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

Charleston's tech scene is absolutely crushing it, with employment surging 56.7% since 2020 and average tech wages hitting $120,142 - double the state average! The city's now home to over 1,100 companies focused on cybersecurity, AI, and cloud tech, making it a serious player in the industry.

Recent stats show Charleston's grown into a potential "next Silicon Valley", attracting major players like Google and Infosys while nurturing homegrown success stories like Blackbaud and Phish Labs.

What's really cool is how the Charleston Digital Corridor is leveling up the tech ecosystem, backing growing companies with workspace at their state-of-the-art Flagship facility and connecting talent with qualified employers.

The city's investing heavily in tech infrastructure and education, with places like the College of Charleston expanding their engineering programs to keep up with demand.

Plus, with 93% of companies planning to maintain or boost remote work opportunities, Charleston's tech scene is staying flexible and modern.

Between the strong job market, competitive salaries, and a growing startup ecosystem, Charleston's definitely cementing its spot as one of the Southeast's hottest tech hubs.

Charleston's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! According to recent industry data, tech jobs now make up 12.1% of the regional economy, with tech workers earning salaries 78% above the state average at $120,142.

The growth is mind-blowing - tech employment has surged 56.7% since 2020, while the broader job market only grew 5.3%. The city has evolved into a legit tech hub, with over 400 tech companies now calling Charleston home, including major players like Google and homegrown success stories like Blackbaud and PhishLabs.

What's really exciting is that 71% of companies are planning to hire in 2025, with over half of tech employees working remotely - talk about flexibility! The innovation game is strong too, with companies like Ignite Digital Services moving their HQ downtown and creating 135 new jobs.

Local tech companies are all about the perks, offering competitive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

With an average of 40 new residents arriving daily and wages hitting double the state average, Charleston's tech boom shows zero signs of slowing down.

Whether you're into software development, data science, or cybersecurity, Charleston's tech scene is the place to be for career growth and innovation.

In a major boost to Charleston's cybersecurity landscape, New Mountain Capital has led a substantial $50 million investment round in SecureNet Solutions this April 2025.

This funding milestone coincides with the launch of the inaugural Charleston Tech Week, where SecureNet will showcase its latest innovations alongside fourteen other leading tech organizations.

The investment comes at a crucial time, as global cybersecurity spending is projected to hit $212 billion in 2025, with ransomware incidents up 25% from the previous year.

SecureNet plans to leverage this capital for expanding their AI-driven security solutions, filling 100+ new positions, and upgrading their security operations center with a $10 million allocation.

CEO Richard Miller emphasizes this investment's significance beyond just company growth, positioning Charleston as an emerging cybersecurity hub. The timing aligns perfectly with the upcoming Charleston Tech Week (April 24-May 2), which will feature collaborative events showcasing the region's rapid tech sector expansion.

This development reinforces Charleston's growing reputation in the cybersecurity space, with the local tech sector already contributing over $5 billion to the economy.

The investment is expected to catalyze further growth, especially as SecureNet partners with local educational institutions to develop talent pipelines. With cybersecurity threats evolving rapidly and the industry becoming more competitive - now hosting over 197,000 companies globally - this funding positions Charleston to become a key player in the national cybersecurity landscape.

The Charleston Tech Summit 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the city's tech evolution, drawing over 3,500 attendees from various sectors.

The conference, focusing on AI and sustainability, featured more than 50 sessions and workshops led by industry experts like Dr. Angela Park, who emphasized ethical AI development.

The highlight was a groundbreaking panel on AI infrastructure integration, where data showed 70% of Charleston firms planning AI adoption by 2026. The event coincided with Charleston's first annual Tech Week, amplifying its impact through collaborative events with fourteen leading organizations.

The sustainability track witnessed a 40% surge in green tech participation, with speakers highlighting eco-friendly innovations.

Ludo Fourrage, CEO of Charleston GreenTech, praised the conference's networking opportunities, while renewable energy ventures projected a 30% carbon footprint reduction within five years.

The tech ecosystem's contribution of 12.1% to the regional economy underscores the conference's significance, with over 1,100 tech companies now operating in the area.

The event catalyzed several initiatives, including the Charleston Tech Talent Partnership, connecting students with local firms to retain talent.

With 85% of participants reporting improved career prospects through networking, the conference strengthened Charleston's position as a tech hub. The success prompted the establishment of new workspace solutions, including the Charleston Tech Incubator, offering affordable options for entrepreneurs.

These developments, combined with an average tech salary of $123,079 and projections for 35,000 new tech jobs by 2028, demonstrate Charleston's emergence as a leading tech destination.

The conference's influence extends beyond immediate impacts, setting foundations for sustained growth in the region's tech sector.

Charleston's educational scene is getting a major glow-up in 2025, with schools seriously upgrading their tech game. Charleston Southern University is expanding its 28,000-square-foot science and engineering building, adding cutting-edge facilities for their fast-growing aeronautics and engineering programs.

Trident Technical College just kicked off a $37 million renovation to triple their student capacity and launch new programs in advanced manufacturing and logistics.

The College of Charleston and The Citadel are keeping pace too, with tech enrollments jumping 30% this year.

These schools aren't just building fancy new spaces - they're creating real opportunities for students.

The average tech salary in Charleston has hit $120,142, more than double the state average.

Local tech giants like Boeing and Volvo are actively recruiting graduates, and over half of tech positions now offer remote work options. 71% of Charleston's tech companies are planning to hire in 2025, making it a prime time to jump into tech education.

The schools' partnerships with industry are seriously paying off.

About 70% of tech grads are landing jobs right here in Charleston, and companies report their hiring process is moving way faster with access to local talent.

The mix of traditional degree programs and hands-on training through apprenticeships and internships is creating a pipeline of skilled workers who actually know their stuff.

With Charleston's tech scene contributing over $51.7 billion to South Carolina's economy, these educational upgrades couldn't have come at a better time.

Charleston's internet infrastructure is getting a major upgrade in 2025, with recent $36 million in funding awarded to provide high-speed internet to over 4,500 rural homes.

The project involves multiple service providers working to bridge the digital divide. This is serious infrastructure that's changing how we live and work.

Comcast is leading the charge with plans to connect nearly 3,000 new homes and businesses in Charleston and Beaufort Counties by the end of 2025, offering multi-gigabit speeds with 99.9% reliability.

The city isn't sleeping on the tech revolution - they're actually pushing new bills to prioritize infrastructure development before approving new construction projects.

For residents, this means more stable connections for remote work, gaming, and smart home devices. Internet service will cost between $40-80 monthly, depending on speed needs.

Local tech companies are stoked about the upgrade since it positions Charleston as a legit tech hub in the Southeast. The expansion covers areas like Johns Island, Wadmalaw, and Edisto Island, bringing them up to speed with urban areas.

With these improvements, Charleston is setting itself up to compete with other tech-forward cities, making sure we're not just known for our beaches and history, but for our digital innovation too.

Charleston's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with over 1,100 tech companies now calling the Holy City home. Standout players like Workiva and PhishLabs are leading the charge in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, with the average tech salary hitting $123,079.

The city's gotten serious attention from big names too - Google just dropped two data centers here, creating 200 new jobs. Blackbaud is crushing it as a global leader in cloud software for social good, while newer players like Gigpro are showing insane growth rates of over 14,000%.

The startup scene's looking extra fresh with Charleston's first-ever Tech Week launching this April, bringing together fourteen major organizations to showcase local talent.

What's really cool is how these companies are bringing both innovation and job opportunities - the tech sector's expected to grow another 20% by 2026. Plus, with places like the Charleston Digital Corridor and Harbor Accelerator offering support, and venture capital funding hitting over $200 million, the ecosystem's got everything needed for startups to thrive.

The mix of affordable living, beach vibes, and serious tech opportunities is making Charleston a legit alternative to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco or New York.

Charleston's green tech scene is leveling up in 2025, with major moves like IKEA's massive Kingstree West solar farm project leading the charge.

This ambitious installation, featuring 178,000 modules, is set to produce 186 GWh annually, showing Charleston isn't just talking about sustainability - we're making it happen.

Recent data shows that Charleston Tech Week will spotlight green innovations during its April 24-May 2 run, bringing together key players in the sustainability space.

The city's commitment to eco-friendly solutions got another boost when Palmetto Clean Technology announced major funding for residential solar and home electrification projects, positioning Charleston as a serious contender in the renewable energy sector.

Local initiatives are focusing on:

• Expanding solar infrastructure with advanced photovoltaic systems to boost energy production.
• Implementing AI-driven water conservation technology to enhance resource management.
• Developing smart transportation solutions aimed at significant emission reductions and efficiency improvements.

The collaboration between Charleston's tech startups, established companies, and educational institutions is creating a sustainable tech ecosystem that's attracting both talent and investment.

This partnership approach is particularly evident in projects combining renewable energy with smart city technologies, making Charleston a model for sustainable urban development.

With these developments, plus increasing support from both public and private sectors, Charleston is emerging as a leader in practical, implementation-focused green tech solutions.

Charleston's tech scene is experiencing a transformative surge in AI adoption, with Google.org's recent $1 million investment catalyzing AI training initiatives across South Carolina.

This investment comes as MUSC emerges as a leader in AI and robotics innovation, particularly through their Schiller Surgical Innovation Center, where robotic surgery now accounts for 90% of procedures in key medical areas.

The city's tech ecosystem is further energized by the upcoming Dig South Tech Summit, which will anchor Charleston Tech Week this April, bringing together global brands and local innovators to explore AI applications across industries.

Local businesses are reporting significant gains, with AI implementation leading to a 19% higher turnover per employee. The medical sector sees particular promise:

• AI-assisted diagnostics are reducing error rates by 25%.
• Manufacturing firms report 15-20% efficiency improvements through AI-powered automation.

The Charleston Economic Development Office projects AI technologies could add $500 million to the local economy by 2030, supported by over 1,100 tech companies now operating in the region.

This growth is creating a ripple effect across sectors, from healthcare and logistics to education and sustainable energy, positioning Charleston as a leading tech hub in the Southeast.

As Charleston positions itself as a rising tech hub, significant policy changes are reshaping the landscape. South Carolina's 2025 Legislative Session introduces groundbreaking initiatives targeting AI and cybersecurity, with the creation of a dedicated committee focused on safeguarding the digital environment while fostering responsible tech growth.

Complementing this, Charleston Tech Week launches in April 2025, bringing together fourteen major organizations to showcase the region's innovation capabilities.

The city's development strategy includes a regulatory sandbox program, similar to successful models in other states, which allows tech companies to operate with reduced regulations while testing innovative solutions.

This approach has already shown promise, with fintech sandboxes in other regions reporting 40% faster authorization times and 80% business survival rates.

• Infrastructure Improvements: The initiative includes a $10 million infrastructure fund for digital connectivity improvements and strategic partnerships with educational institutions.
• Projected Growth: Local officials project these changes will spark a 15% increase in tech startups by 2027 and create approximately 2,000 new tech jobs within two years.
• Comprehensive Workforce Development: The transformation extends beyond startups, encompassing comprehensive workforce development programs and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks.

This coordinated effort between state legislature, local government, and industry partners demonstrates Charleston's commitment to becoming a competitive tech destination while maintaining focus on sustainable growth and innovation.

Charleston's tech scene is hitting new heights with the launch of Charleston Tech Week happening April 24-May 2, 2025.

The event brings together fourteen major organizations, including Charleston Digital, The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, and Charleston Women in Tech, making it the biggest tech gathering the city's ever seen.

Regular meetups like TechYeet's monthly happy hours at Edmund's Oast keep the community connected between larger events.

These networks are driving real growth - Charleston's tech sector now makes up 12.1% of the regional economy with over 1,100 companies. The Tech After Five series is celebrating its 700th event during Tech Week, showing just how established these networking platforms have become.

Tech workers here are earning an average of $123,079 annually - double the regional average - proving that these connections lead to serious opportunities. The community's growth is backed by practical support through new spaces like the Charleston Tech Incubator, which offers affordable workspace starting at $430 monthly.

With events ranging from cybersecurity meetups to AI film festivals, Charleston's tech scene is creating spaces for every kind of tech professional to find their tribe and grow their career.

Charleston's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now! Over 1,100 tech companies are now calling Charleston home, with major players like Workiva, Blackbaud, and Crunchy Data leading the charge.

The average tech salary here is hitting $123,079 - more than double the state average - which is pretty wild considering the lower cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs.

The top employers are going all-in on innovation, especially in AI, cloud technology, and cybersecurity.

The SC Nexus Tech Hub is projected to create over 14,000 new jobs by 2030.

Local tech leaders are particularly stoked about the continuous migration of talent from across the country, drawn by the perfect mix of career opportunities and that famous Charleston lifestyle.

With 93% of companies planning to keep or expand remote work options, and the tech sector contributing 12.1% to Charleston's economy, the future is looking seriously bright for anyone wanting to dive into tech here.

Venture capital firms are stepping up too, with investments ranging from $1-10 million helping new startups take off. Whether you're into AI, fintech, or cybersecurity, Charleston's tech scene is definitely the place to be right now.

• Companies thrive: Over 1,100 tech companies are now based in Charleston, showcasing its growth.
• High salaries: The average tech salary of $123,079 is more than double the state average.
• Job creation: The SC Nexus Tech Hub is set to generate over 14,000 new jobs by 2030.
• Remote work trend: A significant 93% of companies are maintaining or expanding remote work options.

The Charleston Digital Corridor and Harbor Entrepreneur Center are totally changing the game for startups, and the new Charleston Tech Center that opened in 2021 is becoming this awesome hub for innovation.

Aspect	Details
Venture Capital Investments	Ranging from $1-10 million
Contributions to Economy	12.1%

With the tech sector contributing 12.1% to Charleston's economy, the future is looking seriously bright for anyone wanting to dive into tech here.