Deep Roots, Limitless Growth: Wilson is Cultivating the Future

By Laney Tipton

The Gig East Summit has grown into so much more than a technology conference. In its ninth year, the Summit is now a true representation of everything Wilson, North Carolina, stands for: a deep-rooted sense of community, intentional collaboration, and an unshakable belief that innovation belongs to everyone.

This year, over 100 entrepreneurs, educators, tech enthusiasts and more convened at the Frank L. Eagles Community Business Center to attend the ninth annual Gig East Summit. The 2025 theme, “Deep Roots, Limitless Growth,” was a nod to Wilson’s innovative past and an open invitation to help shape our future.

Collaboration is at the Heart of Wilson’s Spirit

North Carolina Representative and Wilson native Dante Pittman kicked off the morning with a keynote address. Pittman spoke about how inspired he’s been with the revitalization of Wilson’s downtown. Once an area overlooked, it’s now a magnet for innovation and forward thinking.

“Here in Wilson, we have the best collaboration in the state of North Carolina,” Pittman said.

Pittman credits that collaboration as the reason Wilson has been able to stay at the forefront of innovation. A theme that was echoed throughout the Summit.

“There is no more collaborative of a community that we have worked with than what we’ve found in Wilson,” said Tom Synder, Executive Director of RIoT and emcee for this year’s Summit.

Data, AI and the Power of Understanding It

Artificial intelligence emerged as a powerful throughline at the Summit, and not just in terms of how or when to use it, but in urging attendees to question the origins and implications of the data behind it.

Delivering the keynote, Dr. Rachel Levy, executive director of the Data Science and AI Academy and professor of mathematics at NC State University, invited the audience to dig deeper: Where does our data come from? Whose stories are told—or left out? And what does it mean for our privacy?

Levy emphasized that data science isn’t just for coders or tech giants. It’s a tool with the potential to tackle complex, real-world challenges—what she called “wicked problems”—the very kind Wilson is already confronting with innovation, collaboration, and heart.

“Wicked problems are problems that take more than one person, more than one discipline; people really coming together to solve important problems,” Levy said, once again echoing the collaboration and cohesiveness that Wilson has become known to offer.

Dr. Levy also gave advice on how to use AI tools. “AI often gives you a first draft,” she said. “You need to drive. You need to select, iterate, refine the results so that they work for you.”

The keynote wrapped up with a discussion on the cultural differences about using AI. Dr. Levy noted that in a recent study, participants in the United States viewed AI primarily as a threat to jobs, the environment, and equity. In other countries, it’s viewed as an opportunity.

The biggest takeaway from the keynote was that AI can be a tool for good, but only if we insist on understanding it, shaping it, and using it with care.

Wilson’s Vision for Smart Growth

Throughout the day, a diverse lineup of entrepreneurs, students, mentors, and experts shared how Wilson is harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation to drive a smarter, more sustainable future—particularly in agriculture and technology. From the launch of Wilson Community College’s Agribusiness Technology Program to cutting-edge projects like the Wilson Smart Agriculture Testbed and a demonstration from the Whirlybots robotics team, the city’s investment in the next generation was on full display.

Presenters also spotlighted forward-thinking infrastructure, like geothermal permeable pavement systems aimed at improving stormwater management and energy efficiency. These sustainable solutions reflect Wilson’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and ideas.

Whether it was local founders sharing personal journeys or city leaders affirming their support, the message was clear: Wilson is a place where innovation is rooted in community, and where big ideas are welcomed, and more importantly, cultivated.

Entrepreneurs Take the Stage

That evening, Summit attendees transitioned to the Gig East Exchange in downtown Wilson to host the 20th RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP) Pitch Competition. As tradition to wrap the 12-week program, nine startups pitched live in front of four judges and a full house of supporters for a cash prize. There was an audience-voted winner as well as a judge’s winner.

A City Set to Grow, With You

From AI to smart ag, sustainability to future planning, the Gig East Summit made it clear that Wilson isn’t trying to become the next big tech hub. It’s already redefining what that means, with collaboration and community sitting at the root of it all.

If you’re looking for a place to grow something meaningful and are looking for a place that will nurture your vision, Wilson has something going on.