Gov. Kehoe to discuss future of AI and data centers at Rolla conference

By: Euphenie Andre

ROLLA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- State leaders, industry experts, researchers and business stakeholders gathered in Rolla on Thursday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and data center development in Missouri.

Gov. Mike Kehoe hosted the conference at Missouri S&T's new Proto-Plex building, bringing together leaders from across the state to explore how Missouri can position itself as artificial intelligence technology continues to grow.

The event began at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to run through 3:30 p.m.

Gov. Kehoe is set to speak from 10:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life and business operations, researchers and engineers said data centers play a critical role in supporting those systems. Data centers provide the computing power and infrastructure needed to keep AI programs operating around the clock.

The conference drew a large crowd of industry leaders, researchers, educators and community members interested in the technology's future and its potential economic impact on Missouri. However, not everyone supported the state's efforts to encourage additional AI and data center development.

A group of protesters gathered outside the conference with posters, raising concerns about the environmental, economic and community impacts of large-scale data centers.

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