Wisconsin Eyes AI Manufacturing Institute as a Boost for Economic Development
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is gearing up to submit a compelling “concept paper” to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in hopes of attracting a significant manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI) initiative to the state. This strategic move was detailed by Missy Hughes, the WEDC’s Secretary and CEO, during a recent board meeting.
A New Era for Manufacturing
NIST has proposed the establishment of a Manufacturing USA institute dedicated to artificial intelligence, an addition to the existing network of over a dozen such institutes across the country. Hughes expressed optimism about the financial implications of this potential project, suggesting it could leverage both federal funding and private sector investments that together could reach tens of millions of dollars.
Building on Collaborations
WEDC’s proposal is built on a foundation of existing collaborations among various stakeholders. Notable partnerships include academic institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), technical colleges, and leading manufacturers such as Rockwell Automation, Husco International, and Milwaukee Tool.
Hughes emphasized the importance of these relationships, which mirror the collaborative models seen in other successful NIST manufacturing institutes. Furthermore, she cited the progress made at the upcoming Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab hosted on the UW-Milwaukee campus as a pivotal element in Wisconsin’s proposal.
The Path Ahead
While the AI Co-Innovation Lab is set to officially open its doors in mid-2025, Microsoft is enthusiastic about accelerating development efforts. The tech giant is also working on a $3.3 billion data center project in southeastern Wisconsin, illustrating its commitment to the region.
Leading the lab initiative is a governance team that brings together Hughes, a Microsoft representative, and industry leaders from UWM’s Connected Systems Institute and Titletown Tech’s Managing Partner Craig Dickman. This collaborative effort is aimed at ensuring that Wisconsin businesses are well-positioned to benefit from AI innovation through the Co-Innovation Lab.
A Future Full of Potential
Hughes remains optimistic about Wisconsin’s chances of securing the proposed manufacturing AI institute. Given the state’s strong manufacturing background and the development opportunities presented by the Co-Innovation Lab, she believes Wisconsin is a prime candidate for such an initiative.
“We don’t have anything like this in the state, even though we are so heavily manufacturing-oriented,” she stated, underscoring the urgency and potential impact of this opportunity.
Conclusion
As Wisconsin positions itself to potentially host a manufacturing AI institute, the collaboration between government, academia, and industry highlights the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting economic growth. With substantial investments and strategic partnerships on the table, Wisconsin aims to usher in a new era of manufacturing excellence enhanced by artificial intelligence.
The WEDC’s submission to NIST is a critical step toward realizing this vision, and the excitement surrounding these developments reflects a robust future for both the local economy and the manufacturing sector at large.
