This Week's Latest Tech News in Baton Rouge, LA - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Baton Rouge's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, securing its spot as the third-ranked digital innovation hub among U.S. mid-sized cities. The city has achieved a remarkable 34% increase in tech jobs since 2015, with over 4,300 tech businesses now calling the region home.

The transformation is powered by major investments, including Meta's $10 billion AI data center and ExxonMobil's $100 million facility upgrade.

LSU maintains its crucial role, producing 1,500 STEM graduates annually, while the inaugural Nexus Technology Cup is set to showcase emerging talent this summer with $100,000 in prizes.

• Baton Rouge tech salary increase: The average tech salary has reached $104,227, significantly above the national average.
• Cost of living comparison: The cost of living remains 13% below national figures.
• Projections for future tech job growth: Projections show an 18% tech job growth by 2032, suggesting promising prospects for the region.
• Louisiana Technology Park's role: Louisiana Technology Park nurtures over 200 startups, contributing to the city's innovation momentum.
• Annual Baton Rouge Tech Expo: The upcoming Annual Baton Rouge Tech Expo is expected to catalyze further growth, bringing together industry leaders and innovators from across the region.

Baton Rouge is rapidly becoming a magnet for tech innovation and talent.

The launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) marks a game-changing moment for Baton Rouge's tech scene.

This new division of Louisiana Economic Development is backed by a $50 million Growth Fund, with total funding reaching $100 million through public-private partnerships.

The initiative's first major project aims to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools, showcasing Baton Rouge's commitment to tech advancement. According to recent tech industry data, the city has achieved a 34% increase in tech jobs since 2015, with average salaries hitting $104,227.

The center's impact is already visible through partnerships with major players like Ochsner Louisiana's Innovation Fund, Tulane University's Innovation Institute, and The Idea Village.

Baton Rouge's recent ranking as the third most digital city among U.S. mid-sized cities further validates the city's tech transformation.

• Savings through automation: Local success stories like TeamTime, which helps companies save significant hours through automation.
• Cost reduction: Omnidek is reducing app development costs by 50%.

With LSU producing 1,500 STEM graduates annually and projections showing 18% tech job growth by 2032, the center is positioned to catalyze even more growth.

Events and programs through LA.IO's network of partners, including startup competitions and networking sessions across Louisiana, are creating a vibrant community where tech innovation thrives.

LSU has launched a comprehensive technology education initiative in 2025, marking a significant evolution in its academic offerings. The AI in Action symposium, held at the Lod Cook Hotel & Conference Center, brought together industry leaders and academics to discuss AI's impact across Louisiana's key sectors.

The university now offers a 26-week AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp covering applied data science, deep learning, and generative AI, addressing the growing demand for tech expertise.

Starting spring 2024, LSU's College of Humanities and Social Sciences introduced AI-focused courses, involving more than 30 faculty members across eight departments.

This integration extends beyond technical fields, with AI components now present in areas like psychology and communication sciences. The initiative responds to market demands, with 75% of executives reporting AI skills shortages as a barrier to adoption.

Students gain practical experience through project-based learning, and the program emphasizes ethical AI usage and responsible content creation. Early results show increased student engagement and improved career prospects, with local employers actively seeking graduates with AI competencies.

LSU's commitment to tech education strengthens Baton Rouge's position as an emerging tech hub while providing students with critical skills for the future workforce.

The university's approach combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the tech industry.

The tech landscape in Baton Rouge is experiencing remarkable growth, with Redstick Ventures leading investments in innovative food tech and educational initiatives.

Building on this momentum, Red Stick Robotics has secured a $2 million investment from Capital Region Ventures, positioning itself at the forefront of STEM education.

This funding arrives as the annual DOW Red Stick Rumble prepares to showcase student robotics talent, demonstrating the region's commitment to technical education.

The competition, set for September 28, 2024, will feature 25 teams from across Louisiana and neighboring states, creating a perfect synergy with Red Stick Robotics' expansion plans.

• Company's growth: The company's growth strategy includes curriculum enhancement incorporating AI technologies.
• Development workshops: Development of hands-on workshops and upgrading equipment for advanced learning experiences.

Through partnerships with local institutions like LSU's Innovation Park and the E. J. Ourso College of Business, Red Stick Robotics aims to double program participation by 2026.

CEO Robert Lee emphasizes that this investment will transform Baton Rouge into a leading tech education hub in the Southern United States. The initiative aligns with the region's growing reputation for fostering tech innovation, complementing existing programs that blend robotics education with real-world applications.

With enhanced facilities and state-of-the-art fabrication tools, Red Stick Robotics is creating a robust foundation for the next generation of tech leaders.

The anticipation builds as TEC Next Conference 2025 kicks off at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel on February 20th, marking the start of Baton Rouge's packed tech calendar.

Following this, the For Our Future Conference in late March will tackle crucial topics like AI implementation and digital transformation.

The season culminates with Baton Rouge's third-place ranking among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation, showcasing a remarkable 34% tech job growth. Local tech salaries now average $104,227, reflecting the sector's robust health.

The Business Technology Expo in April will feature over 100 exhibitors, including major players like IBM and Electronic Arts, who are expanding their local presence.

These events highlight Baton Rouge's emergence as a tech hub, supported by $100 million in public-private tech funding.

LSU's annual output of 1,500 STEM graduates fuels the talent pipeline, while the city adds 3,500 new tech jobs. The expo series provides essential platforms for local startups and established companies to showcase innovations in AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Industry leaders will present on critical topics including digital twin technology, asset information management, and automated platforms, reflecting the city's commitment to staying ahead of tech trends.

The community impact extends beyond business networking, with initiatives focused on practical tech applications and workforce development.

These events align with Baton Rouge's strategic vision for tech growth, projected at 18% by 2032. The comprehensive approach to tech development, from education to implementation, positions Baton Rouge as a rising force in the national tech landscape, attracting both talent and investment to support its continued evolution.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is experiencing a major glow-up in 2025, with innovative startups like Omnidek and PreSonus leading the charge.

The city's tech sector has seen a 34% job growth since 2015, with average salaries hitting $104K. These companies aren't just coding away in silence; they're actually solving real problems, such as TeamTime's automated timekeeping system that's saving businesses 15 hours weekly on admin tasks, or Watchman Monitoring's proactive IT support that catches tech issues before they become disasters.

The startup ecosystem is getting major backing from Louisiana Economic Development, offering up to 25% tax credits for payroll and 18% for qualified production costs.

Plus, with LSU pumping out 1,500 STEM grads annually and the Louisiana Technology Park providing serious support, these startups have everything they need to pop off.

The forecast is looking bright too with a projected 18% growth by 2032, bringing thousands of new tech jobs on the horizon.

Whether it's Omnidek revolutionizing business workflow management or Cyber Fision INC bringing AI solutions to the table, these companies are proving that Baton Rouge isn't just about good food and football anymore - it's becoming a legit tech hub that's catching everyone's attention.

Baton Rouge continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic tech hub, with significant job growth of 34% since 2015.

The average tech salary now stands at $104,227, demonstrating the sector's robust economic impact.

Through initiatives like Louisiana's 2025 Strategic Economic Development Plan, the city is fostering a culture of innovation while supporting both startups and established firms.

A major boost to this ecosystem comes from the ExxonMobil's $100 million facility upgrade, which not only creates construction jobs but also strengthens the tech supply chain infrastructure.

The Louisiana Innovation Growth Fund's $50 million investment is enabling 5,000 small businesses to adopt AI tools, while the Advanced Traffic Management Center's completion with 176 miles of fiber optic cable showcases the city's commitment to smart infrastructure.

Looking ahead, projections indicate an 18% growth in tech jobs by 2032, supported by LSU's annual output of 1,500 STEM graduates.

The ecosystem's health is further evidenced by the presence of innovative companies like TeamTime and Omnidek, which are driving efficiency through automation and zero-code platforms.

• Baton Rouge’s tech growth project an 18% increase in tech jobs by 2032, supported by LSU's STEM graduates.
• Innovative companies like TeamTime and Omnidek boost efficiency through automation and zero-code platforms.
• Louisiana's Strategic Plan fosters innovation, supporting startups and established firms.

This growth trajectory has positioned Baton Rouge as the third-ranked mid-sized city for digital innovation in the U.S., creating a sustainable cycle of economic development and technological advancement.

Baton Rouge's tech sector faces critical challenges despite ranking third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation.

Infrastructure concerns persist, though significant progress is underway with the completion of an Advanced Traffic Management Center and installation of 176 miles of fiber optic cable.

The city's GUMBO 2.0 Program's $1.355 billion investment aims to connect 95% of residents with speeds up to 1 Gbps by 2026, addressing previous connectivity barriers.

However, talent retention remains an ongoing challenge, with approximately 35% of tech professionals considering relocation despite competitive average salaries of $104,227.

The skills gap, particularly affecting cybersecurity and emerging technologies, is alleviated somewhat by LSU's annual output of 1,500 STEM graduates.

The Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence's initiative to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools demonstrates a commitment to technological advancement.

Yet, recent proposals to reallocate funding from libraries to infrastructure have sparked debate about resource distribution, highlighting the complex balance between traditional services and tech development.

Local tech companies and community organizations are actively addressing these challenges through innovative solutions.

The city has secured $100 million in public-private tech funding, with projections suggesting the creation of 500 new jobs annually in sustainable technology.

Additionally, partnerships with major employers like IBM and Electronic Arts are strengthening the local tech ecosystem, while initiatives like the TEC Next Conference and Nexus Technology Cup offer platforms for professional development and innovation.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is experiencing a major transformation in 2025. The city now ranks third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation, with tech job growth hitting 34% since 2015.

Tech professionals are earning an average salary of $104,227, with roles like Cloud Architects and Cybersecurity Engineers in high demand. Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) is leading the charge with a $50 million Growth Fund, aiming to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

The city's infrastructure got a major boost with the completion of the Advanced Traffic Management Center, featuring 176 miles of fiber optic cable and advanced monitoring systems.

LSU is doing its part by producing 1,500 STEM graduates annually and has recently become the first Louisiana institution to join the global AI Alliance.

The job market looks promising with projections showing 18% growth by 2032, though retention remains a challenge with 35% of tech professionals considering relocation.

Local companies like TeamTime and Omnidek are making waves, with the former's automated timekeeping solution saving businesses 15 hours weekly, and the latter's zero-code platform cutting app development costs by half.

The tech community is actively working to address challenges through regular meetups and strategic partnerships with industry giants like IBM and Electronic Arts.

• Baton Rouge ranks third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation.
• Tech professionals earn an average salary of $104,227.
• Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) is investing $50 million to upgrade small businesses.
• LSU produces 1,500 STEM graduates and joins global AI Alliance.
• The job market projects an 18% growth by 2032.
• TeamTime's solution saves 15 hours weekly for businesses.
• Omnidek's platform reduces app development costs by half.

The tech community is actively working to address challenges through regular meetups and strategic partnerships with industry giants like IBM and Electronic Arts.

Local Company	Innovation	Impact
TeamTime	Automated Timekeeping	Saves 15 hours weekly
Omnidek	Zero-Code Platform	Cuts app development costs by half

Additional reports from key industry leaders like Daniel White and Thomas Thompson reveal ongoing tech trends, driving Baton Rouge's climb in the digital landscape.

The continuous support from stakeholders ensures the city's bright future in technology innovation.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is absolutely crushing it, with a massive 34% increase in tech jobs since 2015 and average tech salaries hitting $104,227.

The city's not just growing - it's transforming into a legit tech powerhouse. Looking ahead, Louisiana Economic Development forecasts an 18% job growth rate through 2032, with tech companies pumping $6 billion directly into the local economy.

Major players like IBM, Electronic Arts, and General Informatics are already here, creating a solid foundation for future expansion. The new $50 million Growth Fund backing Louisiana Innovation, which aims to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

The city's also investing heavily in infrastructure, including an Advanced Traffic Management Center with 176 miles of fiber optic cable. LSU's stepping up too, churning out 1,500 STEM graduates annually and benefiting from IBM's $14 million investment in computer science programs.

Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI/ML specialists are the hottest roles right now, with senior positions pulling in anywhere from $140K to $220K. Living costs here are 5% below the national average, making it a sweet deal for tech professionals looking to maximize their earnings while enjoying that famous Louisiana lifestyle.

With all these pieces falling into place, Baton Rouge is seriously positioning itself as the South's next major tech hub.

Baton Rouge's tech community is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the city now ranking third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation.

The tech scene has seen a 34% job growth since 2015, with average salaries reaching $104,227. The upcoming TEC Next Conference at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel is set to showcase cutting-edge developments in AI, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure.

This year's conference features industry leaders like Thomas Davis from Disrupt Ready and experts from IBM, focusing on practical applications of Industry 4.0 technologies.

The local ecosystem is further strengthened by Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO)'s $50 million Growth Fund, which aims to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

The initiative has already connected over 4,300 tech businesses, with recent meetups drawing 500+ attendees, 80% of whom reported gaining valuable skills.

LSU's contribution of 1,500 annual STEM graduates, coupled with the completion of the Advanced Traffic Management Center featuring 176 miles of fiber optic cable, demonstrates the city's commitment to infrastructure and talent development.

The tech community actively tackles challenges through innovative solutions, with local startups like TeamTime and Omnidek leading the charge in automation and zero-code platforms, positioning Baton Rouge as a dynamic tech hub primed for future growth.

Baton Rouge's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, ranking third among U.S. mid-sized cities for digital innovation, with a remarkable 34% increase in tech jobs since 2015.

The city's transformation is powered by significant investments, including a $50 million Growth Fund backing Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) and a comprehensive initiative to upgrade 5,000 small businesses with AI tools.

The upcoming Nexus Technology Cup in June 2025 offers over $100,000 in prizes, attracting innovators and entrepreneurs from across the region.

LSU continues to fuel the talent pipeline, producing 1,500 STEM graduates annually, while maintaining an average tech salary of $104,227.

Infrastructure improvements are keeping pace, with the completion of the Advanced Traffic Management Center featuring 176 miles of fiber optic cable and state-of-the-art detection systems.

The GUMBO 2.0 Program's $1.355 billion investment aims to connect 95% of residents with high-speed internet by 2026, creating 1,500 direct jobs.

Local startups like TeamTime and Omnidek are driving innovation, with the former saving companies 15 hours weekly through automation and the latter reducing app development costs by 50%.

Looking ahead, Baton Rouge's tech sector is projected to grow 18% by 2032, though challenges remain.

The city must address a 35% potential relocation rate among tech professionals and bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. With continued investment in infrastructure, education, and community engagement, Baton Rouge is positioned to become a leading tech hub in the Southeast, attracting global tech companies while nurturing local talent and innovation.