This Month's Latest Tech News in Lubbock, TX - Thursday July 31st 2025 Edition

Lubbock and West Texas are rapidly emerging as critical hubs in the AI and advanced energy revolution, driven by multi-billion-dollar investments and strategic partnerships.

The $4.5 billion Galaxy-CoreWeave collaboration is converting a former Bitcoin mine in Dickens County into a major AI and high-performance computing data center with a contracted capacity of 393 MW and potential expansion to 600 MW by 2027, catalyzing significant job creation and infrastructure growth (Nucamp Bootcamp's Latest Tech News in Lubbock, TX).

Nearby, Texas Tech University System is partnering with Fermi America to develop the world's largest AI and advanced energy campus near Amarillo, spanning 5,800 acres and equipped to provide up to 11 gigawatts of power from diverse sources including nuclear, solar, and natural gas.

This ambitious $11 billion project aims to bolster U.S. energy competitiveness while creating educational and workforce opportunities in the Panhandle region (Fermi America and Texas Tech University Hypergrid AI Campus Plans).

Additionally, West Texas hosts the Stargate Project in Abilene, backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank, with a $500 billion commitment to expand AI data center capacity by several gigawatts, reinforcing Texas's role as a premier market for AI infrastructure (OpenAI and Partners Building Massive AI Data Center in Texas).

These developments underscore a growing AI corridor linking Lubbock, Amarillo, and Abilene, supported by extensive facilities, power infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives that position West Texas at the forefront of technological innovation and energy transformation.

The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) and energy innovator Fermi America have announced plans to build the world's largest advanced energy and artificial intelligence (AI) campus near Amarillo, Texas, covering approximately 5,800 acres adjacent to the Pantex Plant.

This ambitious $11 billion HyperGrid project will feature 18 million square feet of AI data centers and generate up to 11 gigawatts of electricity from a diverse energy mix including natural gas, solar, wind, and clean nuclear power.

Fermi America, co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, aims to establish Amarillo as a national hub for AI innovation and clean energy, leveraging advanced water-saving cooling technologies and a state-of-the-art combined-cycle natural gas plant with plans for four AP1000 nuclear reactors by 2032.

The initiative is aligned with federal priorities, such as the CHIPS and Science Act and a 2025 executive order designating AI data centers and nuclear reactors as critical defense infrastructure.

Key benefits include creating 3,000 to 5,000 jobs by 2035, substantial academic and workforce development opportunities through collaboration with Texas Tech University and local colleges, and maintaining energy cost stability for consumers.

While the project is praised for its innovation, environmental scrutiny remains regarding water and emission impacts. As Chancellor Tedd Mitchell stated,

“Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this campus will not only be the largest energy and data complex of its kind, but also a testament to the unshakable spirit of our system, the Texas Panhandle and this great state.”

Learn more about the project's scope and technology at Amarillo Globe-News coverage of the HyperGrid AI campus project, the official Texas Tech University System announcement of the partnership, and details on power generation and water conservation from the Amarillo Tribune's report on HyperGrid energy and water use.

The Helios data center campus in Dickens County, Texas, originally a cryptocurrency mining facility operated by Argo Blockchain, is undergoing a strategic transformation to become a leading AI and high-performance computing (HPC) hub under Galaxy Digital Holdings.

After acquiring Helios in late 2022 for approximately $65 million, Galaxy signed a 15-year lease agreement with CoreWeave, an AI cloud provider backed by Nvidia, to convert the 126,000-square-foot facility and its 160-acre campus into a GPU-powered AI data center.

CoreWeave initially leased 133 MW of critical IT load, with a phased delivery scheduled through mid-2026, and recently exercised its option to expand by an additional 260 MW, bringing their total contracted capacity at Helios to approximately 393 MW, with exclusivity on potential further expansion up to 533 MW. This expansion aligns with Helios's total approved gross power capacity of 800 MW, supported by ERCOT, and positions the site as one of the largest single-location data center hubs focused on AI infrastructure in the U.S. Galaxy projects that the lease will generate around $4.5 billion in revenue over 15 years, enhancing local economic growth with significant job creation and infrastructure investment in Dickens County.

The transition from Bitcoin mining to AI workloads is marked by upgrades including enhanced fiber connectivity and specialized optical networking, while maintaining Tier III N+1 redundancy standards to support hyperscale-grade reliability.

Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy, emphasized the strategic shift saying,

“This Phase II commitment with CoreWeave marks another major step in Galaxy's evolution as a trusted partner for the next generation of data center infrastructure.”

CoreWeave, operating over 32 data centers with 250,000+ GPUs and serving clients such as Microsoft and OpenAI, plans ongoing expansion with ten new data centers in 2025, taking advantage of Galaxy's infrastructure and power capacity to meet the surging demand for AI cloud resources.

For more details on Galaxy and CoreWeave's transformative partnership, visit Galaxy's official announcement on their AI data center expansion, CoreWeave's additional lease capacity in Texas, and local news coverage by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Fermi America, co-founded by former Texas Governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, has secured over 600 megawatts (MW) of clean natural gas power capacity to fuel its ambitious Amarillo HyperGrid AI campus near the Pantex Plant in Carson County, Texas.

This initial phase includes a major equipment purchase of six Siemens SGT-800 gas turbines, six heat recovery steam generators, and one SST-600 steam turbine, providing approximately 478 MW under ISO standard conditions, alongside three refurbished General Electric Frame 6B turbines, collectively targeting 1 gigawatt (GW) of power availability by the end of 2026.

The 5,769-acre campus, developed in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, aims to build up to 11 GW of AI power capacity by 2035, integrating gas, nuclear, solar, and battery energy storage to meet increasing AI computing demands.

Toby Neugebauer, Fermi's co-founder, emphasized the importance of behind-the-meter power infrastructure to safeguard American AI leadership, stating,

“Behind-the-meter power isn't just a Fermi advantage - it's the only solution for America's AI dominance. Without it, we're handing China the keys to AI.”

Environmental considerations include state-of-the-art emissions controls, with CO₂ emissions projected to be over 30% below typical grid averages, and an innovative combined-cycle setup improving overall efficiency by utilizing exhaust heat to generate steam power.

Though construction timelines remain partially undetailed, equipment installation is set to commence later this year, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable energy deployment for AI infrastructure.

For further in-depth coverage, see the detailed reports on Amarillo Globe-News' announcement of Fermi America's 600 MW power addition for the Amarillo AI campus, Data Center Dynamics' analysis of Fermi America's 600MW turbine acquisition for the 11GW AI mega campus, and The Texan's detailed report on Fermi America's partnership with Texas Tech and strategic AI power center plans.

Texas Tech University is actively preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future through comprehensive educational initiatives and workshops. The university's Teaching, Learning, & Professional Development Center (TLPDC) offers evolving AI teaching resources, including consultations, workshops, and guidelines to help instructors integrate AI into their curricula responsibly and effectively.

Notable initiatives include a four-part AI Literacy Workshop series, such as the "AI 'Information' and Misinformation Workshop," which helps participants critically evaluate AI-generated content and its biases.

Texas Tech is also launching a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence aimed at bridging the gap between AI technology and its users by emphasizing ethics, psychology, and communication.

These efforts align with broader educational trends, as AI literacy has become the fastest-growing skill in the U.S., supported by national and global movements to embed AI literacy across K-12 and higher education.

Texas Tech's commitment to AI education is further demonstrated by its participation in national AI literacy events and by providing syllabi resources and assignment ideas that encourage critical thinking and responsible AI usage.

For educators and students interested in these programs, detailed resources and event registration are available through the Texas Tech AI Teaching Resources, upcoming AI literacy workshops can be joined via the AI Literacy at Lunchtime Workshop Series, and comprehensive coverage on evolving AI education practices is offered at the AI Literacy Review March 2025.

These initiatives place Texas Tech at the forefront of equipping youth and educators in West Texas with the skills and ethical framework necessary for the emerging AI landscape.

Bill Gates has highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to resolve longstanding labor shortages in critical fields such as teaching and medicine.

According to Gates, AI advancements within the next decade will make humans unnecessary for many routine tasks, offering "free intelligence" that provides accessible, high-quality medical advice and tutoring.

The U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, particularly impacting specialties like geriatric care, while 86% of K-12 public schools reported staffing difficulties for the 2023-2024 school year.

Innovative AI startups like Suki, Zephyr AI, and Tennr are reducing clinical burnout by automating repetitive healthcare tasks, potentially boosting industry productivity by $370 billion, as estimated by McKinsey.

In education, pilot programs in places such as London are demonstrating AI's ability to assist students with exam preparation, despite concerns about academic integrity.

Gates also notes AI's expanding role in blue-collar jobs, with companies like Nvidia developing humanoid robots for manual labor, aiming at greater efficiency and cost reduction.

He envisions a future with shorter workweeks or earlier retirements, urging a philosophical reconsideration of how societies value and use time. As Gates reflects,

"I don't have to work. I choose to work. Because? Because it's fun."

For more on his insights, see Bill Gates' comprehensive discussions on AI's impact in CNBC's coverage of Bill Gates on AI and the future of work, analysis of workforce shortages in Business Insider's report on AI addressing job shortages in healthcare and education, and detailed reporting on AI's role in labor markets at Yahoo Finance's article on Bill Gates discussing AI and labor market changes.

On June 24, 2025, four Texas Tech Police Department officers - Levi Ridley, James Black III, Tanner Eade, and Dante Prater - responded to a suspicious vehicle near Jones AT&T Stadium on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock, Texas.

The individual encountered, 63-year-old Rhino Simboli, produced a firearm and opened fire on the officers, leading them to return fire and fatally wound Simboli.

Following a thorough investigation by the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit, the use of force by the officers was deemed justified, with the findings subsequently supported by the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office.

The officers were initially placed on paid administrative leave, but all have since been cleared to return to duty, although some remain on leave to recover from injuries sustained during the incident - Officer James Black III was struck by gunfire and Simboli's vehicle and remains hospitalized, while Officer Levi Ridley has been released after treatment.

The university and law enforcement community have expressed ongoing support for the injured officers during their recovery. For more information, see the detailed KCBD report on the use-of-force investigation, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal coverage of the clearance of officers, and the CBS Austin news on the shooting incident.

Texas Tech University student Eli Heath has been appointed as the 20th student regent on the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) Board of Regents for the 2025-26 academic year, beginning June 1, 2025.

A National Merit Scholar and undergraduate in the Honors College, Heath is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering, with minors in bioengineering, biology, and chemistry.

He succeeds Jad Zeitouni of TTUHSC and will represent over 60,000 students across the TTU System's five institutions, including Texas Tech University and Angelo State University.

A respected campus leader, Heath serves as a student body senator, outreach coordinator for Raider Medical Screening Society, and member of the TTU System Health Policy and Public Health Think Tank.

His academic excellence is reflected in multiple scholarships and awards, alongside active research roles in immunology and public health, including NIH-funded projects and an upcoming internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

TTU President Lawrence Schovanec praised Heath as “a thoughtful representative of the university” committed to service and academic achievement, while TTU System Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell highlighted Heath's role as a vital advocate for students across all system institutions.

Heath's term will include attending the first Board of Regents meeting August 14-15, 2025, in Lubbock. For full details, visit the Texas Tech University appointment announcement, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal coverage of Eli Heath's appointment, and the official Texas Tech Board of Regents biography of Eli Heath.

As AI-powered meal planning apps gain traction in Lubbock, Texas Tech nutrition experts advise cautious use, emphasizing that while these tools offer time-saving personalized diet suggestions, they lack the nuanced understanding of human dietitians.

AI meal planners, such as Whisk and AI Meal Planner, analyze nutritional data and adapt to user preferences, providing convenient support for general health goals; however, they fall short in addressing complex medical conditions, emotional eating, and cultural dietary needs.

A recent NIH scoping review highlights AI's improvements in diet pattern analysis but notes limitations for chronic illnesses and psychological factors. Texas Tech's AI Digest and state legislations in Texas stress the importance of verifying AI recommendations for safety and privacy.

Certified dietitians bring clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and real-time behavioral support that AI cannot replicate. According to Heena Kauser Khan's comprehensive 2025 analysis, a hybrid approach integrating AI data with professional oversight yields the best adherence and outcomes.

As AI tools transform nutrition planning, embracing collaboration rather than replacement ensures healthier, culturally relevant choices for individuals. For in-depth guidance, explore Texas Tech's AI nutrition initiatives and expert perspectives on combining technology with human care in the May 2025 tech news edition, Heena Kauser Khan's AI vs Dietitian report, and April 2025 insights from Texas Tech nutritionists.

In March 2025, Texas Tech University experienced a significant natural gas leak and explosion originating from manholes and underground electrical vaults near the Engineering Key on campus.

The Lubbock Fire Rescue (LFR) responded to reports of green flames, smoke, and multiple manhole covers blown off, resulting in widespread power outages affecting both Texas Tech University and the Health Sciences Center.

Emergency evacuations were conducted, including the Engineering Key and nearby facilities such as the Rawls College of Business and Physical Plant, with an early spring break implemented to accommodate displaced students.

The incident involved a complex mix of natural gas leaks and electrical hazards; methane and highly toxic hydrogen cyanide were detected at multiple locations, prompting utility shutdowns by Atmos Energy and Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L).

An explosion at LP&L's Brandon Substation near the United Supermarkets Arena further complicated response efforts but caused no injuries. After extensive investigation, the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office ultimately ruled the fires and explosions an accident caused by submerged electrical lines leading to arcing and ignition of combustible materials, with no evidence of natural gas explosions or criminal activity.

Power restoration took weeks, with about 40% of the campus affected initially; university officials implemented safety protocols and continuous monitoring throughout.

The coordinated response by LFR, LP&L, Atmos Energy, and university officials proved critical in managing this unprecedented event on campus. For detailed incident insights, refer to Lubbock Fire Rescue's comprehensive report, the KSAT detailed report on the campus explosion, and the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office accident ruling.

During the Loop 88 road construction in Lubbock, Texas, an archaeological survey between January 27 and February 5, 2025, uncovered remarkable Ice Age discoveries, including the tooth of a Giant Ground Sloth and other fossilized remains estimated to be 18,000 to 36,000 years old.

Likely belonging to the Shasta Ground Sloth species, these findings date back to the Pleistocene Epoch's Last Glacial Maximum and were unearthed amid the region's ancient lakebeds.

TxDOT's environmental team collaborates closely with the Museum of Texas Tech, where the fragile specimens are being conserved and studied - research that could take months to a year before full identification and reporting.

Experts also noted evidence of micro-vertebrates such as tiger salamanders, pointing to a prehistoric habitat rich in woody vegetation dominated by native hackberry trees.

Moreover, the discovery has the potential to reveal human-megafauna interactions, a first for any TxDOT project, which would necessitate legal considerations and possibly influence construction plans.

However, officials assure that ongoing excavation will not delay the Loop 88 timeline. This find adds to West Texas's growing record of important paleontological sites, including a mammoth tusk found earlier this year cared for by Sul Ross State University.

Interested readers can explore related exhibits and research at the Museum of Texas Tech's Ice Age Collections.

Learn more from the original Lubbock Avalanche-Journal report by Alana Edgin on the Giant Ground Sloth Discovery and the detailed study in the Follow-Up Article on Ongoing Ice Age Research in West Texas.

Lubbock and the broader West Texas region are poised to enter a transformative era in AI and advanced energy innovation, anchored by the historic collaboration between the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) and Fermi America to develop the world's largest advanced energy and intelligence campus near Amarillo.

Spanning approximately 5,800 acres, this $11 billion HyperGrid™ campus will feature 18 million square feet of AI data centers powered by a diverse energy portfolio including nuclear, solar, wind, and natural gas, with up to 11 gigawatts of IT capacity - equivalent to powering Manhattan.

The campus not only represents a strategic move to secure U.S. leadership in energy and AI infrastructure amidst global competition but also serves as a catalyst for academic excellence and workforce development, offering research opportunities, internships, and training across all five TTU System institutions.

As Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell emphasized, this project symbolizes Texas's enduring energy leadership and commitment to innovation, while TTU President Lawrence Schovanec highlighted its significance for educational and research growth.

The campus strategically leverages the Panhandle's natural resources and proximity to the Pantex nuclear facility to create an unprecedented technological hub.

This monumental initiative complements ongoing regional advancements such as the Galaxy-CoreWeave $4.5 billion AI data center transformation in Lubbock's Dickens County, illustrating West Texas's rising stature as a tech powerhouse.

For individuals seeking to capitalize on these developments, Nucamp offers targeted educational pathways including the AI Essentials for Work bootcamp to build practical AI skills, the Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur bootcamp for launching tech startups, and various coding and cybersecurity courses conducive to this evolving job market.

Together, these initiatives underscore a regional renaissance where cutting-edge technology, education, and energy converge to fuel economic growth and opportunity in West Texas.