BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 5th, 2026) - SeedAI, a nonprofit establishing AI readiness for the United States, will bring AI Across America: Birmingham, a single-day convening on Alabama's AI readiness, to Innovation Depot on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

The University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Innovation Depot, the Biggio Center at Auburn University, AI Huntsville and BirminghamAI are partnering with SeedAI to present the event.

The event brings together leaders from academia, state government, industry and the startup community for a conversation about building a strong state AI ecosystem. Panels will cover how Alabama can turn research investment into economic and scientific benefit, where AI is accelerating discovery in Alabama labs, and state and municipal AI governance. Afternoon sessions will look at who gets access to the state's computing infrastructure, what communities get from the data center buildout, and what it takes to build and keep AI companies in Alabama.

Speakers include state Reps. Mike Shaw and Ben Robbins; Aaron Wright, chief artificial intelligence officer for the Alabama Office of Information Technology; Miller Girvin, president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama; and research leaders from the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

"Alabama already has a lot of what a state needs to lead on AI: research universities investing in computing, a state government that's building AI governance in real time, and a startup community that wants to grow here," said Stuart Styron, director of strategic initiatives at SeedAI. "The opportunity is in connecting those pieces. AI Across America puts the people responsible for each of them in the same room to talk honestly about what's working, what isn't and what Alabama should do next."

"Alabama has a strong track record of turning innovation into economic opportunity. AI gives us another chance to build on that strength, helping our existing industries become more competitive, supporting the growth of new companies and creating opportunities for Alabamians," said Miller Girvin, president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.

"Our local organizations have been successful at growing grassroots awareness and adoption of AI tools across Alabama these last few years. The next chapter is about activating our major institutions in government, academia, civic and business to bring our full attention and resources to this AI moment," said Austin Senseman, co-founder of BirminghamAI.

The event is free, and registration is required. RSVP at aiacrossamerica.com/birmingham.

Event details

When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Innovation Depot, 1500 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Cost: Free; registration required

About SeedAI

SeedAI is a nonprofit building AI readiness for the United States. It convenes on-the-ground engagements across the country and provides guidance for state and federal policymakers. SeedAI works with cross-disciplinary leaders to frame the ideas, pilots and ecosystems that make national progress possible, from hands-on AI literacy and adoption to educational programs for government staff, strategic policy agenda-setting and coalitions like Accelerate Science Now. Learn more at seedai.org.

Partnerships: Organizations interested in partnering with the AI Across America program can contact stuart@seedai.org.