PUDDLE HOPS: Purdue opens tech center | St. Louis & national security | a $1M award for AI

New digital manufacturing tech center

CARMEL, IN—Telamon Robotics and Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Partnership have partnered to open the Digital Manufacturing Technology Center at Telamon’s headquarters in Carmel. The center provides companies with one location for attending demonstrations of advanced manufacturing technologies, interactive workforce training, hands-on simulations and more.

Opportunities in national security

ST. LOUIS, MO—The National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), a Department of Defense (DoD) program, and the Cortex Innovation Community have teamed up to empower entrepreneurs in St. Louis with funding and opportunities in national security. In a press release, Jake Laktas, midwest regional director at NSIN, said “Cortex develops communities for areas such as defense-related technology and STEM talent, which makes it a well-suited partner for NSIN to amplify its impact and continue to build collaborative networks in St. Louis and the broader midwest region.”

Duke prof recognized for AI work

DURHAM, NC—Duke University computer scientist Cynthia Rudin has been working to use AI for the benefit of society. In recognition, she has won the $1 million Squirrel AI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). Her work has included spotting patterns in criminal activity or optimizing the care of critically ill patients. 

North Carolina incentivizes esports

NORTH CAROLINA—A bill circulating the North Carolina General Assembly, could make the state a leader in esports. House Bill 945 would offer economic incentives–a tax credit for up to 25% of qualifying expenses with a minimum expenditure of $250K USD–for companies producing esports events and gaming video in the state.