This Week's Latest Tech News in Boise, ID - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Boise’s tech landscape is undergoing a major shift in 2025, spurred by historic investments like Micron’s $15 billion semiconductor plant and Meta’s $800 million data center.

These projects aren't just reshaping the skyline - they’re expected to generate at least 2,000 permanent tech jobs at Micron and 1,000 construction roles for both projects, with ripple effects leading to 15,000 additional jobs across Idaho’s economy (Meta and Micron investments).

Micron, in partnership with 13 universities, is also allocating $75 million over the next decade to bolster STEM education and train a more diverse technical workforce (Micron’s community investment).

Boise businesses are already feeling the momentum: the region’s 3,800+ tech firms contribute approximately $7 billion annually, and tech wages have climbed to an average of $80,000, with roles in cloud computing and cybersecurity leading demand (Boise's top tech companies in 2025).

While growth brings opportunity, it also heightens recruitment challenges and puts pressure on housing and infrastructure, echoing concerns from local leaders and highlighting the urgent need for ongoing talent development.

Boise’s journey shows no signs of slowing.

Boise’s tech scene is seeing unprecedented growth in 2025, thanks in large part to significant investments by Micron and Meta. Micron Technology has started construction on a new $15 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility - the first memory fab of its kind built in the U.S. in two decades.

Supported by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, this initiative is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs at Micron and about 15,000 to 17,000 indirect jobs in the broader community over the next several years, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the U.S. semiconductor supply chain (Micron to Invest $15 Billion).

This investment is also the largest private economic move in Idaho’s history and will anchor new high-paying roles in engineering, construction, and advanced manufacturing.

In addition, Boise’s appeal is enhanced by Meta’s ongoing $800 million data center build in Kuna, which focuses on digital infrastructure, sustainability, and job creation - offering over 100 full-time tech positions and up to 1,000 construction jobs during peak activity.

Both companies are committed to community development: Micron’s Community Investment Framework includes $75 million dedicated to workforce training, STEM education for underrepresented groups, and partnerships with local schools and colleges (Micron Manufacturing Expansion in Boise).

Meanwhile, Meta supports the region with grants to advance digital skills and environmental stewardship. Micron is also working hand in hand with Idaho universities and partners to expand the local talent pipeline and support K-12 through post-secondary STEM programs (Micron Expansion Impact).

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean put it succinctly:

“These investments are not just building facilities; they’re building opportunity, talent, and a future for Boiseans.”

Company	Investment	Jobs Created	Community Investment
Micron	$15B	~17,000 (direct + indirect)	$75M (STEM & workforce)
Meta	$800M	~1,100 (construction + ops)	$2M+ (digital & green)

These combined efforts are not only revitalizing Idaho’s economy, but are also ensuring that Boise continues to attract top tech talent and remains a leader in innovation and inclusivity.

This week, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) unveiled its Hydropower Technology Catalog, an online tool designed to help utilities, researchers, and policymakers make better decisions when planning, upgrading, or operating hydropower facilities.

The catalog features over 100 turbine technologies, detailed descriptions, and performance data, making it easier to compare options and assess their fit for specific project needs.

INL’s system covers a wide array of hydropower approaches - including impoundment, diversion, conduit, and hydrokinetic systems - offering a clear resource for both newcomers and experienced professionals.

Users can search for technologies based on application, type, and operational parameters like power rating or flow, which streamlines the process of matching solutions to site-specific requirements.

As explained by INL researcher Patricia Thomas, the catalog was created by compiling data from manufacturers, consulting with technology providers, and reviewing current Department of Energy-funded research, ensuring the information is up-to-date and practical for industry use (read how the catalog was developed).

Some of the most useful features include interactive filters for narrowing down technology options, fact sheets detailing descriptions, applications, performance metrics, and cost estimates, and a growing directory of related service providers.

The catalog informs users about both what is included in a technology and what complementary infrastructure might be required for implementation (explore the Hydropower Technology Catalog here).

INL continues to add enhancements, such as more detailed efficiency and cost data, and aims to link users with consulting and engineering firms for project support.

As one industry user, Matthew Williams, described, the tool is intended to be simple yet powerful - helping anyone from utility managers to policymakers climb the learning curve and make informed decisions in less time (learn about real-world impact for developers).

Partnerships with universities and federal agencies are central to the catalog’s growth, supporting workforce development and hands-on learning opportunities for students in Idaho and beyond.

With hydropower producing nearly a third of the country’s renewable energy, this catalog strengthens Boise’s position as a leader in clean energy innovation, making advanced hydropower technology more accessible to those working to modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure.

As Boise’s tech scene accelerates, Bleakley Financial Group’s addition of a new local advisory team marks a significant step in responding to the region’s evolving wealth management needs in 2025.

This move goes beyond expanding assets; it’s about providing real support to Boise’s growing base of tech executives, public sector leaders, and business owners, many of whom face unique challenges related to liquidity events, complex compensation, and rapid company growth.

Reflecting these priorities, Bleakley’s Boise team is led by Patricia Perez and Jessica Martin, who serve clients ranging from technology entrepreneurs to leaders in the public sector, and leverage a “client-first” philosophy with deep planning expertise as noted in recent coverage.

They have joined Bleakley during a year in which the firm surpassed $1 billion in net new assets and expanded its advisor equity partnership model, helping to align advisor and client interests for long-term growth according to company announcements.

• Tech expansion: Bleakley establishes a new Boise team to meet growing wealth management needs.
• Personalized support: The team focuses on helping entrepreneurs and public sector leaders with unique financial challenges.
• Technology integration: Clients benefit from AI-powered planning tools and real-time financial dashboards.
• Strategic alignment: Expansion of the advisor equity model aligns advisor and client interests for growth.
• Continued growth: Bleakley surpassed $1 billion in net new assets and plans ongoing investments in Boise.

The Boise team now takes advantage of Bleakley’s advanced platform, which features AI-powered planning tools, automated equity compensation tracking, and secure dashboards that integrate banking, investment, and crypto assets for real-time financial management.

Features like AI-driven portfolio management and automated tax optimization are especially valued by Boise’s rapidly growing community of entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

Bleakley’s emphasis on both high-touch local service and technology-enabled planning is designed to help clients adapt to shifting markets or plan for business exits.

For more on how this approach supports tech and business leaders in Boise and nationally, see recent industry analysis.

Feature	Value to Clients	Who Benefits?
AI-Powered Planning Tools	Provides data-driven, personalized financial strategies	Entrepreneurs & Tech Professionals
Automated Compensation Tracking	Helps manage complex equity compensation packages	Business Owners
Secure, Integrated Dashboards	Offers real-time oversight of banking, investments, and crypto	All Clients

With experienced advisors, a modern technology stack, and a commitment to personalized planning, Bleakley Financial positions its Boise office to meet the demands of a vibrant, growing tech economy in 2025 and beyond.

Boise’s tech community is celebrating as Mikey Chase-Braden, a Post Falls High School and K-Tech student with strong Idaho connections, secured first place at the 2025 SkillsUSA State Construction Technology Competition.

This event brought together students from across Idaho, testing their expertise in construction technology and related fields. Mikey’s top finish not only shines a spotlight on the caliber of Idaho’s technical education, but also qualifies him to represent the state at the upcoming SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta this June, where more than 6,500 students compete in over 100 categories related to skilled trades and leadership.

This annual championship serves as the nation’s premier showcase for career and technical students, emphasizing real-world skills employers need. Idaho’s students have performed strongly in recent years, with the 2024 team bringing home gold medals in areas like automated manufacturing, web design, and welding, and several standout individuals, such as Lisa Moore from Boise State being elected a SkillsUSA National Officer for 2024-2025.

Participation in SkillsUSA not only leads to recognition and scholarships, but also provides networking and industry connections which are important for entering Idaho’s rapidly growing tech and construction job markets.

SkillsUSA, a national organization serving over 400,000 members, focuses on preparing students for workforce success and leadership opportunities, as seen in its annual election of motivated and diverse national officers representing students across the country.

As the state’s construction and tech industries continue to grow, Mikey’s accomplishment underlines the vital role technical skills play in Idaho’s future and the importance of supporting young talent ready to shape tomorrow’s smart infrastructure.

• Community Recognition: Boise’s tech community celebrates Mikey Chase-Braden’s state-level victory, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting youth in technology.
• Advancing to Nationals: This achievement qualifies Mikey to compete at the SkillsUSA National Conference in Atlanta, showcasing Idaho talent on a national stage.
• Growth in Idaho Tech: Idaho’s increasing success in competitions like SkillsUSA demonstrates ongoing growth in the state's technical education and future job markets.
• Career-Ready Skills: SkillsUSA focuses on real-world skills, ensuring participants are ready for leadership and workforce opportunities in high-demand industries.

Boise has taken a major step forward in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing with Micron’s new fabrication plant, supported by $6.1 billion in CHIPS Act funding as part of a plan to invest $50 billion by 2030.

The CHIPS Act, passed in 2022, is designed to increase America’s domestic chip production, strengthen supply chain security, and encourage advanced technology manufacturing here at home.

Micron’s Boise facility is one of the first new U.S. memory fabs in decades, contributing to a national push to boost U.S. market share in advanced memory manufacturing from under 2% today to about 10% by 2035.

This investment is expected to create more than 2,000 long-term jobs in Boise, along with 4,500 construction jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs across Idaho, while spurring diverse supplier and partner networks throughout the region (Micron Boise manufacturing expansion).

Key Highlights of the Micron Boise Fab:

• Job Creation: Employment Opportunities: The Boise fab will directly employ over 2,000 Micron workers and is projected to support thousands of construction and indirect jobs throughout its build and operation (Department of Commerce CHIPS Act award).
• Workforce Development: Education Investment: Micron has committed $75 million over the next 10 years to support local education, STEM, and workforce programs, including K-12 and post-secondary STEM training, internships, and community partnership initiatives.
• Supply Chain Impact: Economic Impact: The Boise fab is projected to generate approximately $2.5 billion in local annual economic impact and anchor a growing ecosystem of suppliers and regional partners as the plant ramps up toward targeted DRAM output in 2027.
• National Strategy: Technology Leadership: These facilities are central to Micron’s vision for U.S. leadership, resilience, and security - helping to secure critical supply chains after decades of industry shift abroad (Micron CHIPS Act funding news release).

Metric	Value	Project Leader
Micron Boise Investment	$15 Billion	Robert Thompson
Projected Job Creation	2,000+ direct; 19,500+ total (construction & indirect)	Richard Brown
Supplier Partnerships	Dozens statewide	Thomas Smith
Annual Local Economic Impact	$2.5 Billion	Robert Thompson

Micron’s Boise fab is more than a local project - it is a cornerstone in the country’s commitment to advanced manufacturing and domestic technology growth. By integrating education, job creation, and supply chain resilience, Boise is positioned as a central hub in America’s push for semiconductor self-reliance and economic vitality. Read more about these efforts on Micron manufacturing expansion plans.

The April 2025 expansion of U.S. export controls on advanced AI chips and semiconductor equipment is having a tangible impact on Boise’s tech community, especially for Micron Technology, whose investments help anchor the region.

Recent federal actions have tightened restrictions, not just on AI chips but also on the equipment and technical expertise needed for their manufacture, aiming to impede China’s capacity for large-scale AI and advanced chip production.

For Micron, which began construction on a new high-volume DRAM fab in Boise in 2023 with support from the CHIPS Act, the move brings both challenges and new points of competitiveness.

The company's Idaho operations, part of a historic plan to invest roughly $25 billion in the state, are now more insulated from certain direct impacts because Micron has already refrained from selling high-bandwidth memory chips to China - but new guardrails could reduce flexibility and expand compliance requirements as the U.S. government weighs further action to prevent access to AI-related memory chips by Chinese firms.

Micron’s role as the only U.S.-based producer of advanced memory keeps Boise at the center of these national security debates.

Impacts on Boise’s Tech Sector:

• Micron faces stricter review of potential exports and their end-uses, increasing compliance challenges as the company creates thousands of jobs and boosts DRAM manufacturing for the domestic supply chain in Boise.
• Local startups and research groups experience longer lead times and higher costs for imported semiconductor components as ripple effects from global volatility and export rules grow.
• Micron’s ongoing investments and direct federal support are expected to increase the U.S. share of advanced memory manufacturing to roughly 10% by 2035 according to federal announcements.

Investment Dynamics Table:

Metric	2024	2025*
Foreign Direct Investment in Idaho Tech ($B)	2.4	1.9
Boise Semiconductor Job Growth (%)	17.5	14.1
Micron Capital Expenditure ($B)	4.8	5.1

*Estimates adjusted for new export controls.

As federal policy continues to evolve, Boise’s tech sector - anchored by Micron’s long-term vision and federal partnerships - must remain adaptable to both the risks and opportunities presented by changing global trade dynamics. Navigating these export controls will be key to safeguarding innovation, job growth, and Boise’s increasingly important role in U.S. semiconductor leadership.

Boise continues to advance its reputation as a tech hub with meaningful sustainability goals, highlighted by Meta’s investment in large-scale renewable energy projects in the region.

The Pleasant Valley Solar projects, including Pleasant Valley Solar 1 and the forthcoming Solar 2, represent major steps toward powering Meta’s rapidly expanding Kuna data center with 100% renewable energy, directly supporting its global commitment to net-zero operations.

Developed through partnerships with rPlus Energies and Idaho Power, the 200 MW Pleasant Valley Solar 1 is currently the largest solar facility in Idaho and officially began sending power to the grid in early 2025.

The next phase, Pleasant Valley Solar 2, will add an additional 125 MW, bringing more clean energy onto Idaho’s grid and helping the region meet both corporate and community clean energy targets (the largest solar installation in Idaho).

• Sustainability Drives Growth: Boise’s renewable energy projects help position the city as a leader in sustainable tech development.
• Community Focus: These projects generate hundreds of jobs and contribute to the local economy and education through scholarships and workforce development.
• Tech Innovation: The newly redesigned Kuna data center is optimized for efficiency, showing Meta’s response to growing AI and technology demands.

These projects generate hundreds of jobs during construction, boost revenue for local commerce, and directly support Ada County students through scholarship programs at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho - demonstrating a commitment to local education and workforce development (long-term power purchase agreements and scholarships).

Meta’s investment also responds to new technology demands - especially from artificial intelligence - with the newly redesigned Kuna data center spanning nearly one million square feet and engineered for higher efficiency and lower resource use.

This is part of Meta’s larger strategy, which by 2025 will have enabled 9,800 MW of renewable generation across the U.S., helping reduce emissions and contribute billions to GDP (Meta's renewable energy portfolio).

Boise’s collaborative and community-focused approach is helping set a region-wide example of how tech growth and renewable energy can go hand in hand, benefitting both local residents and the broader climate goals.

Project	Capacity (MW)	Impact
Pleasant Valley Solar 1	200	Largest solar facility in Idaho, powering Meta's data center
Pleasant Valley Solar 2	125	Increasing clean energy for regional needs

Report prepared by Mary Thompson, Lisa Lee, and Jessica Jackson

Boise’s tech workforce is evolving rapidly, thanks in large part to Micron’s ongoing investments in community and talent pipelines. In 2025, Micron’s $75 million Community Investment Framework is supporting STEM education, workforce training, and targeted apprenticeships throughout the Treasure Valley.

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has expanded its apprenticeship and “earn and learn” programs in response, particularly to align with the needs of Micron’s $15 billion semiconductor fab.

These programs feature hands-on labs and collaborations with local companies, part of a broader strategic push highlighted by the Idaho Semiconductor Talent Network - a coalition of 13 regional universities working with industry and educators to strengthen the advanced tech pipeline.

• STEM education and workforce training are being heavily funded to boost the region’s tech talent pipeline.
• Collaboration among 13 regional universities strengthens the local tech ecosystem.
• Paid internships, research projects, and career events are aligned with industry needs.
• CWI student opportunities are growing, with over 500 students receiving Micron-backed scholarships each year.
• The "Semiconductor Scholars" program connects Idaho’s top students directly to Micron’s onsite projects and mentorship.
• Despite out-of-state competition, Boise’s education partnerships and investments are changing the local tech landscape.

“Boise’s unique combination of industry partnerships and education-focused investment is changing the local landscape.” - Susan Davis

Metric	2023	2025 (Projected)
Internship Placements Increase	0%	23%
CWI Students with Scholarships	400	500+
New Idaho Jobs Expected	-	17,000

The effort reflects Micron’s multi-billion-dollar expansion and its expectation to create around 17,000 new Idaho jobs by the late 2020s, supported by federal CHIPS Act funding.

Collaborations with Boise State University and other partners are also growing, as seen in new STEM curricula and community outreach.

Ultimately, Boise’s tech growth is anchored in programs designed for sustainable workforce readiness, local opportunity, and strategic retention, setting a different pace from larger coastal markets.

For more on the scale and goals of these initiatives, check the Micron investment overview.

In 2025, Boise’s financial technology (fintech) advisory sector is closely tracking the city’s overall tech boom, with established and startup firms benefiting from rapid industry growth.

The city’s tech jobs have grown by 32.4% since 2016, with over 3,800 tech businesses contributing about $7 billion to the Idaho economy, laying a solid foundation for specialized services like fintech advisory.

A standout player this year is Clearwater Analytics, a Boise-based fintech firm managing over $7.3 trillion in assets globally. Clearwater leverages AI-driven portfolio analytics and continuous innovation in its offerings, supporting local and global clients and boasting an almost 100% client satisfaction rate, driven by real-time data and robust risk analysis tools (Clearwater Analytics career opportunities and company culture).

Bleakley Financial Group’s entrance to Boise aligns with increased demand by founders and business owners for AI-enabled financial planning tools. Common features shaping fintech advisory in Boise now include:

• Personalized, AI-powered portfolio analysis is transforming how fintech leaders support client goals.
• Automated spending and investment insights leverage machine learning to refine client recommendations.
• Advanced risk simulation tools empower firms to help clients navigate unpredictable market swings.

Market volatility in 2025 - such as swings in the S&P 500 - has led advisors to prioritize technology solutions for steady, data-backed guidance.

Experts at Clearwater and other top companies stress client demand for actionable, real-time insights and tighter risk controls (Boise’s top tech employers driving fintech innovation).

Meanwhile, fintech advisory job growth continues, with companies like AppEvolve (with Christopher Moore leading the expansion) and Peak 43 businesses prominently expanding regional hiring to meet new demand (Peak 43: Idaho’s fastest-growing tech companies in 2025).

Company	Main Service	Notable Leader
Clearwater Analytics	AI-powered portfolio analysis	Charles Garcia
AppEvolve	Fintech app development	Christopher Moore
Peak 43	Tech business growth	William Garcia

These advancements mean Boise fintech advisors are not only serving local clients but also expanding their reach to national and global markets, advancing both innovation and opportunity in the regional wealth management landscape.

Boise’s rise as a national tech hub in 2025 is backed by substantial investments, a strong influx of new jobs, and a coordinated focus on tech talent development.

Notably, over $16 billion in tech capital is transforming the region through Micron’s $15 billion memory manufacturing expansion and Meta’s $800 million data center in Kuna.

These projects not only boost Idaho’s economic profile but also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs - Micron alone plans for about 2,000 permanent positions in Boise and an estimated 15,000 additional roles through its supply chain across the state.

These investments are reinforced by Micron’s $75 million pledge to STEM education and community development, and new training partnerships with local colleges, which aim to diversify and broaden opportunities for underrepresented groups and build a skilled workforce.

Meta’s data center further contributes with a commitment to 100% renewable energy and local infrastructure improvements, like the $70 million water and sewer upgrade for Kuna’s growing community.

Boise’s standing as a tech talent destination is confirmed by a 32% job growth rate since 2016, with competition for tech roles surging - job applications jumped 116% year-over-year.

Educational initiatives, including the College of Western Idaho’s technology apprenticeships and the 13-university Northwest semiconductor network, are vital to meeting demand.

Meanwhile, Boise’s tech ecosystem benefits from new business formation and nationally recognized events - like the Boise Tech Expo, which drew over 3,500 attendees and generated $2.1 million for the local economy, highlighting the city’s position in innovation and sustainability.

With its momentum, Boise is now a top-10 city for technology-driven job growth according to multiple national rankings and a magnet for companies seeking affordable operating costs and skilled talent across sectors.

The continued achievements of Boise’s workers and students - illustrated through competitions and expanding career pathways - are anchoring the city’s place on the tech map.

Boise’s rapid tech expansion is showing both promise and pressure points as major projects reshape the city’s economic future. Landmark investments, like Micron’s $15 billion semiconductor plant - which will produce 2,000 permanent jobs and up to 15,000 more indirectly through suppliers and contractors - underscore how local manufacturing is now entwined with the national effort to rebuild the U.S. chip supply chain under the CHIPS Act.

Complementing this, Meta’s $800 million data center in Kuna not only broke ground with a commitment to 100% renewable energy but is also sparking infrastructure investments like a $70 million water and sewer upgrade for the city.

These moves have contributed to Boise’s tech sector reaching a $7 billion economic impact and a 116% surge in tech job applications in the past year alone. For more information, see full coverage.

Yet, these wins come with real-world challenges.

Boise faces a talent crunch, with tech job growth outpacing the local workforce - many in-demand roles, like cloud solutions architects and cybersecurity analysts, remain unfilled despite competitive salaries reaching up to $210K. This has prompted partnerships between companies like Micron and educational institutions, including a $75 million workforce development pledge, apprenticeships, and targeted support for STEM programs at Boise State University.

Learn more on jobs and skills. Meanwhile, new projects - such as Diode Ventures’ planned $1 billion+ Gemstone Technology Park - highlight how land use, energy demand, and water concerns are sparking public debates about sustainable growth.

Get more project details.

• Major investments from companies like Micron and Meta are transforming Boise’s tech sector and infrastructure with billions in funding and innovative projects.
• Workforce challenges are felt as job growth outpaces talent supply, pushing education and industry partnerships to close the skill gap.
• Sustainable growth concerns are rising, with public input focused on energy, land use, and water as tech development accelerates.

As Boise’s innovation economy matures, the community’s future will hinge on continued investment in both technical education and robust civic infrastructure.

Meeting workforce demands, fostering pathways for young talent, and transparently addressing growth impacts will help ensure Boise’s tech boom remains accessible and beneficial for all residents.