DIR Announces Creation of the Texas Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence

The primary objective of the AI-CoE is to educate and evangelize emerging AI technologies to improve the delivery of government services to Texans in a secure and efficient manner.

"Following the success of DIR's Cloud Center of Excellence, we want the AI-CoE to enable and foster the adoption of AI in state government to increase efficiency," said John Hoffman, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy State Chief Information Officer.  "This will also ensure the implementation of the state's strategic goals for technology as outlined in the 2020-2024 State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management."

The AI-CoE leverages the knowledge of DIR experts and key industry partners to develop AI skills in state agencies' information technology leaders.  This educational effort encourages collaboration and innovation to expedite solutions for the public sector.

"The statewide effort certainly aligns with the Strategic Plan for Information Resource Management 2020-2024 third goal - Agile & Automated IT Strategies," said Krishna Edathil, DIR's director of Enterprise Solution Services and practice lead for the AI-CoE, addressing DIR's governing board recently.  "With this initiative, we would conduct training, coaching events, and hands-on workshops to help agencies explore AI proof-of-concepts and rapid prototyping in developing standards and best practices."

The AI-CoE will focus on all branches of AI, including robotic process automation, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and contact center technologies. For more information, visit: Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence.