Tuskegee University is set to host the 2026 Amazon Web Services–Machine Learning University (AWS-MLU) Spring AI/ML Teaching & Research Symposium on February 26–27, 2026. This marks the first time the symposium will be held on a university campus.
The event will bring together educators, faculty researchers, academic leaders, professionals from Amazon, and industry innovators. The focus is on collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) education and research. Activities during the two-day symposium include keynote addresses, technical talks led by Tuskegee University faculty, discussions on ethics in AI, networking events, a faculty recognition ceremony, poster showcases, campus tours, and research presentations.
The symposium is open to members of the AWS-MLU Transformation Alliance and Educators Consortium as well as future members of the Dean’s Council. The first day will take place in Montgomery with a reception and networking dinner. The second day at Tuskegee University will feature a keynote address by Mamar Gelaye, Vice President of IT Operations at Amazon.
Dr. Margie Vela from Machine Learning University at Amazon Web Services said: “Machine Learning University is honored that Tuskegee University will host the first AWS-MLU Spring AI/ML Research Showcase at a participating HBCU – a milestone that marks a new chapter in tech innovation. The AWS-MLU Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance will come together to showcase how they’re reshaping the future of AI.”
She added: “We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our cohorts and look forward to welcoming new faculty and administrators into our 2026-27 cohorts. AWS-MLU is a collaboration between 78 HBCUs and community colleges working with industry AI and Machine Learning experts and leaders to build the future of innovation. This is about revolutionizing how we build AI and machine learning systems to tackle real-world problems with tech that serves all communities.”
Dr. Vela continued: “The result of our collaboration this year has been nothing short of AMAZing. Working side-by-side with extraordinary educators, we’re cultivating the next wave of AI and ML pioneers who will reshape how technology serves our mission, to ensure that the AI revolution doesn’t just benefit a select few, but uplifts every corner of society. We are In This Together to transform the future of innovation and technology.”
Dr. Thierno Thiam, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Tuskegee University said: “Our collaboration with AWS–Machine Learning University signals a transformational moment for Tuskegee University. We are positioning our institution, our faculty and our students at the forefront of innovation — expanding both the global dialogue and the possibilities of what responsible, human-centered AI can achieve.”
Faculty researchers interested in presenting their work can submit abstracts highlighting original research in areas such as information security applications for AI; advancements in agentic AI; automated reasoning; responsible use of AWS Trainium; cryptography; cybersecurity solutions; device sustainability using data-driven approaches; or transformative scientific ideas under “Think Big.” Abstracts should detail objectives, methodology, preliminary findings if available, impact potential or relevant research area(s), along with author details.
The deadline for abstract submission is January 16, 2026 via https://tuskegeeuniversity.formstack.com/forms/aws_mlu_spring_symposium_abstract_submission . Notifications regarding acceptance will be sent out by February 8.
Registration for invited participants opens through https://awssymposium2025.eventbrite.com , closing on February 1.
Since its founding in 2006 Amazon Web Services has expanded its offerings across cloud computing services including compute power storage databases analytics machine learning IoT mobile security media application development deployment management serving millions worldwide across many industries from startups to government agencies.
Through initiatives like its Machine Learning University Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, AWS supports expanding access to inclusive artificial intelligence education—especially at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and community colleges—by providing hands-on training open curriculum peer support helping prepare diverse skilled technology leaders.