Highlighting Advanced Manufacturing and Industry Innovation Driving Economic Growth In Middle Georgia
On September 30, 2025, the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor (MGIC), in partnership with Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM), hosted the Middle Georgia Manufacturing Expo at the Museum of Aviation’s Century of Flight Hangar.
“Middle Georgia is a leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation across multiple industry sectors,” said Dr. Joe Richardson, Executive Director of the Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor. “Events like this Expo shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking ideas and exceptional talent driving our region forward.”
Students engage with a collaborative robot demonstration during the MGIC Manufacturing Expo, showcasing hands-on learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
Vendors included Air Force Special Operations Command, Central Georgia Technical College, Champion Growth Precision Agriculture, The Flying Legion #3635 (Houston County School District’s Robotics Team), Fort Valley State University Fab Lab, Georgia College & State University, Georgia FIRST Robotics, Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Program (GaMEP), Monroe County Coding Canines, the Museum of Aviation National STEM Academy, Sigma Defense, and The Smida Syndicate (First Presbyterian Day School’s Robotics Team).
Throughout the Expo, visitors experienced innovation in action through hands-on demonstrations and student-led projects. Robotics teams coded, competed, and collaborated while Fab Lab educators guided guests through 3D printing, fabrication, and engineering activities. Virtual reality stations drew lines of curious students eager to explore digital design and production. Each corner of the Century of Flight Hangar buzzed with connection and shared excitement.
Video recap of the 2025 MGIC Manufacturing Expo.
The Museum of Aviation provided a fitting backdrop for the day’s theme of progress. Surrounded by the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, F-16A Fighting Falcon, and Lockheed U-2, guests were reminded of Middle Georgia’s long-standing ties to aerospace and innovation. From students experiencing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) up close to executives building new connections, the Expo reflected the spirit of collaboration that defines the region.
After the Expo, local manufacturers and community leaders gathered for a Manufacturer’s Luncheon hosted with Georgia Tech’s GaMEP. The discussion focused on strengthening connections between education, industry, and workforce development as part of Georgia AIM’s statewide effort to bring artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing into classrooms and training programs.
The Middle Georgia Manufacturing Expo was part of Georgia AIM Week 2025—a week dedicated to showcasing advanced manufacturing across the state of Georgia. MGIC’s partnership with Georgia AIM is part of a larger effort to advance Middle Georgia as a hub for innovation. Funded by a $65 million U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant, Georgia AIM supports 15 projects across the state, connecting manufacturers with smart technologies and a skilled workforce ready for the next generation of production.
