NTT DATA is a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services and a catalyst for transformation. With a presence in more than 70 countries and a legacy of innovation spanning decades, NTT DATA brings together deep industry expertise, cutting-edge technology and a human-centered approach to help clients solve their most complex challenges. In Nashville, this commitment takes shape through the Innovation and Digital Delivery Center, a hub designed to accelerate client success and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration and community impact.
members of UTK visit NTT DATA in Japan.
At the heart of NTT DATA’s story is a belief in responsible innovation. It’s mission — “to accelerate client success and positively impact society through responsible innovation” — is deeply embedded in their approach to work. It’s a call to action that informs every engagement, from reimagining supply chains with AI to transforming citizen services with generative technologies. This ethos is reflected in the company’s investment in global R&D, with over $3 billion annually devoted to developing sustainable, secure and scalable solutions.
In Nashville, NTT DATA’s Innovation Center serves as a launchpad for these ambitions. The center was established in partnership with state and local leaders to create high-value jobs and attract top talent to the region. It’s a space where consulting, digital and data teams converge to co-create with clients, incubate new ideas and deliver real-world impact. The center has already become a magnet for innovation, drawing interest from Fortune 500 companies, startups and civic organizations alike.
Plowman (Chancellor of UTK), Beth Howen (NTT DATA), Manami Masuda (NTT DATA)
One standout example of NTT DATA’s commitment to Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem is its involvement in the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative.
In April 2025, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development awarded a grant to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and NTT DATA to create an AI-driven disaster management platform. This solution will provide features like disaster simulation to improve planning and real-time navigation advising affected communities on safe escape routes while promoting traffic flow.
“We’re proud to partner with Tennessee on initiatives like the TNGO program, which reflect our shared commitment to smarter infrastructure and safer communities,” says Billy Johnson, Vice President of State, Local & Education for NTT DATA North America. “Innovation in the public sector must be inclusive, scalable and rooted in trust — and that’s exactly what we deliver.”
The company’s partnership with Penske Entertainment and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES provides a public showcase for innovation at scale in Tennessee. Each INDYCAR race generates over 8 billion data points, which NTT DATA transforms into real-time insights for race control and fan engagement. The custom emissions tracking platform enables INDYCAR’s goal to reduce race operations emissions by 50% by 2030, with renewable race fuel already cutting greenhouse gases by at least 60%. At the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, NTT DATA helped deliver the season finale for two consecutive years, showcasing how intelligent automation and data-driven platforms can transform motorsports from the track to the fan experience.
“Innovation is not just about technology — it’s about people,” says Beth Howen, Divisional President, State, Local & Education, NTT DATA North America. “We’ve built a team where bold thinking, collaboration and purpose-driven transformation thrive.”
NTT DATA creates an environment where people are empowered to grow, lead and make a difference. Its aspirational culture — “to be the place where people grow” — is supported by refreshed values that emphasize integrity, bold thinking and collective success. This culture is especially evident in Nashville, where the Innovation Center has become a beacon for talent development, community engagement and inclusive leadership.
With global reach and local impact, NTT DATA is redefining what it means to innovate. The Nashville Innovation Center is a testament to the belief that technology can — and should — be a force for good. As it continues to expand its capabilities and deepen its partnerships, NTT DATA remains committed to helping clients navigate change, unlock new opportunities and build a better future.
