Over the past two years, amidst a global race to lead in technology, the AI industry has taken center stage, captivating the minds of innovators, thinkers, and dreamers alike.

The question on many of these forward-thinkers' minds is, "Where should I go to immerse myself in this transformative space?"

My answer, resoundingly, is Austin, Texas.

Austin is not just growing; it's thriving, rapidly becoming a beacon for the global AI community. It's a place where startups brimming with ambition meet tech giants eager to invest in the next big thing.

But why Austin, you might ask?

Having witnessed its evolution firsthand, I've seen how it has become a magnet for those who dare to redefine the boundaries of AI.

Let me take you through the heart of Austin's AI revolution, providing insights and tangible reasons why, if AI is your calling, Austin should be your next home.

Here are five compelling reasons to make the move, each illustrating why Austin stands out as a powerhouse in the global AI landscape.

1. Educational Initiatives & Talent Pool

UT Austin is leading the charge in this front—making 2024 “The Year of AI”.

UT Austin is dedicating the entire year to AI, with events, partnerships, and the launch of a pioneering online master’s degree in AI, showcasing the university's leadership in AI research and education.

Historical Leadership

UT has been at the forefront of AI for the past five decades. It has been home to some of the biggest pioneers in the field. Woody Bledsoe developed the first version of facial recognition technology in the 1960s, and Bob Simmons, an innovator in natural language processing, joined the faculty at UT. Both stayed for the remainder of their careers and jumpstarted AI research.

Global Recognition

UT Austin is recognized worldwide—ranking in the top 10 universities for artificial intelligence according to U.S. News and World Report.

The city's innovative ecosystem, bolstered by UT Austin's pioneering efforts, has placed it firmly on the map as a crucible of AI development and research. This accolade reflects the university's commitment to excellence and its role in propelling Austin into the spotlight.

As Austin continues to attract attention from around the world, it's clear that the city's AI community is not just growing; it's leading.

2. From Silicon Valley to Silicon Hills

Austin is also home to offices of some of the biggest tech giants in AI (Meta, Google, Tesla, etc.)

And more are moving their offices here such as Apple who recently announced they were moving their AI team to Austin. This signals the recognition of Austin’s AI ecosystem by large companies and it doesn’t stop there. Tesla, under Elon Musk's leadership, moved its headquarters to Austin and is constructing a massive manufacturing center that promises over 10,000 local jobs. Amazon has significantly expanded its presence with a fulfillment center in Pflugerville, alongside centers in Kyle, Buda, and Round Rock, collectively employing close to three thousand people in the city.

These investments and relocations underscore Austin’s appeal to both tech startups and tech giants alike.

And could you blame them?

There’s no question why Austin is now referred to as “Silicon Hills” (sorry Silicon Valley, but not sorry).

And there’s also no shortage of investors to funding AI startups in AI & technology in Austin:

• ATX Ventures

• Multicoin Capital

• Foundation Capital

• Antler VC

• 8VC

• Next Cost Ventures

• Mercury Fund

You get the point. These are only a few from a growing list of investment firms based out of Austin that make it a great location for startups to be.

3. Community & Networking Opportunities

With more startups and talent flocking to Austin, the opportunity to connect with more talented bright minds is a natural second-order effect.

The number accelerators continues to grow as well, drawing more talent here.

Speaking from personal experience co-hosting AITX events, I can say that the AI community is very strong and growing by the day. We see everything from talented engineers to business owners teaching themselves python to start using AI for themselves. The passion and excitement is palpable and I would not be caught missing out on the golden age Austin is going through in this respect.

This theme is nothing new to Austin—it’s been home to one of the largest community building events in the world such as SxSW (the AI track this year is stacked).

Combine the community with the talent & resources, and you get a recipe for a burgeoning hub for AI not just in the US, but in the entire world.

4. Austin's Quantifiable Edge in the AI Boom

Austin's emergence as a pioneering city in the AI revolution is not just a matter of perception but is underscored by impressive statistics that highlight its growing influence and capability in the field of artificial intelligence.

A Hub for Generative AI Startups

From 2018 to 2023, Austin's metro area has distinguished itself by becoming home to 118 generative AI-focused startups, accounting for approximately 3.4% of all startups in the area.

This places Austin seventh in the total number of startups, showcasing its vibrant ecosystem for AI innovation. For context, the Philadelphia metro area, ranking fifth, saw 135 startups, while Seattle ranked eighth with 113 startups.

This indicates a competitive yet thriving startup scene in Austin, particularly in the generative AI sector.

National AI Leadership

The broader picture of AI development in the United States reveals that just 15 metro areas, including Austin, collectively house two-thirds of the nation's AI assets and capabilities. This elite group comprises "superstar hubs" like San Francisco and San Jose, as well as 13 early adopters, among which Austin is a notable member.

This distinction not only highlights Austin's strategic importance in the AI domain but also its contribution to the national AI ecosystem.

5. Growing But Still Has Plenty Room

We’ve covered a lot of reasons why Austin has and continues to be a great hub for AI.

But, I would like to point out that it still has a ton of room to grow. If you want to be somewhere that gets you in on the ground floor, I couldn’t think of a better place.

Imagine being in Silicon Valley in the 80s—that’s you if you move to Austin right now.

So Should You Move Here?

Let me ask a few questions:

1. Are you eager to be at the forefront of AI advancements, where every day presents a new frontier to explore?

2. Do you thrive in environments where collaboration sparks innovation, connecting with minds that challenge and inspire you?

3. Are you seeking a lifestyle that blends the vibrancy of city life with the tranquility of nature, offering a backdrop to both work and play that's as dynamic as the tech scene itself?

If your heart races at the thought, then Austin beckons with open arms.

Austin: More Than a Tech Hub

Austin offers more than just a thriving AI ecosystem.

It presents a lifestyle where the pursuit of innovation is matched by an equally compelling quest for fulfillment and community. It's a place where you can kayak on Lady Bird Lake after a day of coding breakthroughs, where live music and tech talks often share the same billing, and where the next conversation at a local coffee shop could spark the idea that changes everything.

Navigating the Transition

Moving cities, especially for something as pivotal as your career in AI, is no small decision. But in Austin, you're not just moving to a new city—you're joining a community ready to support and elevate your journey. Resources abound, from networking groups like AITX to meetups that welcome newcomers into the fold, ensuring that the transition is as smooth as it is exciting.

So if you’re thinking of moving, come through and visit Austin and feel free to reach out to me on X to let me know you’re coming down!

That’s it for now. ‘Til next time, much love and peace y’all!