BIG Tide Summit Returns To Savannah

Robert Gould, founder of the BIG Tide Summit
The 3rd Annual BIG Tide Summit returned to Savannah Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Savannah Convention Center. Students from all over the Coastal Empire were in attendance to gather knowledge from many professionals in various fields.
The BIG Tide Summit is an interactive environmental and leadership summit – incorporating direct access for students to workforce pathways that shape and advance our environment in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).
Students came to Big Tide Summit fired up to hear about the opportunities that could challenge their minds and help determine future careers.
Robert Gould, founder of BIG Tide Summit, is the biggest cheerleader of this event with first-hand knowledge of how programs like this help to stimulate reciprocity within the community.
Students were exposed to pitch labs for employ- ment and mentorship opportunities.
Georgia AIM Mobile Studio Brings Hands-On AI Innovation to Savannah During BIG Tide Summit
Clinton Banks-Vicks, Community Engagement Specialist; Russell Innovation Center Georgia AIM shown with educators in attendance at The BIG Tide!
At the BIG Tide Summit in Savannah, innovation rolled in on wheels.
The RICE Georgia AIM Mobile Studio took center stage at the Savannah Convention Center, giving attendees a hands-on look at the power of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. From robotics to AR/VR demonstrations, the mobile lab gave students, local officials, business owners, and educators an opportunity to interact directly with smart technology—technology that’s shaping the future of Georgia’s workforce.
The Mobile Studio, led by the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), offered an up-close view of what AI can do for small businesses, the local economy, and workforce readiness. Throughout the day, attendees toured the studio, participated in live demos, and spoke with the Georgia AIM team about the practical ways AI is being used to solve problems and create new opportunities.
“This kind of access matters,” said Clinton B. Vicks, Community Engagement Specialist for RICE. “We’re bringing innovation directly to the people—rural communities, small towns, students, veterans. Not to talk at them, but to walk with them, and to make sure they’re equipped for what’s ahead. When people can see, touch, and experience AI for themselves, that’s when change happens.”
From high school students interested in tech careers to community leaders looking for ways to bring more innovation to their regions, the message was clear: AI is not a distant concept. It’s here, and it’s for everyone.
The Savannah stop is one of many on a statewide tour powered by Georgia AIM—a $65 million federally funded initiative designed to strengthen Georgia’s manufacturing workforce. Through the Mobile Studio, the initiative is ensuring that rural communities, women, veterans, and people of color have meaningful exposure to the tools and technologies shaping tomorrow’s jobs.
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is Atlanta’s home for Black entrepreneurs. Positioned as a business generator, RICE serves as an economic mobility engine: helping entrepreneurs and small business owners innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth. Inspired by the legacy of Herman J. Russell, RICE is the largest center in the world dedicated to growing and scaling Blackowned businesses.
Learn more about Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs at www.russellcenter.org. To Learn more about The Big Tide Summit, visit BigTide.org.

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