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Entrepreneur urges state-backed community AI labs and reuse of surplus computing to help Georgia small businesses
Summary
James Harris told the committee NorthStar Labs at ATDC has hosted over 450 business owners using repurposed equipment for AI testing and urged the state to seek data‑center concessions and centralize reused hardware to give small firms affordable local compute.
James Harris, a serial entrepreneur affiliated with ATDC’s NorthStar Labs, told the Small Business Development committee that compute capacity—rather than connectivity—has become the key constraint for small businesses adopting AI.
Harris said NorthStar built an AI lab from surplus Georgia Tech equipment and, since July 2025, has hosted more than 450 business owners to test and prototype AI solutions. “Since then, we've had over 450…
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