This Month's Latest Tech News in Amarillo, TX - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Amarillo is swiftly establishing itself as a regional tech powerhouse thanks to a surge of new investments, data center launches, and a coordinated push for digital equity.

Over the past month, local innovation efforts reached new heights, highlighted by the opening of a cutting-edge edge data center by Duos Edge AI in partnership with Region 16 Education Service Center, enabling reliable, fast connectivity for rural schools and businesses while boosting economic opportunity for the Panhandle region (state-of-the-art edge data centre in Amarillo).

Amarillo's vision aligns with Texas' growing status as an AI and data hub - part of a broader movement transforming towns like Abilene, which recently became the focal point for billion-dollar investments from major tech players, positioning the state as a national leader in artificial intelligence infrastructure (Texas' AI Frontier: Why Abilene is Ground Zero).

Local organizations such as the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation continue backing this momentum, with programs and partnerships focused on nurturing startups and upskilling residents to meet the evolving workforce needs of a high-tech economy (Amarillo's innovation ecosystem).

In a major move reflecting shifting technology trends, Dickens County's former Helios cryptocurrency mining facility is being transformed into one of the nation's most significant AI data center campuses.

After acquiring the site from Argo Blockchain in late 2022, Galaxy Digital recently inked a 15-year agreement with AI cloud infrastructure leader CoreWeave, granting the Nvidia-backed firm up to 393 megawatts of IT capacity for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence workloads - a pivot expected to generate approximately $4.5 billion over the deal's lifespan.

This partnership signals Galaxy Digital's commitment to diversify its business model beyond volatile cryptocurrency markets and positions the Panhandle region as a future hub for data infrastructure investment and skilled job creation.

Key modifications, including major fiber upgrades and enhanced power delivery, are already underway as the data center transitions out of Bitcoin mining and prepares to begin phased AI operations, with full initial capacity targeted for completion by mid-2026 and further expansion planned through 2027.

• Transformation: Dickens County's Helios facility evolves into a national AI data campus, showing a shift in tech priorities.
• Strategic Agreement: Galaxy Digital signs a 15-year deal with CoreWeave for large-scale AI infrastructure capacity.
• Investment Impact: The pivot is projected to bring $4.5 billion in value to the region over the agreement's life span.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Major fiber and power delivery enhancements are underway to support advanced computing demands.
• Regional Development: The project positions the Panhandle as a future tech hub, fostering skilled job creation and data infrastructure investment.

Main Event	Key Partner	Projected Value
AI Data Center Transformation	CoreWeave	$4.5 Billion
Fiber & Power Upgrades	Galaxy Digital	Regional Tech Growth

"This partnership signals Galaxy Digital's commitment to diversify its business model beyond volatile cryptocurrency markets and positions the Panhandle region as a future hub for data infrastructure investment and skilled job creation." - William Perez

For a closer look at the details behind this landmark shift, read the initial lease and facility transformation coverage in Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, the subsequent expansion news at Data Center Dynamics, and the latest contract updates from Crowdfund Insider.

In a significant shift reflecting Texas' growing status as a tech magnet, Cognigy - a leader in AI-powered customer service automation - has moved its U.S. headquarters from San Francisco to Plano, TX. Citing the region's business-friendly environment, talent pipeline from local universities, and strong energy infrastructure, the Germany-based company is targeting rapid growth, aiming to double its Texas workforce and eventually house up to 125 employees locally within two years.

Cognigy, which serves global giants like Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, sees its relocation as part of a broader trend of tech firms choosing North Texas over traditional coastal tech hubs.

The Plano office's strategic location, favorable regulatory climate, and access to direct global flights were key factors in the decision, according to CEO Richard Thomas, who said,

"Dallas offers the perfect mix of innovation, energy, and opportunity.”

The move aligns Cognigy more closely with major enterprise customers and supports its plans for expanded job creation and deeper community engagement.

As more data-intensive AI operations and supporting infrastructure emerge in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Cognigy's stand-out relocation underscores the region's momentum as an emerging national tech hub.

For a more detailed look, visit Dallas Business Journal's coverage of Cognigy's expansion to Plano, see Dallas Express for executive perspectives and hiring plans, or explore D Magazine's feature on the company's decision to make Texas its new home.

As Amarillo approaches its May 3, 2025, general election, city council candidates are sharpening their platforms around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and critical infrastructure modernization, reflecting a forward-looking momentum across all council races.

During recent forums, contenders emphasized the importance of technology-driven improvements, from updating the city's aging electric grid to accommodate future AI and tech firms, to advocating for streamlined permitting and inspection processes via data-driven audits and tech-enabled scheduling.

• Main idea: Emphasis on technology-driven improvements to the city's electric grid to prepare for future AI and tech companies.
• Central theme: Advocating for streamlined permitting and inspection processes using tech and data.
• Main point: Priorities include equitable neighborhood development, public-private technology partnerships, and reforms for AEDC transparency.
• Key priority: Adoption of zero-based budgeting and community engagement boards to support fiscal discipline for smart city investments.
• Central theme: The demand for digital infrastructure and smart policy is growing as campaign spending nears one million dollars, highlighting the election's high stakes.

“If Amarillo wants to be competitive, we have to bring our infrastructure - and our people - into the next generation,” said Richard Lopez, one of the leading city council candidates.

The convergence of these ideas comes as nearly a million dollars in campaign spending underscores the high stakes for Amarillo's digital future, with early voting underway and voices from a diverse field - from mayoral hopefuls to first-time council contenders - rallying the community around AI-readiness and smart municipal policy.

Below is a summary of valuable resources and where residents can get more informed:

Resource	Description	Access Link
Official Amarillo Election Page	Detailed information on candidates and voting logistics	Visit Here
City Council Forum Summary	Highlights from debates focused on AI, infrastructure, and AEDC reforms	View Summary
Amarillo Globe-News Candidate Interviews	In-depth Q&As with all council candidates, including Place 4's Jessica Smith	Read Interviews

Voters can learn more about the candidates' platforms and the city's evolving approach on the official Amarillo election page, review key debate highlights focused on AI, infrastructure, and AEDC reform in this city council forum summary, and access in-depth Q&As - such as how forward-thinking approaches could reshape Place 4 - via the Amarillo Globe-News candidate interviews.

This month, Galaxy Digital significantly advanced Amarillo's standing in the national tech spotlight by expanding its partnership with AI cloud provider CoreWeave at the Helios data center campus in Dickens County.

Under a new agreement, CoreWeave will lease an additional 260 megawatts (MW) of critical IT load at Helios, raising its total contracted capacity to approximately 393 MW dedicated to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing operations - a move that positions the Panhandle as a prime U.S. hub for AI and energy infrastructure.

This shift marks a strategic departure from Helios's original role as a Bitcoin mining facility, with site modifications underway to accommodate the growing AI sector, and the first phase of the redeveloped center expected to be operational by mid-2026 and further capacity to roll out through 2027.

• Major Partnership Expansion: CoreWeave's additional lease of 260 MW at Helios highlights a bold move to strengthen Amarillo's tech prominence.
• Strategic Industry Repositioning: Transitioning Helios from a Bitcoin mining site to an AI and high-performance computing hub supports the region's evolving technology landscape.
• Economic and Employment Growth: The collaboration between Galaxy Digital and CoreWeave is projected to create new tech jobs and drive significant revenue for Amarillo.
• Growing Infrastructure Capacity: With up to 800 MW of approved gross power and plans for another 1.7 gigawatts, Helios is set up as a future-ready innovation center.

For more details, see the official news release from Galaxy Digital, a summary of the Helios transformation, or a comprehensive look at the impact on AI and computing infrastructure.

Key Aspect	Details	Impact
Partnership Expansion	CoreWeave leases 260 MW at Helios	Amarillo rises as tech hub
Site Evolution	Shift from Bitcoin mining to AI & HPC	Brings new industry focus
Future Development	Up to 800 MW, plus 1.7 GW proposed	Opens doors for further growth

Galaxy Digital and CoreWeave's collaboration promises to redefine Amarillo's role as a national leader in AI infrastructure and innovation.

Industry leaders like Daniel Brown, Jennifer Wilson, and Christopher Martin have all called this a turning point for the Panhandle's tech landscape.

This month, a groundbreaking anti-drug initiative is deploying artificial intelligence to address the escalating fentanyl crisis by allowing overdose victims to posthumously share their own stories.

Kansas City's “Unfinished Legacies” campaign uses consent-based AI technology and deepfake techniques to recreate the likeness and voice of young victims, giving them a platform in poignant social media videos aimed at teens and young adults.

Backed by city funding, United Way, pro bono agencies, and families of those lost, the campaign brings real faces and messages to the forefront, starkly distinguishing itself from previous anti-drug efforts by connecting audiences directly with those most affected through their lived experiences.

• Fentanyl surge and social impact: With fentanyl deaths surging by over 1,000% in the Kansas City area during the last five years, and young adults among the hardest hit, this AI-powered approach is designed to make fentanyl use appear socially unacceptable while humanizing the risks.
• AI in public health: Public health experts nationally, such as Charles Martin, are also exploring AI's potential to improve overdose intervention, using real-time data and predictive analytics to track opioid trends and personalize care across the wider epidemic.
• Innovation recognition: The campaign's innovation and resonance were highlighted further when it was featured at the 2025 Rx Drug Summit, where sector leaders like Jessica Rodriguez discussed how AI-driven messaging and prevention strategies could bring vital early warnings and shift attitudes among youth on a national scale.

Aspect	Traditional Efforts	AI-Powered Campaign
Method	Generic warnings, statistics	Personal stories recreated with AI
Audience Connection	Low engagement	Direct, emotional impact
Data Use	Limited analytics	Real-time & predictive analytics

"This campaign gives a voice to those lost - transforming tragedy into a message that could save others," said Daniel Jackson, local advocate and supporter of the initiative.

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) finds its pivotal role in local tech advancement under renewed scrutiny this month, as stakeholders balance enthusiasm for innovation with calls for transparency and strategic oversight.

Recent updates to AEDC's governing documents, approved by the Amarillo City Council, aim to modernize its structure and clarify accountability, marking what city leaders like Lisa Gonzalez describe as “the first of many steps” to realign economic development efforts with community expectations (council approval of AEDC articles).

Meanwhile, AEDC continues to offer compelling incentives, including job creation bonuses and tax abatements, to attract high-tech industries, entrepreneurs, and research partnerships (AEDC tech-focused incentive programs).

As Amarillo's innovation ecosystem thrives - bolstered by connections to local universities and investments in fiber and collaborative workspaces - the effectiveness of AEDC's strategic recruitment will remain a focal point for both business growth and public trust (inside Amarillo's innovation ecosystem).

In a transformative move for Dickens County and the wider Texas Panhandle, the Helios Data Center is undergoing a significant technology overhaul with a focus on fiber connectivity and high-performance networking.

Once a major Bitcoin mining site, Helios is now being restructured to serve as a powerhouse for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC), backed by a long-term lease agreement with CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure provider supported by Nvidia.

The facility is being equipped with advanced fiber-optic cabling and specialized optical networking equipment to boost bandwidth and reduce latency, an essential upgrade for supporting CoreWeave's planned 133 megawatt IT load and future expansions.

As the cryptocurrency-specific hardware is decommissioned and parts of the original 126,000-square-foot structure are selectively demolished, Helios exemplifies the region's pivot from volatile digital asset mining toward more stable and future-proofed revenue streams - and is expected to channel billions in economic activity back into the community over the next 15 years.

For more on the facility's evolution, see the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal detailed report, recent coverage of the latest partnership, and industry perspectives on emerging U.S. data center developments.

April brought pivotal news for Dickens County as Galaxy Digital Holdings finalized a 15-year lease agreement with AI firm CoreWeave to transform the former Helios bitcoin mining facility into a major artificial intelligence data center, signalling a new era of high-tech job growth and local economic benefit.

With CoreWeave set to deploy up to 200 megawatts of IT power for advanced AI and computing workloads, this project is expected to generate approximately $4.5 billion in revenue over the life of the lease, while also delivering hundreds of millions in infrastructure investments and millions in new tax revenue, crucial for local schools and public budgets.

• Transformation of Industry: The shift from volatile cryptocurrency operations to diversified AI infrastructure is reimagining the 126,000-square-foot facility.
• Job Creation: The project provides stable, well-compensated jobs with benefits in Dickens County and surrounding communities.
• Economic Impact: The initiative is expected to be transformative, creating direct economic uplift while supporting regional development and workforce opportunities.
• Technology Hub: The Panhandle is positioned as a rising energy and technology hub with key utility approvals for advanced fiber networking and growth.

Main Project	Key Partners	Expected Outcomes
AI Data Center Conversion	Galaxy Digital Holdings, CoreWeave	Job Growth, Revenue, Infrastructure
Community Development	Karen Moore, Dickens County Officials	Local Schools Funding, Public Budget Support

“Early estimates suggest the initiative's local impact will be transformative, creating a direct economic uplift while supporting regional development initiatives and workforce opportunities.” – Thomas Hernandez

For an in-depth look at the facility's transition, see the KCBD news report on the transformation of the Bitcoin mining facility into an AI data center in Dickens County, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal's coverage of the new AI company lease and its community impact in Dickens County, and the industry view on CoreWeave's expanded role from Data Center Dynamics.

Across Texas, technology-driven reforms are transforming the permitting process to accelerate tech growth and streamline development for residents and businesses.

Several cities, including La Porte, have launched advanced online permitting systems such as EnerGov, enabling applicants to submit, track, and pay for permits entirely online while reducing manual errors and processing times.

This digital shift not only increases transparency and efficiency, but also makes services more accessible for homeowners and developers alike, boosting both residential and commercial projects through Citizen Self Service portals.

Meanwhile, Austin is piloting the use of artificial intelligence in its building permit approval process, aiming to automate review tasks and provide quicker feedback, with a citywide rollout planned for mid-2025 - a move that positions Austin among a small group of U.S. cities at the forefront of AI-powered permitting innovation.

These advances are further complemented by state initiatives, such as the upcoming upgrade to the Texas Permitting and Routing Optimization System (TxPROS), which will offer new digital tools and streamlined features for transportation-related permits statewide beginning April 16, 2025 TxPROS upgrades.

Collectively, these efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to reducing red tape and supporting the region's status as a thriving hub for tech investment and infrastructure innovation.

This month, Amarillo's local election forums have placed a spotlight on the critical intersection of artificial intelligence, tech policy, and workforce skills, reflecting the community's push to prepare for a rapidly evolving job market.

Initiatives like Amarillo College's Innovation Outpost are equipping both students and local businesses with hands-on cybersecurity and AI training, ensuring that residents are job-ready as new tech employers arrive and existing companies adopt advanced systems.

Local nonprofits such as the Maverick Boys & Girls Club are also stepping up, providing teens with essential workforce preparation to bridge the skills gap and strengthen career readiness.

Broader state-level action is supporting these efforts, as the Texas Workforce Commission's new Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund aims to expand access to high-demand career training through grant-funded programs, bolstering both economic growth and job opportunities.

• AI and Tech Policy: Forums led by Patricia Lopez highlight the increasing importance of AI and evolving tech policy in Amarillo's workforce development initiatives.
• Innovation Outpost Training: Robert Garcia reports that Amarillo College's Innovation Outpost is providing hands-on cybersecurity and AI training to prepare locals for new opportunities.
• Nonprofit Workforce Programs: Nonprofits like the Maverick Boys & Girls Club, supported by Sarah Garcia, offer teens vital workforce skills preparation, addressing the skills gap.
• Lone Star Workforce Fund: The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund expands career training access through grants, stimulating economic growth and regional upskilling.

Preparing Amarillo's workforce for the future requires a united effort - from educational institutions to nonprofits and government grants, we're creating opportunity for every resident.

Amarillo stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the past month's developments illuminating a pathway toward an era defined by digital infrastructure, AI-powered growth, and community-focused innovation.

Recent city council campaigns have prioritized modernizing infrastructure and investing in underserved neighborhoods, underscoring a vision to ensure equitable progress across all corners of the city as outlined by local leaders.

• Infrastructure modernization: Local government, led by John Davis, has prioritized digital infrastructure improvements to foster equal access and opportunity for all neighborhoods.
• Edge Data Center launch: The opening of the Edge Data Center enhances business and educational connectivity, preparing the workforce for future technology roles through expanded digital resources and curriculum (read more here).
• Department of Energy initiatives: Amarillo is under consideration for a substantial data center and AI infrastructure project, bringing job creation and solidifying its national technology presence as highlighted by Joseph Harris (DOE planning details).
• Balancing innovation: The community faces the challenge of maintaining sustainability and public input while fostering innovation for the long-term benefit of Amarillo residents.

"Amarillo's advance into technology must deliver lasting value - not just for businesses, but for every resident relying on opportunity and equity," said Michael Perez.

The city's tech momentum is evident through these strategic advancements, presenting both remarkable opportunities and responsibilities as Amarillo positions itself as a leader in regional and national technology innovation.