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

Chattanooga's tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with EPB's groundbreaking 25 Gbps internet service now covering 600 square miles and serving 180,000 customers with zero data caps.

The city's tech ecosystem has reached a valuation of $1.2 billion, marking a 25% increase, while maintaining a robust 15% job growth rate. Smart city initiatives have achieved remarkable results, with 1,400 smart switches reducing power outages by 50% and generating $2.69 billion in economic benefits.

The city's commitment to innovation extends to autonomous vehicle testing, supported by a $3.2M Department of Energy grant implementing C-V2X technology across nearly 100 smart intersections.

Local success stories include Branch Technology's $22 million funding achievement, while tech salaries now average over $90,000.

With the upcoming Business Resource Center opening in October 2025 backed by a $1.8M investment, and UTC's establishment of a Quantum Computing Research center through a $3.5 million NIST grant, Chattanooga continues to solidify its position as a leading tech hub, fostering collaboration between education, industry, and innovation.

EPB's fiber optic network continues to revolutionize Chattanooga's tech landscape in 2025. As documented in recent reports, EPB now serves 180,000 customers across 600 square miles with 9,000 miles of fiber network, achieving an impressive 70% market share.

The network's economic impact has exceeded expectations, generating $2.69 billion in benefits over its first decade and supporting over 9,500 jobs. Speed options now range from 300 Mbps at $57.99 monthly to a mind-blowing 25 Gbps, keeping Chattanooga at the cutting edge of connectivity.

EPB's latest achievement includes groundbreaking quantum network capabilities, demonstrated through successful transmission of entangled quantum signals - a first-of-its-kind feat in commercial networks.

However, traditional TV service costs are increasing, prompting EPB to help customers transition to streaming alternatives through their mybundle platform.

The network's smart grid capabilities have reduced power outages by 55%, surpassing the initial target of 30%. As Chattanooga continues its evolution as a smart city, EPB's fiber infrastructure serves as the backbone for innovations in urban technology, proving that municipal broadband can transform a city's digital landscape while delivering substantial economic returns.

The INCubator, Chattanooga's premier business development hub, has become a powerhouse in the local startup ecosystem. Through its comprehensive three-year program, entrepreneurs gain access to essential resources including training facilities, networking events, and industry-specific mentorship.

The impact is remarkable - the program has helped generate over $284 million in investments and created more than 2,000 jobs. By 2025, this tech hub is projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to the local economy, significantly impacting the Southeast's tech landscape.

Success stories include companies like Branch Technology, which grew from a single robot to a 50,000 sq. ft. facility with 17 Kuka robots, and FreightWaves, which secured over $92.4 million in funding.

The Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech) further strengthens this ecosystem by connecting businesses and inspiring talent through regular events and innovation programs.

The incubator's focus spans multiple sectors, including advanced manufacturing, technology, and professional services, with numerous startups achieving significant milestones in AI, sustainable tech, and digital innovation.

This comprehensive support system has established Chattanooga as a crucial player in the tech industry, drawing entrepreneurs from across the country who seek to transform their early-stage startups into thriving, scalable businesses.

Chattanooga's transformation into a smart city powerhouse continues to accelerate, as shown by The Enterprise Center's collaborative initiatives which have already generated $2.69 billion in economic benefits.

The city's deployment of 1,400 smart switches has slashed power outages by 50%, while EPB's groundbreaking fiber optic infrastructure now delivers speeds up to 25 Gbps to over 180,000 customers across 600 square miles.

The Smart City Collaborative has established Chattanooga as a premier testbed for wireless and IoT technologies, implementing innovative solutions at nearly 100 smart intersections through a $3.2M Department of Energy grant.

These advancements are supported by CO.LAB's initiative, which focuses on sustainable mobility and smart city innovations, particularly in freight, electric vehicles, and organizational technology.

The city's comprehensive smart infrastructure now includes environmental sensors along MLK Boulevard, advanced traffic management systems, and cutting-edge air quality monitoring in neighborhoods.

The integration of quantum networking capabilities and partnerships with major institutions like NASA and Stanford University further cement Chattanooga's position as a technology leader.

Local success stories like Branch Technology's growth from $2 million to $12 million in annual sales demonstrate the tangible impact of these initiatives. With over 25,000 tech jobs and an average salary of $84,000, Chattanooga's smart city ecosystem continues to attract talent and investment, positioning the city at the forefront of urban innovation and sustainable development.

The Chattanooga Smart Summit is coming up on January 29-30 at UTC's University Center, and it's going to be packed with next-level content on AI, smart systems, and transportation tech.

The summit features Susan Hernandez, President of ITS America, as the keynote speaker, plus tons of technical sessions covering everything from AI in traffic management to smart streetlight tech.

Following that, the Scenic City Summit hits in June with a two-day format featuring a conference on June 20 and a hack-a-thon on June 21, focusing on software development and automation.

The tech celebration continues into fall with the 2025 TechX Awards at McKenzie Arena on September 25, where the city's top tech talent will be recognized across multiple categories including AI/ML excellence, software engineering, and emerging tech students.

Each event includes networking opportunities, from Top Golf socials to interactive workshops, making them perfect for both learning and connecting with other tech enthusiasts.

These gatherings are shaping up to be game-changers for anyone interested in tech, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. The focus on practical knowledge sharing and hands-on experience makes these events particularly valuable for career development and staying current with industry trends.

As Chattanooga's educational landscape evolves in 2025, UTC is implementing significant academic calendar changes to enhance student success and program accessibility.

Starting in spring 2026, the university will adopt a 16-week semester format, with adjusted class lengths increasing from 50 to 55 minutes for tri-weekly sessions.

Meanwhile, Chattanooga State Community College continues to strengthen its tech programs, offering specialized tracks in cyber defense and networking with an impressive 98% job placement rate.

The tech education landscape is further enriched by diverse program offerings across local institutions, with UTC's cybersecurity and data science graduates commanding average starting salaries of $90,776.

The restructured academic calendar and enhanced course offerings reflect UTC's commitment to aligning with peer institutions while maintaining competitive edge in tech education.

• Streamlined lab courses: Key improvements include lab courses beginning in week one, which aligns with industry needs.
• Expanded support services: Aimed at improving student outcomes and addressing academic challenges efficiently.
• Strategic timing adjustments: Designed to better serve transfer students and student-athletes, optimizing their academic experience.

These changes, coupled with UTC's focus on emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, position Chattanooga's educational institutions at the forefront of tech innovation.

The collaborative environment between local colleges creates a robust ecosystem for tech education, with programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the region's expanding tech sector, which is projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to the local economy.

EPB's fiber optic network has revolutionized Chattanooga's digital landscape, delivering remarkable outcomes that surpass initial expectations. EPB has achieved a 70% market share, doubling their initial target of 35%, while serving 180,000 customers across 600 square miles through 9,000 miles of fiber network.

The network's impact extends beyond connectivity - the $220 million investment has generated a $2.69 billion economic benefit over its first decade, supporting the creation and retention of 9,516 jobs.

EPB's commitment to innovation continues with a five-year, $70 million project to upgrade its core network capacity to 100 Gig, building upon their groundbreaking 25 Gig service.

The network's smart grid capabilities have reduced power outages by 55%, saving customers millions in prevented losses. This infrastructure has positioned Chattanooga as a pioneer in municipal broadband, offering affordable high-speed internet while fostering economic growth and technological advancement.

The success of EPB's fiber network serves as a model for other cities, demonstrating how strategic investment in digital infrastructure can transform a community's economic and technological landscape while maintaining accessibility and affordability for residents.

The INCubator, Tennessee's largest business incubator, continues to drive entrepreneurial success in Chattanooga's thriving tech ecosystem.

The program's comprehensive three-year curriculum, which includes access to training facilities, networking events, and industry-specific mentorship, has proven instrumental in transforming startups into sustainable businesses.

Recent graduate Shelly Cove exemplifies this success, growing from a garage-based operation to establishing their own fulfillment center while donating over $250,000 to marine conservation efforts.

The incubator's impact extends beyond individual success stories, with its graduates raising $284 million in funding and creating more than 2,000 jobs across various sectors.

Tech startups particularly benefit from Chattanooga's unique advantages, including the city's gigabit internet infrastructure and strong support systems.

Companies like Branch Technology and FreightWaves showcase the diversity of innovation, with the former revolutionizing construction through 3D printing technology and the latter transforming global supply chain intelligence.

The tech sector now contributes over $1 billion to Tennessee's GDP and employs 25,000 people, highlighting the significant economic impact of these initiatives.

The success of incubator graduates stems from both comprehensive resources and a collaborative community atmosphere.

Many alumni continue engaging with the ecosystem, providing mentorship and investment opportunities to emerging startups. This cycle of support strengthens Chattanooga's position as a growing tech hub, attracting new talent and fostering innovative solutions across industries.

Chattanooga's evolution as a smart city pioneer continues to accelerate in 2025, with its comprehensive network now featuring 1,400 smart switches and 115 video-monitored intersections.

The city's high-speed internet infrastructure, managed by EPB, delivers speeds up to 25 Gbps across 600 square miles, serving 180,000 customers with zero data caps.

This digital backbone has generated $2.69 billion in economic benefits and created over 9,500 jobs. The city's selection as one of two U.S. locations for the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance has catalyzed further innovation, particularly in transportation and energy sectors.

A Department of Energy grant of $3.2M is funding autonomous vehicle testing, with C-V2X technology implementation across 100 smart intersections showing promising results in reducing traffic congestion.

The initiative has already achieved a 12.3% reduction in eastbound morning commute times.

• Healthcare Advancements: Erlanger Health System's telehealth program has facilitated over 11,000 virtual interactions, saving patients 290,000 miles in travel.
• Sustainability Efforts: The city's commitment to sustainability is evident through a $439M investment in utility-scale solar plants, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Public Engagement: Public engagement remains strong, with initiatives like HCS EdConnect providing free internet to 16,000 families, ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
• Tech Sector Growth: The tech sector's valuation has reached $1.2 billion, marking a 25% increase, while maintaining an average tech salary exceeding $90,000.

These developments solidify Chattanooga's position as the emerging Silicon Valley of the South, with its smart city ecosystem projected to contribute significantly to regional economic growth.

The Chattanooga Tourism Summit 2023 offers innovative digital marketing sessions designed to help tech professionals stay competitive.

For first-time conference attendees, strategic preparation is crucial - scan vendor lists beforehand and identify key contacts to maximize your time.

The summit features hands-on workshops in "Staying Relevant in a Digital World," where participants learn cutting-edge strategies for audience engagement and content optimization.

• Stay Competitive: Attend innovative digital marketing sessions to remain competitive in tech.
• Strategic Preparation: Scan vendor lists and identify key contacts for first-time conference attendees.
• Hands-On Workshops: Participate in workshops to learn strategies for audience engagement and content optimization.

In the exhibition hall, over 50 vendors showcase emerging technologies, while dedicated networking spaces facilitate meaningful connections.

The event brings together more than 1,200 attendees, creating opportunities for deal-making and relationship building.

Experts recommend being strategic with session choices and protecting your bandwidth by taking regular breaks.

The summit's app helps attendees plan their schedules efficiently, while specialized tracks cover emerging technology, digital marketing, and business growth.

Industry leaders like Barbara Anderson share insights on leveraging new technologies for enhanced visitor experiences, and breakout sessions focus on practical implementation strategies.

The convention center's futures study presentation offers valuable perspectives on industry trends and development planning. Free professional development sessions equip participants with tools to enhance their online marketing strategies and adapt to evolving digital landscapes.

Past attendees report significant professional growth, with many implementing new technologies within their organizations within three months of the event.

Partners like EPB, First Horizon Bank, and Miles Partnership ensure high-quality content delivery and networking opportunities throughout the summit.

As Chattanooga's tech scene continues to evolve, the role of education in tech advancement remains paramount. Leading institutions like Chattanooga State Community College and UTC are transforming tech education with hands-on programs in cybersecurity, coding, and AI, achieving job placement rates of up to 98%.

The tech industry's 25% growth rate and average starting salaries of $90,776 validate these educational investments. Beyond traditional education, Tech Goes Home Chattanooga has empowered over 10,000 residents with digital literacy skills, ensuring technology accessibility across diverse populations.

STEM Day initiatives at Chattanooga State are introducing students to creative problem-solving through hands-on activities like building structures and exploring engineering concepts.

The Future Ready Institutes within Hamilton County Schools offer career-focused programs in various tech clusters, while partnerships with industry leaders like BASF provide specialized training through their TECH Academy.

Local employers are particularly seeking skills in machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, with the tech sector projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to the local economy.

The collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners has created a robust pipeline for tech talent, with graduates securing positions at companies like Google and Microsoft.

This comprehensive approach to tech education, combining traditional academics with practical training and industry engagement, positions Chattanooga as an emerging tech education hub.

The city's ultra-high-speed internet infrastructure and vibrant Innovation District further support these educational initiatives, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge resources and real-world applications.

Chattanooga's tech sector is crushing it with a massive $1.2 billion valuation and 15% job growth in 2025.

EPB's game-changing internet service now spans 600 square miles, serving 180,000 customers with blazing 25 Gbps speeds and zero data caps. The impact is real - their smart city tech has already generated $2.69 billion in economic benefits and slashed power outages by 50% with 1,400 smart switches.

Local tech salaries are hitting $90,000+, making Chattanooga a legit career destination. The Chattanooga Tech Accelerator is leveling up the workforce, with their first cohort of data analysts already crushing it in the field.

The city's commitment to innovation is clear through the recent deployment of lidar technology across 120 downtown intersections, revolutionizing traffic management.

With major players like Branch Technology securing $22 million in funding and the upcoming Business Resource Center opening in October 2025 with a $1.8M investment, Chattanooga is solidifying its spot as a leading tech hub.

The momentum is unstoppable - between the smart city initiatives, thriving startup scene, and infrastructure investments, Chattanooga is building a tech ecosystem that's attracting talent and companies from across the country.