Red Raiders Go Big: Texas Tech Unveils Historic AI-Energy Campus Deal as Softball Star NiJaree Canady Nets $1.2M NIL Windfall

In a week that will be remembered for generations across Lubbock and beyond, Texas Tech University has taken two colossal strides on the national stage—one in science and infrastructure, and the other in collegiate athletics.

Texas Tech has officially joined forces with Fermi America to construct what will be the world’s largest AI-powered energy research campus—a first-of-its-kind initiative poised to transform how energy is produced, managed, and consumed in the future. This landmark collaboration, set to unfold in the Lone Star State, aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the full spectrum of energy research: from generation and transmission to environmental sustainability.

The groundbreaking project will be headquartered in Lubbock, with thousands of acres designated for infrastructure, labs, and training centers. It is being heralded as a pivotal step in both AI innovation and clean energy development. According to university officials, the center will host advanced supercomputing facilities, renewable energy labs, and educational pipelines for AI-related disciplines.

Fermi America CEO Olivia Chen echoed the excitement: “This campus will become the epicenter of energy transformation powered by AI. Texas Tech’s academic backbone and Lubbock’s strategic position make this the perfect match.”

Construction is slated to begin by the end of 2025, with early phases opening to students and researchers by 2027. The long-term goal is to make Texas Tech the leading authority in AI-driven energy solutions, surpassing institutions like MIT and Stanford in this emerging field.

For Lubbock residents, the announcement also signals a wave of economic growth, with thousands of tech and research jobs expected to be created—solidifying the Red Raiders’ role not just in higher education, but in global innovation.

While the energy world buzzes with Texas Tech’s announcement, the sports world was jolted by another headline-grabbing development: star pitcher NiJaree Canady has signed a groundbreaking $1.2 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal—one of the largest ever for a softball athlete.

Canady, who has dazzled on the mound with her powerful arm and poise under pressure, has now become a symbol of what’s possible for female athletes in the NIL era. Known for her fierce competitive spirit and record-setting strikeout stats, Canady is now a seven-figure trailblazer.

Though specific sponsors involved in the deal have yet to be disclosed, early reports suggest major sports apparel brands and tech firms have partnered with Canady to elevate her profile nationally. The agreement will also involve community engagement initiatives and softball promotion campaigns to boost the sport’s visibility.

Sports marketing experts are calling the deal “a watershed moment” for women’s college athletics. “We’ve entered an era where elite talent like Canady is finally getting the recognition—and compensation—they deserve,” said NIL consultant Marcus Benton. “And this is only the beginning.”

Texas Tech’s athletic department has praised the deal, noting how Canady’s success reflects the university’s growing stature in the NIL landscape. “We’re proud to support athletes who are both top-tier performers and exceptional people,” said Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt.