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

Cleveland's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with tech employment surging 30% from 2023 to 2025.

The city now hosts over 58,000 tech professionals across 3,000 businesses, with average salaries hitting $95,000. Major developments include Google's $1.7 billion data center expansion and Cleveland Clinic's groundbreaking partnership with IBM for healthcare-focused quantum computing.

The Cleveland Technology Innovation Center's new $30 million incubator program is set to create 200 full-time jobs, focusing on health tech, AI, and clean energy.

The region's tech talent growth of 18% since 2016 has strengthened the ecosystem, supported by 24 colleges and universities producing 1,600 tech graduates annually.

This momentum is further amplified by venture capital investments topping $85 million in Q4 2024, with notable startups like Droxi AI securing significant funding.

The city's low unemployment rate of 2.9% in Cuyahoga County reflects the robust demand for tech talent, while smart infrastructure initiatives have reduced congestion by 20% and are projected to save $3 million annually in energy costs.

Cleveland's tech scene is getting a major glow-up thanks to the Ohio Tech Hub Initiative's $50M investment. The funding comes at a perfect time, as Cleveland's new Site Readiness Fund just acquired a massive 183,000-square-foot factory space that's perfect for tech development.

Working alongside partners like JobsOhio and Team NEO, the city is transforming abandoned industrial sites into innovation hubs. What's really cool is how Cleveland Moves, the city's fresh 5-year strategy, is making tech accessibility a priority by improving transportation and connectivity across neighborhoods.

Mayor Justin Bibb is leading the charge to create a "15-minute city" where everything you need, including tech jobs and training centers, is just a short walk away.

The initiative is already showing results - new ARPA-funded programs are creating solid pathways to tech careers and strengthening our local workforce.

We're seeing real growth in areas like microelectronics and energy tech, with predictions showing a 15% bump in tech jobs over the next three years. Plus, with partnerships brewing between local universities and coding bootcamps, Cleveland's tech talent pipeline is getting stronger by the day.

The city's aiming to add at least 20 new tech startups by 2026, and with all these resources dropping, that goal's looking more than doable. Between the physical spaces being prepped for tech companies and the programs being rolled out to train workers, Cleveland's tech scene is seriously leveling up.

CureTech Innovations, now a recognized leader in mobile healthcare solutions across 46 states, has secured a transformative $2 million grant through the Ohio Tech Hub Initiative.

This funding is part of Ohio's larger $6.5 million investment in technological advancement, aimed at revolutionizing patient care through AI-driven applications.

The initiative aligns with Cleveland Innovation District's ambitious goals, which include generating 20,000 jobs through increased research investment.

CEO Nancy Jones's team is focusing on three key areas: developing AI-powered mobile applications for personalized health management, strengthening cybersecurity protocols for patient data protection, and establishing strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers.

The grant comes at a crucial time when Cleveland's healthcare tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections showing a 20% annual increase.

CureTech's innovations are particularly significant as they address immediate healthcare challenges while creating a foundation for future technological advancement.

The company's expansion plans include integrating machine learning algorithms for better patient outcomes and launching a suite of remote monitoring tools.

• AI-powered mobile applications: Developing tools for personalized health management to improve patient care.
• Cybersecurity protocols: Enhancing data protection measures to ensure patient information remains secure.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with local healthcare providers to build a robust technology ecosystem.

This development is expected to create numerous tech jobs in the region and position Cleveland as a major player in healthcare innovation.

Through collaborative efforts with local hospitals and research institutions, CureTech is working to establish a comprehensive healthcare technology ecosystem that will benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

The focus remains on delivering accessible, cost-effective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and data security.

Cleveland State University has partnered with Fullstack Academy to deliver comprehensive coding boot camps, marking a significant shift in *tech education* for the region.

The programs, ranging from 12-week full-time to 26-week part-time formats, focus on web development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with tuition starting at $11,495.

Students can access flexible payment plans beginning at $226 per month. According to recent market analysis, Cleveland's tech job growth has surged 30% since 2023, with bootcamp graduates earning starting salaries around $65,000.

The program's curriculum emphasizes practical skills including full-stack JavaScript, Git, SQL, and React, maintaining a strong 4.8 out of 5 student satisfaction rating.

Local employment data shows nearly 1,000 entry-level tech positions available across Ohio, with major employers like Progressive, Anthem Blue Cross, and Sherwin Williams actively recruiting graduates.

The bootcamps feature *world-class instructors*, project-based learning, and comprehensive career services, preparing students for roles in web development, cybersecurity analysis, and network engineering.

This initiative aligns with Cleveland's emergence as a significant tech hub, having been recognized as the *second-biggest gainer of tech workers* in recent years.

Flash Mobility is transforming urban transportation in 2025 through its innovative partnership with EV Connect and Qmerit, creating a seamless charging experience for Cleveland's growing EV community.

The collaboration aims to address the critical charging infrastructure gap, as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects a need for 1.2 million public chargers nationwide by 2030.

Flash's digital infrastructure, which currently serves over 100 million drivers, will integrate with EV Connect's management platform to enable users to find, reserve, and pay for charging through a single interface.

This expansion comes at a crucial time, with the EV charger market projected to reach $10.2 billion by the end of 2025.

Flash's initiative includes deploying Level 2 charging stations throughout Cleveland, similar to their successful implementation in other urban centers. The company's innovative approach incorporates battery storage systems to maintain affordable charging rates during peak demand periods, a model that has proven effective in their recent Oakland project featuring 244 charging stations.

CEO James Jones emphasizes that private parking facilities are crucial to meeting charging demands, as public infrastructure alone cannot support the rapid growth in EV adoption.

The company's vision extends beyond charging stations, transforming parking facilities into comprehensive mobility hubs that may eventually include services like car cleaning, valet parking, and even drone landing pads.

This ambitious expansion positions Cleveland at the forefront of sustainable urban transportation, with Flash Mobility's infrastructure playing a pivotal role in the city's clean energy future.

Cleveland's transformation into a smart city is accelerating through Honeywell's Smart City Accelerator Program, which focuses on improving operational efficiency and public safety.

The initiative includes an advanced street lighting system managed by ST Engineering Telematics Wireless, controlling 61,000 LED lights and reducing operating costs by up to 20%.

The city is also implementing AI-powered surveillance systems to combat illegal dumping and enhance public safety, with smart cameras being deployed at strategic locations.

• Complete Corridor Project: Upgrades 25 intersections with intelligent traffic signals, incorporating transit priority technology and pedestrian detection systems.
• Climate-smart planning: Leverages green infrastructure for urban resilience, aiming to save an estimated $15 million annually through operational efficiencies.

Working with local universities and the Internet of Things Collaborative, Cleveland is developing solutions for transportation optimization, waste management, and air quality monitoring.

The city's digital transformation extends beyond infrastructure to include programs addressing digital equity and civic engagement, ensuring that technological advances benefit all residents.

These developments position Cleveland as an emerging leader in urban innovation, creating a blueprint for other cities to follow.

Ohio's data privacy landscape is transforming in 2025 with the Ohio Personal Privacy Act (OPPA), which affects businesses operating in Ohio with annual sales exceeding $25 million or those processing data from 100,000+ customers.

For tech companies and startups, the regulations create a new framework for data handling and consumer rights. The Ohio Data Protection Act offers safe harbor protections for companies implementing approved cybersecurity programs, providing a strategic incentive for compliance.

The law requires businesses to protect personal information confidentiality, guard against security threats, and prevent unauthorized access that could lead to identity theft.

Companies must now provide clear privacy notices about data collection practices, obtain user consent, and implement robust security measures.

Consumer rights include data access, deletion requests, and the ability to opt out of data sales. The Attorney General's office emphasizes practical steps for businesses, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and maintaining regular security audits.

For tech startups, compliance tools and privacy-focused development are becoming essential investments.

These regulations align with a national trend toward stronger data protection, as twenty states now have comprehensive privacy laws.

While implementation costs concern smaller firms, the emphasis on data protection creates opportunities for privacy-tech solutions. Companies demonstrating strong privacy practices are positioning themselves as trusted leaders in the evolving digital economy.

The regulations take effect throughout 2025, giving businesses time to adapt their operations and implement necessary changes.

Cleveland's tech ecosystem has transformed into a powerhouse, with tech employment surging 30% from 2023 to 2025, now hosting over 58,000 tech professionals and 3,000 tech businesses.

The average tech salary stands at $95,000, reflecting the sector's robust growth. Local success stories like MediView XR and Lazurite are pioneering medical augmented reality solutions, while startups such as Axuall and Bloomfilter are revolutionizing workforce intelligence and process optimization.

The momentum is further accelerated by JumpStart and its partners, who generated $1.6 billion in economic impact last year, attracting $478 million in investment.

Notable developments include Cleveland Clinic's partnership with IBM for healthcare-focused quantum computing and Google's $1.7 billion data center expansion.

The Cleveland Technology Innovation Center's new incubator program, backed by a $30 million investment, aims to create 200 full-time jobs focusing on health tech, AI, and clean energy.

This growth is supported by strong educational initiatives, with Cleveland State University launching new tech programs and industry partnerships enhancing curricula.

The city's commitment to smart infrastructure has already reduced congestion by 20% through smart traffic technologies, with projected annual energy savings of $3 million.

Despite challenges like the skills gap and ongoing infrastructure needs, Cleveland's startup ecosystem continues to strengthen, with venture capital investments topping $85 million in Q4 2024 and unemployment rates remaining low at 2.9% in Cuyahoga County.

Cleveland's tech scene is experiencing remarkable growth, with over 58,000 tech professionals and 3,000 tech businesses now calling the city home.

The tech sector is expanding at 9.1% annually, significantly outpacing the national average of 2.6%. This growth is supported by major developments including Google's $1.7 billion data center expansion and the Cleveland Clinic's groundbreaking partnership with IBM for healthcare quantum computing.

Despite ranking 185th out of 200 largest U.S. metro areas in overall economic vitality, Cleveland's tech ecosystem shows promising signs of transformation.

Tech professionals in the city earn competitive salaries averaging $95,000, while the cost of living remains 10% below the national average. Cleveland now ranks 6th out of 102 cities for technology growth potential, particularly excelling in healthtech innovation.

The city's strategic focus on sectors like AI, cloud computing, and sustainable tech, combined with substantial infrastructure investments and a steady pipeline of tech talent from local institutions, positions Cleveland as an emerging force in the national tech landscape.

While challenges persist, the combination of affordable living costs, growing venture capital interest, and strong community support suggests Cleveland's tech scene is poised for continued expansion.

Cleveland's tech scene is experiencing remarkable growth, with employment data showing each tech position creates 4.3 related jobs in the local economy.

The city's tech workforce has expanded to 58,000 professionals, with salaries ranging from $85,000 to $120,000. AI and machine learning continue to lead innovation, while cloud computing and full stack development remain crucial skills.

Notable developments include significant investments from tech giants like Google, which has poured over $5 billion into the region since 2019, including $2.3 billion for data centers.

The city's emerging health-tech corridor, spanning 1,600 acres and housing over 170 health-tech companies, showcases Cleveland's commitment to innovation.

Despite a strong foundation, the landscape faces both challenges and opportunities. Economic forecasts project a slight slowdown to 2.7% growth in 2025, though this remains robust compared to other regions. The city's tech community is actively addressing the skills gap through strategic partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders. The focus on practical skills over traditional degrees is growing, with 65% of roles requiring post-secondary education or certification by year's end.

Cleveland's tech ecosystem is building momentum through events like Forbes Under 30 Summit and Ohio VC Fest, which attract over 10,000 attendees.

The city's competitive advantage includes a cost of living 10% below the national average, making it attractive for tech professionals and companies alike. Key sectors driving growth include biotech, AI, cloud computing, and sustainable tech roles, with particular strength in healthcare technology, supported by institutions like Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.

• Strategic partnerships: The Cleveland tech community is addressing skills gaps through collaborations between educational institutions and industry leaders.
• Cost advantages: The city's cost of living is 10% below the national average, making it appealing for tech professionals.
• Key growth sectors: Biotech, AI, and cloud computing are among the sectors significantly contributing to Cleveland’s economic expansion.

Cleveland's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 58,000 tech professionals now calling the city home.

The community's engagement in this expansion is evident through major events like CUBE 2025, which focuses on creating powerful connections and concrete opportunities.

The city's unemployment rate of 2.9% in Cuyahoga County reflects the robust job market, particularly in tech sectors. Local initiatives are gaining momentum through events like Tech Connect, where industry leaders and professionals gather to build collaborative relationships and discuss cutting-edge developments in AI and healthcare tech transformation.

The city hosts monthly AI roundtables covering everything from tech founders to economic development, fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.

Local businesses are deeply invested in tech development, with companies like Cell X Technologies and Cleveland Diagnostics leading the charge.

The average software engineer salary of $95,000 demonstrates the competitive nature of Cleveland's tech market. Educational institutions have responded to this growth by partnering with industry leaders, creating pathways for students to access hands-on experience through internships that pay between $55,000 to $70,000 for entry-level positions.

The city's commitment to tech advancement is further illustrated by significant investments, including Google's $5 billion investment since 2019.

The focus on emerging fields like biotech, AI, and cloud computing is creating diverse opportunities for tech professionals. Manufacturing sustainability workshops and Industry 4.0 programs are preparing the workforce for future challenges, with 80% of tech positions being filled through networking events and community connections.

• 58,000 tech professionals now call Cleveland home, reflecting the city's strong tech environment.
• An $95,000 average software engineer salary highlights the competitive nature of Cleveland's tech market.
• A success rate of 80% in networking placements underscores the importance of community connections.

Cleveland's formula for success combines competitive salaries, robust networking opportunities, and strategic industry partnerships.

The city's tech ecosystem continues to evolve, supported by a community that values innovation and collaboration, positioning Cleveland as a major tech hub alongside Columbus and Cincinnati.

Cleveland's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with tech employment surging 30% from 2023, making it one of the top 10 fastest-growing markets for tech talent in the United States.

The city now hosts over 58,000 tech professionals across 3,000 tech businesses, with average salaries hitting $95,000. Major developments include Google's $1.7 billion data center expansion and robust startup support from organizations like JumpStart Inc, which provides seed funding and business coaching.

The tech ecosystem is further strengthened by Cleveland's Innovation District, focusing on healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and tech innovation. Recent statistics show a thriving venture capital scene, with local startups raising $578 million in 2022, particularly in the biotech sector where over $3 billion has been invested across 700+ companies.

This growth is supported by Cleveland's educational infrastructure, including 25 colleges and universities, and its strategic advantage of operating costs running 10% below the national average.

The combination of affordable living costs, strong corporate presence, and innovative startups positions Cleveland as an emerging force in the national tech landscape.