This Week's Latest Tech News in Billings, MT - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Billings' tech scene is blowing up in 2025, with the sector growing 7 times faster than the state economy and generating over $500 million annually.

The average tech salary here hits $87,000, which is pretty sweet considering our cost of living is 14.7% below the national average. Major tech companies like CloudSync Solutions are leading the charge, with hot jobs in digital forensics, robotics, and game design hitting the market.

• Tech infrastructure investment is massive - companies like TDS and Ziply Fiber are pumping millions into expanding our network capabilities, aiming to connect over 69,000 homes with speeds up to 50 Gig.
• Education is evolving with new training programs launching at Learning Zone Inc., focusing on practical skills like SQL and data visualization.
• Smart city initiatives are saving businesses up to $500,000 annually through remote work solutions, while the upcoming Big Sky Tech Conference in August is set to showcase the latest in cloud technologies.

With 20% of our workforce now operating remotely and major events like the Montana Code Conference on the horizon, Billings is definitely cementing its spot as Montana's premier tech destination.

Montana's digital landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with The University of Montana's innovative partnership leading workforce development initiatives alongside Montana Digital Solutions' recent 25% workforce expansion.

This growth aligns with Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan, which addresses key areas including digital skills development and workforce training.

The company's expansion comes as Vero Fiber's acquisition of Montana Digital signals increased investment in the state's digital infrastructure.

Montana Digital Solutions has experienced a 30% surge in new clients, particularly in e-commerce and healthcare sectors, while adopting AI-driven analytics to enhance campaign effectiveness.

The company's strategic partnerships with educational institutions and tech firms have created nearly 150 new jobs, from data analysts to digital strategists, offering opportunities that typically pay 25% above the local median salary.

This growth coincides with the state's broader digital equity initiatives, including expanded access to digital skills training and workforce development programs.

The Montana Department of Commerce has emphasized the importance of these developments in creating sustainable, high-paying job opportunities aligned with pro-business policies.

As digital marketing becomes increasingly integral to business strategies in Billings, Montana Digital Solutions' expansion represents more than just company growth - it's contributing to a broader ecosystem of digital innovation and economic development in the region.

• University of Montana Partnership: The University of Montana is leading workforce development initiatives.
• Montana Digital Solutions Expansion: A recent 25% workforce expansion aligns with the Digital Opportunity Plan.
• Vero Fiber Acquisition: Vero Fiber's acquisition increases investment in digital infrastructure.
• Client Growth in Key Sectors: A 30% surge in new clients, especially in e-commerce and healthcare.
• Creation of New Jobs: Strategic partnerships have led to nearly 150 new jobs**.

Billings Community College's new coding bootcamp launches amid a projected 15% tech sector growth in 2025.

The 12-week program, hosted at Zoot Enterprises on Hesper Road, covers front-end development, back-end programming, and data science. Building on Montana Code School's successful track record of placing graduates in tech roles, the program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions with starting salaries ranging from $55,000 to $76,000.

The curriculum, developed in partnership with leading employers like First Interstate Bank and SynergisticIT, focuses on practical skills needed in today's tech landscape.

What makes this bootcamp stand out is its affordability and accessibility.

Through various scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards and partnerships with organizations like the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, students can receive substantial financial assistance.

The program's $8,000 total cost represents a significant value, especially considering Billings' cost of living is 10% below the national average. ROCK 31's involvement ensures students benefit from a dynamic tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The bootcamp's timing couldn't be better, as local tech companies actively seek new talent.

With the cybersecurity sector expecting 18% growth through 2028 and companies prioritizing skills over degrees, graduates can tap into a market where entry-level salaries start at $42,000 and can reach $120,000+ for specialized roles.

The program includes networking opportunities through local meetups and the Montana Code Conference, helping students build crucial industry connections even before graduation.

Billings is rapidly evolving through its smart city transformation, with IoT integration reshaping urban management across multiple sectors.

Recent data shows traffic congestion has decreased by 18% in central areas, thanks to TDS's $46 million investment in advanced fiber optic infrastructure supporting real-time traffic monitoring.

This network expansion, reaching over 50,000 addresses with speeds up to 8 Gig, enables sophisticated traffic light optimization that has reduced peak-hour commute times by 25 minutes.

• Infrastructure Investment: The city's waste management system has seen dramatic improvements through IoT-enabled smart bins, increasing recycling rates by 32% and reducing fuel consumption by 15% through optimized collection routes.
• Smart Urban Network: These initiatives are part of Billings' $1.7 million investment in smart infrastructure, positioning the city among CompTIA's top 20 tech cities.
• Expansion Plans: Looking ahead, the city's comprehensive smart urban network ecosystem will expand to include AI-powered public safety systems and energy-efficient lighting, projected to reduce public lighting costs by 20% annually.
• Community Engagement: This transformation extends beyond technology, with the local government fostering community engagement through public forums and workshops.
• Economic Growth: As these initiatives continue to evolve, Billings' tech sector is growing seven times faster than the state economy, generating over $500 million in annual revenue and creating numerous high-paying job opportunities in the smart city infrastructure sector.

The 2025 Billings Tech Hackathon is shaping up to be a game-changing event for Montana's fastest-growing tech hub. Local industry leaders are stepping up to support this year's competition, with powerhouses like Watts And Associates and Fiserv joining forces to foster innovation.

The event comes at a perfect time, as Billings' tech sector is generating over $500 million annually and growing seven times faster than the state economy. This year's hackathon theme, "Tech Solutions for Today," aligns perfectly with the city's emerging focus on AI and digital innovation, offering participants a chance to showcase solutions in areas like smart sensing and photonics development, backed by a recent $41 million federal grant.

• 200 developers are competing for an expanded prize pool of $50,000, with awards distributed across multiple categories.

Montana's leading tech companies will be there scouting talent, offering real opportunities for participants to land jobs in an industry where the average salary hits $87,000.

The stakes are higher than ever, with first place taking home $20,000, second place earning $15,000, and third place receiving $10,000, plus $5,000 in honorable mentions.

• Connect with over 15 regional tech firms: Participants get the opportunity to expand their professional networks and potentially land job offers.

Beyond the prizes, the hackathon represents more than just a competition - it's a celebration of innovation and a showcase of why Billings is becoming the go-to spot for tech talent in Montana.

Montana's renewable energy landscape is transforming rapidly, with Billings at the forefront of this evolution. According to recent state energy data, Montana now generates about 50% of its electricity from renewables, ranking among the top 10 states nationwide.

The solar sector has seen particular growth, with national installations reaching 50 gigawatts in 2024, marking a 21% increase from the previous year.

Locally, innovative startups like GreenSun Innovators are leveraging these trends, developing smart technologies that optimize energy consumption and reduce costs.

The adoption of solar technology in Billings has increased by 40% since 2023, driven by both residential and commercial installations. According to industry projections for 2025, smart solar systems using AI and real-time data analytics are becoming standard, helping users achieve up to a 25% reduction in energy bills.

The local government's support through tax incentives has catalyzed this growth, contributing to the renewable sector's $30 million economic impact.

With Montana's energy prices remaining below national averages - residential electricity costs 11.87 cents/kWh compared to the national 16.26 cents/kWh - the region continues to attract investment in renewable technology.

As solar technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, Billings is positioned to maintain its leadership in sustainable energy innovation, creating both environmental and economic benefits for the community.

Billings' tech sector is experiencing explosive growth in 2025, expanding seven times faster than the state economy, with annual revenue hitting over $500 million.

The average tech salary has reached $87,000, while the cost of living remains 14.7% below the national average, making Billings an attractive destination for tech professionals.

The startup scene is particularly vibrant, with an 18% growth since 2022 creating over 2,000 high-paying jobs through companies like PatientOne and WebBuy.

Major infrastructure improvements are underway, with TDS investing $46 million to expand fiber networks to over 50,000 addresses, while Ziply Fiber plans to connect nearly 19,000 homes with speeds up to 50 Gig.

The job market is diversifying rapidly, with opportunities spanning from digital forensics to game design, offering salaries ranging from $93,000 to $131,000 for roles like Marketing Manager and Digital Forensics Analyst.

The tech boom has attracted significant investment in smart traffic management systems and AI solutions, with local government investing $1.7 million in digital infrastructure.

Remote work has become a significant factor, with 20% of the workforce operating remotely, leading to company savings of up to $500,000 annually and employees saving an average of 72 minutes daily in commute time.

• Explosive growth in Billings' tech sector: The local tech industry outpaces the state economy by expanding rapidly.
• Vibrant startup scene: Startups in Billings have created thousands of jobs and continue to grow.
• Increasing job diversity: A wide array of tech job opportunities is available, with competitive salaries.
• Smart infrastructure investments: Significant improvements in technology infrastructure boost efficiency.

Billings' tech education landscape is transforming in 2025, with Billings Public Schools expanding their Career Technical Education programs through innovative partnerships.

The tech sector, growing seven times faster than the state economy, has sparked collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders. Working with companies like Tyler Technologies, local schools are developing programs focused on software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

These initiatives are particularly timely, as the average tech salary in Billings has reached $87,000, making it an attractive career path for students.

The city's growth as a tech hub is further supported by strategic partnerships with local colleges including Montana State University-Billings and City College.

These institutions offer specialized training programs in SQL, R programming, and data visualization, directly addressing industry needs. The impact is already visible, with tech sector revenue generation exceeding $500 million annually and companies seeing up to $500,000 in annual savings through remote work initiatives.

Recent developments include a $46 million investment in fiber optic infrastructure by TDS, aiming to connect over 50,000 addresses with high-speed internet, and the launch of new data analytics training programs by Learning Zone Inc.

Students benefit from practical experience through internships and workshops, with companies like CloudSync Solutions creating significant job opportunities.

The cost of living in Billings remains 14.7% below the national average, making it an attractive destination for tech professionals and students alike. This educational ecosystem is preparing the next generation for careers in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI technologies, with projections showing a 15% growth in the tech industry and average salaries trending toward $75,000.

In 2025, Billings has transformed into a dynamic tech hub, with tech sector growth outpacing the state economy by 7 times.

The city's tech scene is buzzing with community events and initiatives that are reshaping the local landscape. The annual Big Sky DevCon leads the charge, bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts for sessions on cloud computing, AI, and gaming.

Monthly Billings Tech Meetups provide a platform for developers to explore everything from front-end frameworks to mobile app development, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Community Engagement: The community's engagement is particularly evident in the Better Off in Billings initiative, where tech professionals gather to discuss development projects and workforce growth.
• Attracting Talent: With average tech salaries reaching $87,000 and the cost of living 14.7% below the national average, Billings is attracting talent while maintaining affordability.
• Digital Infrastructure: The city's commitment to digital infrastructure is demonstrated through major investments, including TDS's $46 million fiber optic network expansion reaching over 50,000 addresses.
• Educational Initiatives: Community involvement extends to educational initiatives, with Learning Zone Inc. launching practical training programs in partnership with local colleges.

The success of these initiatives is reflected in the city's impressive stats: annual tech revenue exceeding $500 million, 20% of the workforce operating remotely, and companies reporting significant cost savings through remote work arrangements.

Looking ahead, Billings is projected to see 15% growth in the tech industry, with expanding opportunities in cybersecurity and data analytics. This growth is supported by $1.7 million in smart city investments and a thriving startup ecosystem that's achieved 18% growth since 2022, creating over 2,000 high-paying jobs.

Billings' tech scene is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with tech sector growth surging seven times faster than the state economy in 2025.

The city's tech companies generate over $500 million in annual revenue, with average tech salaries reaching $87,000 - particularly attractive given the cost of living is 14.7% below the national average.

The landscape is rapidly evolving, with startups experiencing an 18% growth since 2022, creating over 2,000 high-paying jobs.

Companies like PatientOne and WebBuy are leading the charge, revolutionizing healthcare tech and automotive sales respectively.

Infrastructure improvements are keeping pace with this growth, as major providers invest heavily in connectivity.

TDS is pumping $46 million into their network, while Ziply Fiber plans to connect nearly 19,000 homes with speeds up to 50 Gig. The workforce is adapting to new models, with 20% now operating remotely, resulting in company savings of up to $500,000 annually.

• Remote work progression: The workforce is adapting to new models, with 20% now operating remotely, resulting in company savings of up to $500,000 annually.

Education is evolving too, with new training programs focusing on data analytics, SQL, and R programming to meet industry demands.

Looking ahead to 2026, projections show a 15% industry growth rate with average salaries trending toward $75,000.

The city's investment in smart traffic management systems and AI solutions demonstrates its commitment to innovation. While challenges like workforce development persist, Billings' ranking among CompTIA's top 20 tech cities and its growing startup ecosystem suggest a bright future for tech professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

This April in Billings, MT, is packed with tech events that are putting our city on the map as Montana's rising tech destination. The Better Off in Billings event on April 17th kicks things off at Craft Local, bringing together tech professionals and community champions to explore booming development projects and workforce growth.

The event features engaging panel discussions and a special Space2Place Grant announcement, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in Billings' tech future.

• Event Highlight: The Better Off in Billings event aims to explore booming development projects.

Following that, the Scaling Montana Speaker Series on April 16th offers a hybrid format across multiple cities, focusing on leadership transitions in high-growth tech companies.

• Speaker Series: Aims to focus on leadership transitions in tech companies.

The month wraps up with the highly anticipated MSU $100K VC Competition, where local startups compete for substantial funding opportunities.

• Startup Competition: Local startups compete for valuable funding opportunities.

Tech infrastructure developments are adding extra buzz to these gatherings, with TDS investing $46 million in network improvements, aiming to connect over 50,000 addresses with speeds up to 8 Gig.

• Infrastructure Development: Significant investment aims to enhance network connectivity.

This investment aligns perfectly with the city's tech sector growth, which is now seven times faster than the state economy.

The events showcase Billings' evolution from a traditional business hub to a dynamic tech ecosystem, with average tech salaries reaching $87,000 and the cost of living remaining 14.7% below the national average.

These gatherings aren't just about networking—they're launching pads for innovation, career opportunities, and collaborative projects that are reshaping our city's future.

Billings is experiencing a tech revolution with growth seven times faster than the state economy, generating over $500 million annually.

The city's tech sector is growing with average salaries hitting $87,000, while keeping things affordable with a cost of living 14.7% below the national average.

Local startups like PatientOne and WebBuy are leading the charge, creating innovative solutions in healthcare and automotive tech.

The fiber optic network is expanding too, with major players like TDS dropping $46 million to hook up over 50,000 addresses with speeds up to 8 Gig. Billings is keeping it green - the city just launched their "Green Tech Partnership" bringing together startups and big corps to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.

The Montana Innovation Partnership is backing this up, pushing for R&D in sustainable tech.

With companies saving up to $500K annually through remote work setups and the local government dropping $1.7 million on smart city tech, Billings is seriously positioning itself as Montana's tech capital.

The vibe here is all about building something sustainable and awesome - whether you're coding, launching a startup, or just diving into tech.