This Week's Latest Tech News in Baton Rouge, LA - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Baton Rouge continues its meteoric rise as a tech powerhouse, now ranking third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation, with an impressive 34% tech job growth since 2015.

The city's tech sector is buzzing with the recent launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), backed by a $50 million Growth Fund and aiming to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

Education remains a key focus, with LSU producing 1,500 STEM graduates annually and hosting an innovative Spring Series that engaged over 160 attendees from 20 institutions.

The job market is equally promising, with over 2,000 new tech jobs added in 2023 and average salaries hitting $104,227.

Local success stories like Envoc have seen revenue surge 300% in five years, while the city's tech ecosystem now includes over 4,300 tech businesses.

The recent completion of the Advanced Traffic Management Center, featuring 176 miles of fiber optic cable and 178 new detection devices, showcases Baton Rouge's commitment to smart city infrastructure, setting the stage for continued growth through 2025.

In an exciting development for Baton Rouge's tech scene, InnovateBR has secured a $5 million investment to power up its smart city platform, joining a wave of similar innovative initiatives across the country.

The funding announcement comes as part of a broader push for tech advancement, with InnovateBR's platform focusing on integrating IoT technology with municipal services.

Following the model of successful tech innovators like CalypsoAI, which recently secured similar funding, InnovateBR plans to revolutionize urban living through AI-powered solutions.

• Real-time traffic monitoring: InnovateBR's smart city platform includes advanced traffic systems to streamline and enhance city travel.
• Smart waste management: The platform employs innovative methods to optimize waste collection processes.
• Energy-efficient building controls: Cutting-edge controls help to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in urban infrastructure.
• Enhanced public safety systems: AI-powered solutions improve city safety through potent surveillance and monitoring tools.

CEO Sarah Gonzalez notes, "This investment isn't just about technology - it's about making Baton Rouge a better place to live." The company's roadmap includes doubling its workforce, focusing on AI and data analytics experts, while fostering partnerships with local educational institutions.

InnovateBR joins the ranks of emerging tech leaders transforming traditional infrastructure, positioning Baton Rouge as a competitive player in the smart city space.

The platform's expansion will incorporate more data sources and AI-driven insights aimed at reducing the city's carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for residents.

This investment marks a significant milestone in Baton Rouge's journey toward becoming a tech-forward community, with InnovateBR leading the charge in urban innovation.

The 2025 Baton Rouge STEM Education Initiative is transforming local education through expanded programs and partnerships.

The initiative, launched with BRSTEM and local schools, addresses the critical need for comprehensive STEM education, as currently only 40% of students have exposure to coding and engineering.

Through structured STEM offerings including three-part coding sessions and robotics modules, students gain hands-on experience with essential tech skills.

The program features weekly schedules covering diverse topics from structural engineering to artificial intelligence, with fees starting at $130 per week and multiple scholarship opportunities available.

A standout component is the STEM Exploration Summer Camp, running from June to August, which combines practical learning with field trips to see STEM in action.

The initiative integrates grade-level mathematics and science skills through interactive projects, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities.

Program director Dr. Christopher Thomas emphasizes that this approach prepares students for an increasingly tech-driven future across all industries. The initiative aims to achieve a 70% increase in STEM course enrollment by 2030, supported by professional development programs for teachers and partnerships with local tech companies.

Early results show increased student engagement, with participating schools reporting higher interest in STEM subjects. The program's comprehensive approach, combining classroom learning with real-world applications, positions Baton Rouge as an emerging center for tech education and innovation.

Baton Rouge is making major moves in digital connectivity with Louisiana leading the nation in broadband deployment. Through the state's groundbreaking GUMBO 2.0 program, the city is part of a historic $1.355 billion investment to eliminate the digital divide.

The initiative got even bigger news when Meta announced a $10 billion AI data center project that will transform the region's digital infrastructure, including $200 million in local improvements.

The city's commitment to connectivity is further demonstrated through a $10 million infrastructure upgrade project making digital access points more available across 21 areas of the parish.

• Fiber deployment: With deployment reaching speeds up to 1 Gbps, the program aims to connect over 95% of residents by 2026.
• Job creation: This comprehensive approach creates an estimated 1,500 direct jobs while enabling thousands more through improved remote work capabilities.
• Equitable access: The project specifically targets underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for education, healthcare, and business growth.

Local tech companies are already leveraging the enhanced infrastructure, with several announcing plans to expand their operations in Baton Rouge.

The city's transformation into a tech hub is attracting both established firms and startups, particularly in AI and data science sectors. Educational institutions are also benefiting, with new digital resources and training programs preparing residents for tech-focused careers.

By prioritizing both physical and digital infrastructure improvements, Baton Rouge is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of connected communities.

The tech landscape in Baton Rouge is getting a major upgrade with several groundbreaking events in 2023-2025. The TEC Next Conference kicked off the momentum, bringing together manufacturing and tech leaders to explore Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, and virtual reality applications.

Building on this energy, Nexus Louisiana announced the Technology Cup, a new competition set for June 2025 that will replace the traditional BREW event, offering $100,000 in total prizes across high school, collegiate, and open tracks.

The competition will be judged by representatives from tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Google. Most notably, The Estuary at The Water Campus will host this multi-day event, welcoming tech enthusiasts and students from across Louisiana to showcase their innovative hardware and software projects.

Local tech leaders emphasize how these events are transforming Baton Rouge into a serious tech hub.

Daniel Thomas, President of Nexus Louisiana, highlights the city's commitment to expanding tech startups and developing a skilled workforce. The conferences and competitions are designed to foster practical business matchmaking and knowledge exchange, creating real opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders and potential investors.

These initiatives represent a strategic shift in Baton Rouge's tech ecosystem, focusing on practical innovation and direct industry engagement rather than traditional networking events.

LSU's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The university's Venture Capital Apprentice Program has connected 41 business students with eight local companies, providing crucial research and strategy support for startups seeking funding.

Since 2021, nearly 300 students have gotten hands-on experience through 70 different projects. The university isn't just talking about innovation - they're walking the walk with the launch of AI in Action symposium, bringing together experts from entertainment, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors to explore how AI is transforming Louisiana's economy.

The collaboration between LSU and local industry has been particularly impactful, with the university churning out over 1,500 STEM graduates annually.

• LSU Innovation Park Impact: LSU Innovation Park is killing it as a hub for tech commercialization, having helped create more than 10,000 jobs and attracted over $192M in equity, grants, and loans.
• Job Contributions: The park currently hosts about 40 for-profit tenants, with an average salary of $46,000.

This powerhouse combo of academic resources and startup energy is seriously transforming Baton Rouge into a legit tech destination.

The best part? Students aren't just learning - they're doing, creating, and making real impact in the local tech ecosystem. Whether it's through market analysis, equity crowdfunding research, or working directly with management teams, LSU is making sure its grads are ready to crush it in the real world.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is exploding with innovative startups making major moves in 2025. TeamTime and Watchman Monitoring are leading the charge in business efficiency - TeamTime's automated timekeeping system saves companies 15 hours weekly on admin tasks, while Watchman's proactive IT support prevents costly downtime.

Omnidek and PreSonus Audio Electronics are crushing it too - Omnidek's zero-code platform cuts app development costs by 50% and email volume by 70%, while PreSonus, with 157 employees, continues innovating affordable music production tools.

The city's newest standout, Cyber Fision INC, is reshaping the tech landscape with cutting-edge AI and mobile solutions.

The startup ecosystem is thriving thanks to Baton Rouge's robust support system.

LSU pumps out 1,500+ STEM graduates annually, while the Louisiana Technology Park provides crucial infrastructure. Companies benefit from up to 25% tax credits for digital media development.

The average tech salary hitting $85,000, with entry-level positions starting at $55,000. The city's projected 18% tech job growth by 2032 and current availability of 5,000+ tech positions make it a prime spot for tech professionals.

• TeamTime: Revolutionizing time tracking with mobile solutions and real-time alerts
• Omnidek: Leading in workflow management with impressive cost reduction
• Cyber Fision INC: Breaking new ground in AI and mobile development
• PreSonus: Innovating in professional audio technology

With a 34% surge in tech jobs since 2015 and major players like General Informatics and Relief Telemed leading the way, Baton Rouge is definitely making its mark on the tech world.

The combination of innovative startups, strong educational backing, and serious growth potential is turning the city into a legit tech hub.

Baton Rouge's government continues to transform the city into a leading tech hub, ranking third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation in 2024.

The city's commitment is evident through the Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) initiative, which includes a $50 million Growth Fund and aims to equip 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

Through Governor Jeff Landry's strategic economic development plan, the city is addressing challenges in private sector employment and population retention, with specific focus on keeping tech talent local.

The plan has already shown promise, with the city achieving a 34% tech job growth since 2015.

The city's transformation is supported by substantial infrastructure investments, including 176 miles of fiber optic cable and advanced traffic management systems.

Major tech employers like IBM and Electronic Arts are expanding their local presence, while LSU continues to produce 1,500 STEM graduates annually.

The average tech salary now stands at $104,227, making Baton Rouge increasingly attractive to tech professionals.

Looking ahead, the city projects an 18% tech job growth by 2032, supported by initiatives like the GenCyber Youth Camp and partnerships with Southern University's cybersecurity program.

New developments in EdTech, HealthTech, and FinTech are expected to drive a 12% annual growth through 2026, positioning Baton Rouge as a competitive force in the southern tech landscape.

The city's comprehensive approach to digital innovation, combined with strategic investments and educational initiatives, is creating a sustainable ecosystem for tech advancement and economic growth.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with average tech salaries reaching $104,227 and the city ranking 9th for tech growth in the U.S. Major employers like IBM, Electronic Arts, and General Informatics are driving this expansion, with tech salaries running 15% above the national average.

According to recent economic data from BRAC, the Baton Rouge Area gained nearly 12,000 jobs year-over-year, with the tech sector showing particularly strong growth.

The most in-demand roles include Cloud Architects, Cybersecurity Engineers, and AI/ML specialists, with top positions reaching salaries up to $220K. The region's tech professionals seem less vulnerable to AI displacement compared to other markets, as studies suggest that Baton Rouge's industrial composition provides some protection against rapid AI integration.

LSU Online's tech-focused programs in computer science, information systems, and analytics are actively preparing professionals for these opportunities, with key skills in demand including Python, cloud computing, and data analytics.

The job market projects an impressive 18% growth by 2032, indicating sustained momentum in the region's tech sector.

In 2025, Baton Rouge's evolving tech scene faces real challenges, but the city's response is getting stronger by the day. The tech sector has seen a 34% job growth since 2015, creating both opportunities and hurdles.

While talent retention remains a concern, with around 35% of tech professionals considering relocation, the city is fighting back with serious initiatives. The Louisiana Technology Park has already helped raise over $80 million and supported more than 200 startups, showing there's real momentum building.

Major players like Electronic Arts and Unum Insurance have set up shop here, creating a more diverse job market. The average tech salary has hit $104,227, running 15% above the national average, which is helping keep talent local.

Infrastructure challenges are being tackled head-on with the city's fiber optics project, set to boost connectivity speeds by 75% across both urban and suburban areas.

The tech community isn't just sitting around either—they're actively shaping solutions through regular meetups and forums. Local tech leaders are particularly optimistic about AI advancements, seeing it as a game-changer for the region.

LSU's pipeline of 1,500 annual STEM graduates is helping feed the talent pool, while partnerships between industry and education are creating more relevant training programs.

The city's projected 12% annual growth through 2026 in the tech sector shows these efforts are starting to pay off, even as challenges remain. It's not perfect yet, but Baton Rouge is definitely making moves to level up its tech game.

Baton Rouge is crushing it in the tech scene, with ranking third in digital innovation among U.S. mid-sized cities and achieving a 34% tech job growth since 2015.

The city's tech transformation is getting a major boost through Louisiana Innovation's new $50 million Growth Fund and AI initiatives, which aim to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

The average tech salary has hit $104,227, making it an attractive destination for young professionals. LSU is feeding the talent pipeline with 1,500 STEM graduates annually, while companies like IBM and Electronic Arts continue expanding their local presence.

The upcoming Nexus Technology Cup in June 2025, which will bring together high school students, college kids, and tech innovators to showcase their projects to judges from tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Google.

The event symbolizes Baton Rouge's commitment to fostering a competitive tech ecosystem. With projections showing an 18% tech job growth by 2032 and significant developments in smart city infrastructure, including advanced traffic management systems and over 176 miles of fiber optic cable, Baton Rouge is positioning itself as a serious player in the tech world.

The city's momentum is backed by substantial investment, including public-private tech funding totaling $100 million.

The focus on emerging sectors like EdTech, HealthTech, and FinTech, projected to grow 12% annually through 2026, shows that Baton Rouge isn't just following tech trends - it's creating them.

This growth is supported by strategic partnerships with major tech companies and an expanding network of over 4,300 tech businesses, making it clear that Baton Rouge's tech future isn't just bright - it's blazing.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is absolutely crushing it, with a 34% surge in tech jobs since 2015, making it the third-ranked mid-sized city for digital innovation.

The launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) and its $50 million Growth Fund, boosted to $100 million through public-private partnerships, is transforming the local tech ecosystem.

LSU's commitment to innovation shows through its production of 1,500 STEM graduates annually, while the inaugural Nexus Technology Cup this June is set to showcase the city's brightest tech talent.

• Tech sector growth: The tech sector's growth is further evidenced by over 5,000 available positions, with entry-level salaries starting at $55,000 and average tech salaries reaching $104,227.
• Infrastructure development: The city's commitment includes the completion of an Advanced Traffic Management Center, with 176 miles of fiber optic cable and comprehensive surveillance systems.
• Future outlook: Looking ahead, the projected 18% job growth rate through 2032 and the establishment of the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence aim to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools, positioning Baton Rouge as a serious contender in the national tech landscape.
• Major employers: Employers like IBM and Electronic Arts are expanding locally, attracted by the city's affordability - with costs running 5% below the national average - which continues to attract tech talent and startups.