Shokworks, the International Accelerator, and Austin AI Valley have launched the Austin AI Lab, a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate AI adoption and innovation across Texas.
The lab, opening on November 22 in downtown Austin, aims to support businesses of all sizes with practical AI resources, propelling local companies through digital transformations that can bolster Texas’s reputation as a tech powerhouse.
“We’re thrilled to launch this initiative in Austin, a city that wants to lead in tech innovation,” Alejandro Laplana, CEO of Shokworks, said in a newsletter. “By providing access to AI agents, model execution, workflow automation, and data analytics, we’re playing our part so Texas businesses don’t fall behind the AI curve. It’s about helping them cut costs and streamline operations.”
With an emphasis on real-world solutions, the Austin AI Lab offers a unique environment where small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger businesses can test, prototype, and refine AI applications suited to their needs. This collaborative venture integrates the strengths of Shokworks’ AI and digital transformation expertise, the International Accelerator’s guidance for startups, and Austin AI Valley’s dedication to ecosystem growth through academic, industry, and public-sector partnerships.
“By equipping business owners with the tools to become AI-native, we’re enhancing their competitive edge and strengthening the region’s already impressive pool of global entrepreneurs,” Angelos Angelou, Founder of International Accelerator, said in a news release. The lab’s offerings include a flexible, pay-as-you-go model, democratizing access to enterprise-grade AI tools without hefty upfront investment. Businesses can access sophisticated solutions typically limited to giant corporations through specialized offerings such as AI Agents as a Service, Workflow Automation, and Data Analytics.
The lab’s collaborative framework aims to drive Austin’s potential as a leading AI innovation center forward. Shokworks brings over six years of AI experience with over 150 product successes, offering local firms tools to leverage AI effectively. Meanwhile, International Accelerator will guide foreign-born founders in navigating the U.S. market, further enriching the lab’s support network. Austin AI Valley, a non-profit dedicated to AI ecosystem development in Texas, will foster connections with academia and the business community to support startups’ needs for education and collaboration.
Anupam Govil, Managing Partner of Avasant and Founder of Austin AI Valley emphasized the lab’s strategic importance for the region: “The power of AI has to be carefully harnessed via a robust strategy, along with an ecosystem of partners who can pilot, develop, and implement the right use cases. I am pleased that the International Accelerator and Shokworks have partnered to launch Austin AI Lab; this will be an important step toward making Austin the leader in applied AI.”
Austin AI Lab’s launch is timely, as Austin’s reputation as a growing tech hub aligns with an urgent need for adaptable AI solutions that can drive efficiencies across sectors. The lab’s mission to make AI accessible and actionable reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and empowering Texas businesses, advancing the regional economy and the future of applied AI.
