California, Detroit Stand Out in US AI Readiness

California maintains its lead in U.S. artificial intelligence readiness, with San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles ranked as 'superstar' or 'star hub' metro areas by the Brookings Institution due to strong tech industry presence and recent $40 billion in funding secured by firms like OpenAI. The Bay Area benefits from major companies such as Google, Meta, and Nvidia. California's AI leadership also includes practical initiatives, such as a new pilot by the California Independent System Operator using OATI's AI software to improve electric grid outage management. Other regions, including Detroit, are recognized as emerging AI centers, reflecting wider geographic diffusion of AI talent and adoption. Brookings evaluated 387 U.S. metro areas based on AI job postings, venture capital, patents, and local talent. Experts note that understanding each city's AI readiness is crucial for fostering local innovation and economic growth.