Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended the grand opening of Horizons, Georgia’s Innovation Lab, on July 16 in downtown Atlanta. The lab, operated by the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA), is designed as a flexible space for testing ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve public service.
The ribbon-cutting event was held at the new facility, which uses space provided by GTA. It attracted state officials, members of Georgia’s higher education community, and leaders from local government and industry.
Shawnzia Thomas, Georgia CIO and GTA executive director, highlighted the lab’s potential impact. “With Governor Kemp’s leadership in inaugurating the Georgia Innovation Lab, we’ve taken a bold step toward shaping the future of public service,” she said. “This lab is our proving ground, where imagination meets implementation. It’s where we de-risk innovation, explore the frontiers of emerging technology, and design solutions that anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Georgia is not just keeping pace with change; we’re setting the course for it.”
Work on establishing the lab began in November 2023 when GTA created its Office of Artificial Intelligence and formed inter-agency working groups. Over 18 months, preparations included two summits with more than 200 leaders from academia, government, and industry.
The project involved collaboration among several state leaders and industry figures such as Thomas; Nikhil Deshpande, chief digital and AI officer; Keith Perry, chief development officer; Steve Hodges, CISO; Subramanian Muniasamy, CTO; and Dr. Rose Procter from the University System of Georgia.
Deshpande described how the lab aligns with GTA’s mission: “This lab stands as a beacon for what’s possible when government commits to thoughtful, ethical, and responsible innovation,” he said. “It’s not just a space to test new technologies, it’s where we explore their real-world impact, center human needs, and build trust through transparency. By providing proving ground for emerging solutions, we ensure that progress is not only rapid but also rooted in purpose and public good.”
Horizons aims to be a hub for state agencies as well as cities, counties, school systems, industry partners and other collaborators. It provides an environment for testing new technologies before they are widely used by government entities.
Further details about Georgia’s AI program are available on the GTA Office of AI website.
