Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted high-tech growth in the commonwealth as leaders at BeingAI Corporation, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) company, have announced they will locate the company’s new U.S. headquarters at the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Innovation Campus in Bowling Green, investing nearly $3 million and creating 28 high-wage Kentucky jobs over three phases in the next three years.
“The growth and momentum we are seeing throughout Kentucky’s technology sector is no accident,” said Gov. Beshear. “Creating an environment that allows for startups and tech companies to thrive is critical to the commonwealth’s long-term success. I want to thank company leadership, Western Kentucky University and the city of Bowling Green for working together to make this project a reality and welcome BeingAI to the commonwealth. I look forward to their future success.”
Company leaders will locate the new headquarters in a leased facility at the WKU Innovation Campus, establishing BeingAI’s first location in the United States. The project will create 28 quality jobs, consisting of a world-class team of creators, scientists and developers to bring together art, technology and pro-humanity principles to create artificially intelligent characters (called “AI beings”). The new headquarters will serve as the company’s center for creative development and immersive experiences, including 3D character design and development as well as foster learning- and wellness-focused content, services and experiences in collaboration with content creators, service providers and AR/VR/immersive experience designers.
“The next-generation digital experience will be centered around human-AI interaction, which requires sensibility and pragmatism in user experience design enabled by the latest A.I. and extended reality innovations,” said BeingAI CEO Jeanne Lim. “Bowling Green offers so much of what I need to bring these elements together. I’m looking forward to forging strategic, long-term partnerships there to grow our business across the U.S. and globally.”
Founded in 2020, BeingAI helps bridge disciplines in arts, psychology, artificial intelligence and interactive storytelling to bring to the world delightful AI-enabled characters that deliver real value to people. These AI beings have rich personalities, engaging conversations and deliver real-world solutions – to entertain, educate, comfort, inspire and collaborate. The company was one of five global AI startup finalists in last year’s SXSW Pitch competition, which is a featured showcase event highlighting some of the most innovative startup companies in the world.
The WKU Innovation Campus is an applied research and intellectual hub that spurs innovative collaboration, promotes problem-solving and nurtures talent to elevate the economy and region. Through real-world applications and entrepreneurial support, the Innovation Campus engages and connects researchers, students and start-ups with corporations, industry leaders and local businesses to tackle challenges and foster a talent-first strategy to meet the needs of the region’s growing industries.
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman expressed his excitement for BeingAI’s arrival: “We extend a warm welcome to BeingAI in our community. The decision to establish their U.S. headquarters at the WKU Innovation Campus showcases their confidence in our region’s potential to foster innovation and drive economic development.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott emphasized the positive impact that the company’s presence will have on the local economy: “BeingAI’s decision to set up their U.S. headquarters here is a testament to Bowling Green’s favorable business environment and skilled workforce. We are thrilled to collaborate with BeingAI, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the WKU Innovation Campus to create new job opportunities and propel economic growth.”
WKU president Timothy C. Caboni highlighted the company’s strategic fit with the Innovation Campus: “beingAI's choice to establish their U.S. headquarters at the WKU Innovation Campus is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration while creating meaningful corporate engagement. Our partnership with beingAI contributes to the role WKU plays in elevating south central Kentucky and serving as an engine of economic development for the region. This collaboration will provide our researchers, our students, our alumni and companies based in the region unmatched opportunities to engage with a cutting-edge AI company and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field.”
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ron Bunch expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s decision and the collaboration between the Chamber and the WKU Innovation Campus: “BeingAI’s selection of Bowling Green for its U.S. headquarters is a major triumph for Bowling Green and the entire region. We are proud to work alongside BeingAI in supporting their growth and innovation. This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen our position as a hub for the next wave of emerging technology and storytelling companies.”