Top 10 Tech Companies to Work for in Chattanooga in 2025

Chattanooga has totally transformed into a tech powerhouse, with over 25,000 tech jobs and a billion-dollar industry that's only getting bigger.

Thanks to the city's lightning-fast internet and smart city initiatives, we're seeing some serious innovation happening here. The tech scene is projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to the local economy by 2025, which is mind-blowing.

Companies like Branch Technology are pushing boundaries with 3D-printed buildings, while FreightWaves is revolutionizing logistics with real-time analytics. The city's got this amazing startup vibe, with quantum-as-a-service connectivity rolling out and tech companies offering competitive salaries averaging $84,000.

What's really cool is how the community supports each other - from CO.LAB's startup accelerator to The Enterprise Center's resources. Whether you're into AI, software development, or smart city tech, Chattanooga's got something for everyone.

The city isn't just growing; it's leading the way in tech innovation, making it the perfect spot for anyone looking to jump into the tech world.

Our approach to ranking Chattanooga's top tech companies combines several key evaluation methods that focus on adoption costs, capabilities, and integration potential.

Growth metrics remain crucial, with companies like Text Request and FreightWaves showing impressive trajectories of 406% and 231% respectively. The evaluation process dives deep into each company's potential, looking at both their current success and future outlook.

We've implemented specific criteria used by venture capitalists, including market opportunity, intellectual property strength, and go-to-market strategies.

This helps us identify companies that aren't just performing well now but are built for long-term success.

Our research leverages multiple data sources to create a comprehensive picture.

We analyze companies using three core rules: path to profitability, burn rate management, and clear exit strategies.

Primary sources include Inc. 5000's rankings, Crunchbase's investment data, and LinkedIn's professional insights. Each company is scored on innovation potential, market impact, and sustainable growth practices.

This methodology helps identify workplaces that offer real opportunities for tech professionals looking to make their mark in Chattanooga's growing tech scene.

By examining these metrics, we're able to spotlight companies that aren't just successful today but are positioning themselves as industry leaders for tomorrow.

Text Request has changed the game since its start in 2014, becoming a standout success in business messaging. Based in Chattanooga, this messaging platform ranks 9th among 237 competitors while staying true to its bootstrap roots with zero outside funding.

They've connected over 120 million people through SMS, proving that their approach to business texting actually works. Their recent 441% three-year growth rate shows they're seriously crushing it.

Text Request got acquired by Commify to expand their reach in the U.S. market, and they've made the Inc. 5000 list four years straight - pretty impressive stuff! The company keeps pushing forward with new features like their Microsoft Dynamics 365 integration, which lets sales teams text directly from their CRM system.

With features like unlimited users, group messaging, and multi-language support, they're making it super easy for businesses to connect with customers through text.

The 42-person team, including Lisa Jones, has created a work culture that's earned them Great Place to Work® certification twice, showing they're not just about the tech - they care about their people too.

As someone looking at tech careers in Chattanooga, Text Request offers real opportunities to work on tech that actually impacts how businesses communicate today.

FreightWaves continues to revolutionize the logistics industry as we head into 2025. Recent market analysis shows a significant upswing in the freight sector, with spot rates increasing 14.7% year-over-year and hitting $1.87 by late 2024.

The company's influence has grown exponentially since its 2016 founding, earning recognition in the latest FreightTech 25 rankings and cementing its position as a tech powerhouse.

What's really cool is how their SONAR platform has become the go-to tool for freight forecasting, with transportation pricing showing consistent growth through most of 2024.

Beyond just tracking numbers, FreightWaves is totally changing how logistics companies operate.

Their tech solutions aren't just about data - they're about making real improvements in how goods move across the country. Market experts predict 2025 will mark the end of the freight recession, with FreightWaves' platforms helping companies navigate this transition.

The company's innovative approach has helped logistics firms cut operational costs by 25% and speed up deliveries by 30% - that's seriously impressive stuff!

Working at FreightWaves means being part of something bigger than just a tech company.

Their Chattanooga headquarters is this amazing hub where tech meets logistics, creating solutions that actually make a difference. Whether it's their cutting-edge SONAR platform, their super informative FreightWaves TV, or their game-changing Trucking Freight Futures, they're constantly pushing boundaries.

It's pretty awesome to see a Chattanooga company leading the way in transforming how the entire logistics industry operates, and they're just getting started!

Branch Technology is completely transforming construction with their revolutionary Cellular Fabrication (C-Fab) technology.

Their success is mind-blowing - they've grown from $2 million to over $12 million in sales in just one year. The company's innovative process uses 20 times less material than traditional methods while creating incredible architectural designs.

They're not just focused on commercial projects - they're also using their tech to help communities by designing 3D-printed shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

They've even partnered with NASA and Stanford University on a Lunar Habitat project, which is seriously next-level stuff. Their team of 30 humans and 18 robots is crushing it in the industry, creating everything from massive building facades to custom furniture.

The company just scored a huge win with their first-ever 3D-printed building facade in the US, proving that their technology isn't just experimental - it's ready for real-world applications.

With backing from major players like the US Air Force and Japanese construction giants, Branch Technology is showing everyone that the future of construction is already here.

Their success in creating IBC-compliant structures means we're going to see way more of their work in commercial construction, potentially transforming up to 70% of new projects by 2025.

KelCor is making waves in healthcare with their innovative single-use taping products that are transforming airway management.

Started by Kelly Good, a certified nurse anesthetist, and Cory Allison, the company tackles a crucial healthcare challenge: keeping medical devices secure during procedures.

According to recent market analysis, the airway management devices sector is set to reach $2.29 billion by 2028, with KelCor positioned at the forefront of this growth.

Their smart approach to single-patient use eliminates cross-contamination risks and streamlines the workflow for medical professionals. The company's origin story shows how real-world healthcare experience led to practical innovation - these aren't just cool gadgets, but solutions that actually make a difference in patient care.

Looking for an exciting tech company making real change in Chattanooga? Whip is revolutionizing downtown transportation with their all-electric shuttle service.

Founded in 2022, this innovative company has a straightforward mission: decrease traffic congestion, free up parking spaces, and keep things eco-friendly. Their B2B micro-transportation solution is specifically designed for downtown areas, making it perfect for both business commuters and tourists exploring the city.

What sets Whip apart is their commitment to running a completely electric fleet - no emissions, no noise pollution, just clean, efficient transportation. They've quickly become a game-changer in Chattanooga's urban mobility scene, and their electric shuttle service is getting lots of attention for making downtown more accessible while keeping the environment in mind.

The company's smart approach to urban transportation challenges has caught the eye of both local businesses and city planners, especially as Chattanooga pushes toward becoming more sustainable.

For tech professionals looking to work at the intersection of technology and environmental impact, Whip offers a unique opportunity to be part of a company that's actively shaping the future of urban transportation.

They're not just another startup - they're creating real solutions for real city problems, making them an exciting prospect for anyone wanting to make a difference in urban mobility and sustainability.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee stands as a colossal figure in the healthcare landscape of Chattanooga, deeply entrenched in the tech-driven evolution of health services.

With over 6,000 employees and serving more than 3.5 million members statewide, the organization is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Their approach to integrating technology into healthcare solutions has significantly contributed to Chattanooga's reputation as a burgeoning tech hub.

Notably, BlueCross has implemented groundbreaking technologies, such as telemedicine services and AI-powered predictive analytics, which are redefining patient care experiences.

These advancements facilitate remote patient monitoring, enhancing both accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

As a key player in the Chattanooga tech ecosystem, BlueCross has fostered numerous partnerships with local tech startups and academic institutions.

This collaboration facilitates the development of patient-centered solutions that cater to the growing demand for digital health innovations. According to a recent report, the healthcare giant has invested over $50 million in tech initiatives over the past five years, marking a 33% increase in tech-driven projects compared to previous periods.

BlueCross's commitment to innovation is further underscored by their involvement in community events, such as sponsoring the annual Chattanooga Tech Week, which spotlights cutting-edge tech developments in the region.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's influence extends beyond technology.

They are a pivotal economic contributor, injecting approximately $1.6 billion into the local economy annually. With an unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes through technology, BlueCross not only enhances the quality of life for their members but also paves the way for emerging health tech professionals.

As a quote from the CEO illustrates, "Our goal is to leverage technology to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and effective — putting Chattanooga on the map as a center of health tech innovation." Thus, for tech professionals seeking to make an impact, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers unparalleled opportunities across diverse technological disciplines.

Volkswagen Group of America is revolutionizing Chattanooga's tech scene through its massive $4.3 billion investment since 2008. The company's innovation hub collaboration with the University of Tennessee is pushing boundaries in advanced materials and vehicle electrification.

Currently employing 5,500 people, the Chattanooga facility has become VW's North American center for electric vehicle production, assembling the ID.4 alongside the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models.

The plant reached an impressive milestone of 175,000 vehicles produced in 2023, showing just how serious VW is about scaling up operations.

VW takes care of its workforce.

Average salary tops $60,000 before benefits, with recent pay increases of 11% and amazing perks like comprehensive healthcare and solid 401(k) matching.

The Knoxville Innovation Hub is crushing it with breakthrough research in lightweight materials and wireless EV charging, achieving charging power levels of 120 kW. They've even developed components that are 60% lighter than traditional ones, which is huge for EV range and performance.

The company's commitment to sustainability is next level.

Their Chattanooga plant runs on renewable energy, with 33,000 solar panels generating 12 million kilowatt-hours annually.

They're also investing heavily in STEM education through partnerships with local organizations and running impressive programs like the Mechatronics Akademie.

Between the cutting-edge research, solid job opportunities, and focus on sustainable tech, VW is definitely positioning itself as one of the most innovative employers in Chattanooga's growing tech ecosystem.

Erlanger Health System is transforming healthcare in Chattanooga through some seriously impressive tech innovations. Their latest virtual care program has facilitated over 11,000 patient interactions in 2024 alone, saving patients from traveling more than 290,000 miles - that's like circling the Earth 11 times! Following their $100 million investment in an Epic electronic health record system, they've revolutionized how patient data is managed and accessed.

Their latest partnership with AMR for integrated ground and air medical transport, set to fully launch in early 2025, making emergency care more accessible than ever.

They're not just using technology - they're completely changing how healthcare works. Their telehealth services now cover everything from stroke care to mental health consultations, making it super convenient for patients to get the care they need without always having to visit the hospital.

Plus, with their specialty pharmacy program and integrated dispatch systems, they're making healthcare more streamlined and efficient. As someone looking to work in tech, it's awesome to see how digital innovation can make such a huge difference in people's lives.

Erlanger isn't just talking about the future of healthcare - they're building it right now, making them one of the most exciting places to work for tech professionals in Chattanooga.

CHI Memorial Hospital is seriously changing the game in healthcare tech this year. As the first hospital in our region to roll out an advanced cardiac CT scanner, they're bringing next-level care to Chattanooga.

This isn't just another tech upgrade - their new AI-enabled scanner creates incredibly detailed 3D heart images while using 82% less radiation than traditional scans.

What's even cooler is that they're pioneering new stroke detection methods with robotic ultrasound technology that's three times better at finding cardiac issues than standard tests.

The future is definitely here, and it's in our backyard.

CHI Memorial isn't just investing in fancy machines - they're building a whole new smart hospital in Ringgold that's set to open in December 2025.

This facility will be packed with AI, automation, and virtual care tech. It'll have 64 inpatient beds, a 24-bed emergency department, and five operating rooms - all connected by smart systems.

The hospital's also using robotics for surgery with their da Vinci Xi system, which helps patients recover faster with less pain and shorter hospital stays. This kind of innovation is exactly what makes CHI Memorial a prime spot for tech professionals looking to make a real difference in healthcare.

The impact of these advancements is already showing.

Their AI-driven diagnostic tools are more accurate, and their systems are helping reduce hospital stays. Plus, they're creating tons of opportunities for tech professionals across different specialties, from AI and robotics to data analytics and systems integration.

It's pretty amazing to see how technology is transforming healthcare right here in our community.

Chattanooga's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now! The numbers don't lie - Microsoft's TechSpark investment has already generated over $70 million in economic impact for the region.

Companies like WorkHound and FreightWaves aren't just growing - they're transforming Chattanooga into what many call the Silicon Valley of Freight. What's really exciting is that the tech industry here is set to grow by 18% by 2024, way faster than the national average.

The INCubator program has been a total game-changer, with a projected economic impact of $73.4 million in 2022 alone.

And with companies like Steam Logistics and Branch Technology bringing hundreds of new tech jobs, the opportunities for career growth are incredible. The cost of living here is super reasonable compared to other tech hubs, meaning you can actually afford to live while building your career.

Whether you're into AI, software development, or logistics tech, Chattanooga's got something for everyone. The community here is tight-knit but welcoming, making it perfect for anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career.