehouses that use cutting edge technology to power the artificial intelligence and computing on which the digital age relies, are in increasingly high demand. The two new data centers position Louisiana as capable of meeting the needs of America’s flourishing technology sector. The construction and function of these data centers will create immediate jobs, but the boost to the state’s status as a hub for technology will inevitably attract more companies eager to bring their business and jobs here.

Case in point, the global AI-focused company, Copado, announced its plans to build a New Orleans office. Copado CEO Ted Elliot explained in Biz New Orleans why he chose the location: “This city, rich in culture and resilience, is now poised to become a beacon of tech innovation. Our vision is simple: Bring opportunity, foster ingenuity and put New Orleans on the map as a driving force in the digital age. Together, we’re building more than just a business; we’re building the future.” Along with the new office comes the economic boost of hosting a multi-national company and fresh momentum for welcoming innovators.

Louisiana’s tech hub is growing from within the state too—our universities are regularly winning awards and conducting groundbreaking research. Louisiana State University and A&M College (LSU) has been active in AI development and recently joined the AI Alliance, a network of organizations dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence. This comes on the heels of recent successes in the field of AI, from a wildfire tracker to a tool that helps agricultural professionals maximize their crops. Tulane University has turned its attention to AI through adding more classes and workshops to ensure that students can participate in the development of this technology. Tulane has also supported award winning startups, recently boasting significant strides in fighting antibiotic resistant illnesses. These are but two examples of the ways colleges around the Pelican State are embracing technology and contributing to the growing tech and innovation sector of Louisiana.

The blossoming tech hub within the state is a powerful testament to its resilience, hospitality, and revival thanks to state leadership embracing bold reforms.