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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Artificial intelligence is becoming part of classrooms, workplaces and conversations about Ohio’s economic future.
As the state looks to become a hub for AI technology, leaders say the question is not only whether the investment is coming, but whether Ohio has the workforce and skills to keep up.
That was the focus of a fireside chat Tuesday at the Polaris Conference Center outside Columbus, where leaders from The Ohio State University and JPMorganChase discussed AI literacy, workforce development, and what it could take to turn an interest in the technology into real job opportunities.
For Ohio State, part of the work starts with the students.
The university has launched an AI fluency initiative and is also focusing on research, new AI-focused faculty, and partnerships with employers seeking talent.
Trevor Brown, executive vice president and provost at The Ohio State University, said the university is also looking at how to support student innovation.
“We have pledged, and this is another pledge from our president, that we will build the infrastructure to have 100 student startups being produced out of Ohio State annually,” Brown said.
The larger question is how to connect what is happening in classrooms and labs to the jobs companies are trying to fill.
For JPMorganChase, part of that answer is not just knowing one specific tool, but being able to keep learning as technology changes.
“Look, I think AI weaves through all of our workforces, right? And I think it comes back down to more of how curious are you, how much do you enjoy learning? How much do you enjoy having a challenge?” said Erik Dursik, managing director of infrastructure platforms at JPMorganChase.
Dursik said AI literacy does not mean everyone needs to code for a living. It means understanding the tools, knowing where they can help, and being willing to keep learning as they change.
Leaders at the event pointed to momentum in Ohio’s AI future, but also to the work still ahead: making sure the workforce can move as fast as the technology does.
