This Week's Latest Tech News in Colorado Springs, CO - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Colorado Springs' tech scene is hitting new heights in 2025, with over 27,000 tech workers now calling the city home and earning an average salary of $117,000.

The upcoming 40th Space Symposium at The Broadmoor showcases the city's prominence in aerospace innovation, featuring groundbreaking exhibits on lunar landers and space station tech.

Local success story Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies has expanded from $6 million to nearly $20 million in annual revenue, while their workforce has doubled to over 70 employees.

The newly announced Colorado Springs School of Technology, opening Fall 2025 with a $2.5 million investment, will focus on cybersecurity and aerospace education.

The space sector is particularly dynamic, with SEALSQ and WISeSat demonstrating cutting-edge post-quantum satellite technology at the Space Symposium.

This growth is supported by strategic partnerships with UCCS and the US Air Force Academy, positioning Colorado Springs as a leading tech hub in space and defense sectors.

The city's Peak Innovation Park is projected to generate a $1.8 billion economic impact by year's end, cementing its status as a major tech destination.

Amazon's expansion in Colorado Springs continues to reshape the city's economic landscape through multiple facilities. The newest fulfillment center adds over 1,000 full-time positions to Amazon's existing 4,000-employee workforce in Colorado.

Located near the Colorado Springs Airport, the four-story facility covers approximately 4 million square feet and processes various items including books, electronics, and toys.

The facility, known as DEN4, showcases Amazon's commitment to technological innovation, with state-of-the-art delivery and technology systems enhancing operational efficiency.

Adding to its presence, Amazon has also opened a delivery station on South Academy Boulevard, further streamlining local distribution capabilities.

• Job Opportunities: Entry-level positions start at $15 per hour and include benefits and education opportunities.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The expansion includes sustainability initiatives, featuring tree planting and solar power capabilities.
• Economic Impact: The facility's strategic location is expected to boost tax revenue and retail opportunities in southeast Colorado Springs, contributing to the area's projected population growth of 1 million in coming decades.
• Infrastructure Improvements: The development includes traffic improvements at Powers and Grinnell Boulevards to manage increased activity.
• Tech Hub Growth: This expansion reinforces Colorado Springs' position as a growing tech hub while providing significant employment opportunities and economic benefits for the local community.

The expansion is a testament to Amazon's strategic planning, promising both economic growth and sustainable practices in its operations.

With these initiatives, Amazon sets a precedent for future developments in the region.

The 2025 Silicon Mountain Conference transformed Colorado Springs into a tech powerhouse last weekend, smashing attendance records with over 3,500 participants.

The conference theme, "Harnessing Generative AI: Revolutionizing Logistics, Fulfillment, Ecommerce and Transportation," sparked intense discussions about the future of technology.

Building on the success of previous years, like the groundbreaking 2022 edition, this year's event featured four dynamic thematic segments, each packed with keynotes and panel discussions.

The highlight was an innovative session on "AI-Driven Logistics: Navigating the Future of Transportation," which drew massive crowds.

The conference's startup ecosystem and pitch competitions were particularly exciting, with the Knights$Angels investor pitch sessions giving entrepreneurs prime exposure to potential investors.

Hands-on experience was emphasized this year, as attendees engaged with AI tools and participated in real-world problem-solving workshops. Networking was unparalleled, with dedicated collaboration hubs creating perfect spots for connecting with industry professionals.

Participants especially enjoyed sessions on AI personalization in e-commerce and blockchain applications in fintech, demonstrating the conference's commitment to practical tech applications.

The event concluded with a startup showcase where tech companies presented their AI-driven solutions, highlighting Colorado Springs' emergence as a significant tech scene.

Silicon Mountain 2025 didn't just talk about innovation—it precisely demonstrated how we're going to make it happen.

The Pikes Peak region is launching an ambitious $2 million community-driven initiative called "Our Spacious Skies," co-chaired by former Mayor Susan Lee and other local leaders.

This project coincides with the state's new $2 million grant program supporting innovative projects for people with disabilities, creating a powerful combination of resources for local development.

The initiative's steering committee, comprising 31 leaders from Teller and El Paso Counties, is focusing on key areas including infrastructure improvements and affordable housing solutions.

Organizations can receive up to $100,000 in funding through the state program, while the regional initiative will distribute resources based on community input gathered through comprehensive surveys.

The funding structure follows established community project guidelines, ensuring transparent allocation and maximum impact.

Local businesses and development bodies will use the collected data to shape future projects, with surveys being distributed through various community locations including grocery stores and churches.

This strategic approach aims to create a more inclusive and accessible tech ecosystem while addressing broader community needs. The initiative represents a significant step toward establishing Colorado Springs as a hub for innovation that serves all community members, with implementation expected to begin by mid-2025.

Colorado Springs is seriously stepping up its cybersecurity game with a massive training push that's got everyone talking. The National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) just dropped their 2025 certification courses, featuring CompTIA Security+ and Network+ programs starting at $1,275.

These 18-week virtual classes are perfect for night owls, running Monday and Wednesday evenings. What's really cool is that entry-level cybersecurity positions in Colorado are paying 38% above average Denver salaries, making this career path extra tempting.

The city's also investing in the next generation:

• Summer camps for middle school students are launching at UCCS, offering hands-on experience with everything from lock-picking to penetration testing. Local tech giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are backing these programs, providing both resources and internship opportunities.

The initiative brings together UCCS, Pikes Peak State College, and the NCC, creating a solid pathway from training to employment.

Participants get access to the latest security tools and real-world scenarios, with courses covering everything from basic network security to advanced threat analysis.

With over 500,000 cyber jobs available nationwide and about 20,000 entry-level positions up for grabs, these programs are perfectly timed to help locals grab their piece of the cybersecurity pie.

Colorado Springs' tech sector is experiencing major gains in 2025, with over 20,000 tech workers now employed in the region.

The industry has grown 12% in the past five years, with tech professionals earning an average salary of $117,000. This surge is driven by established companies like Oracle, HP Enterprise, and FedEx expanding their local operations, while the city's first unicorn company, Quantum Metric, achieved a $1 billion valuation.

The cybersecurity sector alone is projected to generate a $1.8 billion economic impact by year's end, with over 80 cybersecurity businesses now operating in the area.

The city's five military installations contribute significantly to the talent pipeline, with 38% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.

Looking ahead, Colorado's tech industry is projected to grow 11.5% over the next five years, the fifth-highest projected rate nationally.

This growth is supported by local initiatives including tax benefits of up to $5,000 per new job created and expedited permit processes through the city's Rapid Response Team.

The ecosystem particularly benefits from strong demand for software developers, who command salaries around $126,000, while cloud solutions architects can earn up to $181,000.

With companies like Zivaro planning substantial hiring through 2030 and approximately 3,800 new defense and tech jobs on the horizon, Colorado Springs continues to solidify its position as a prime destination for tech talent.

Colorado Springs, ranked as the #2 emerging tech market in North America, has transformed into a vibrant startup ecosystem with over 27,000 tech workers.

Among the standouts is Jibu, leading StartupBlink's ranking of Colorado Springs startups with a focus on energy and environmental solutions.

The startup landscape has seen remarkable growth, with companies like RainIons Team disrupting the decarbonization space through innovative direct air capture systems, achieving 30-40% cost reductions compared to traditional methods.

The ecosystem's diversity is evident through emerging players like BombBomb and Formstack, which are creating solutions in video messaging and business process automation respectively.

The tech sector's economic impact has reached $2.4 billion, with average salaries hitting $117,000, marking a 20% increase over five years.

• Major Companies: This growth has attracted major players like FedEx, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Oracle, fostering a collaborative environment for startups.
• Job Creation: Local initiatives, including accelerator programs and regular tech events, have helped create over 3,800 new jobs in defense and tech.

The startup scene's resilience is demonstrated through successful funding rounds, with companies in the software and data sector collectively raising over $44.9 million.

This ecosystem not only provides opportunities for established companies but also creates a fertile ground for emerging startups, particularly in AI, healthcare, and sustainability sectors.

Colorado Springs' academic landscape is transforming through AI innovation in 2025. UCCS's Faculty Resource Center has launched an ambitious AI integration program across multiple disciplines, providing students and faculty with cutting-edge AI tools and training.

The university's partnerships with healthcare organizations have evolved, as demonstrated by CU Anschutz's recent AI evolution conference, which brought together over 500 experts to explore AI applications in medical education and research.

The impact extends beyond healthcare, with Colorado College's Critical AI Literacy program leading innovative projects in sustainable agriculture and urban planning.

These initiatives have already shown promising results, with agricultural AI systems demonstrating a 20% increase in crop yield and smart city applications reducing local traffic congestion by 25%.

Local universities are collaborating with industry leaders in autonomous vehicle development, digital agriculture, and urban infrastructure, creating a dynamic ecosystem where academic research directly translates into real-world solutions.

The convergence of academic expertise and industry resources has positioned Colorado Springs as an emerging hub for AI innovation, particularly in healthcare technology and sustainable development.

Students are actively engaging in these projects, gaining hands-on experience with AI tools while contributing to meaningful technological advances that benefit the community.

Colorado Springs' tech sector is transforming its approach to environmental responsibility, aligning with Colorado's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals.

While the state aims for a 26% emissions cut by 2025, recent data shows we're tracking at 89% of this target, with full achievement expected by 2027. Local tech companies are stepping up through initiatives like the GEMM 2 Rule, which mandates an industry-wide 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Tech leaders like Microchip Technology are among the 18 highest-emitting facilities required to implement comprehensive reduction plans, driving innovation in sustainable operations.

The city's green tech revolution is gaining momentum, with Colorado Springs Utilities leading the charge through programs like Peak Energy Rewards and the Clean Heat Plan.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy that's projected to achieve 87% of the state's 2030 emissions reduction target.

Local tech companies are implementing smart energy management systems and participating in carbon credit trading programs, creating a marketplace for environmental innovation.

The sector's commitment goes beyond individual actions, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where sustainability and technology converge.

This shift is already showing measurable results.

Despite Colorado's 25% population growth since 2005, emissions have declined by 11.4%, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can coexist.

The tech community's initiatives have contributed to improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effects, while creating new opportunities in clean technology development.

With projected economic benefits exceeding $1.1 billion from emissions reduction initiatives through 2050, Colorado Springs' tech sector is proving that environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand.

Environmental responsibility and business success go hand in hand.

Colorado Springs' tech landscape is experiencing major leadership shifts in 2025, marking a transformative period for the region's technology sector. JE Dunn Construction announced significant changes with Dustin Liljehorn stepping into the West Region President role, overseeing operations across multiple offices including Colorado Springs.

At the same time, Swisspod's expansion brings fresh leadership to the area's advanced manufacturing sector, with their new facility expected to create over 100 jobs averaging $67,952 annually.

The city's tech evolution is further empowered by the upcoming Colorado Springs School of Technology, which aims to develop the next generation of tech talent through focused programs in cybersecurity and aerospace.

These changes are reshaping the local tech ecosystem, with over 27,000 tech workers now earning an average salary of $117,000. The leadership transitions coincide with strategic growth initiatives, including new manufacturing facilities, educational programs, and innovative technology development.

• Sustainability is being emphasized with many firms. They are incorporating AI solutions and green technology into their operations.
• The Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC reports that expanding space and defense sectors position the city for significant economic growth through 2026.

Colorado Springs is experiencing unprecedented growth in tech investment opportunities, with the cybersecurity sector alone projected to generate a $1.8 billion economic impact by 2025.

The tech workforce has expanded to over 20,000 professionals, with average salaries reaching $117,000, marking a significant 20% increase. Colorado's tech sector now directly accounts for 10% of employment and 20% of the state's GDP, positioning it as the third most concentrated tech industry economy nationwide.

Major developments include $90 million in CHIPS Act funding for Microchip Technology and $77 million for Entegris, creating over 1,000 new jobs.

The city's tech ecosystem is particularly robust in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity, with companies like Lockheed Martin leading innovation. Investment opportunities are amplified by tax benefits of up to $5,000 per new job created and expedited permit processes through the Rapid Response Team.

With venture capital flowing and an 11.5% projected industry growth over the next five years, Colorado Springs stands out as a prime location for tech investment, especially in emerging fields like quantum computing and AI development.

Colorado Springs is experiencing unprecedented tech sector growth in 2025, as tech employment reaches over 20,000 workers, marking a 12% increase over five years.

The city's transformation is evident through major developments, including the upcoming Colorado Springs School of Technology, backed by a $2.5 million investment and strategic partnerships with UCCS and the US Air Force Academy.

The tech ecosystem is further strengthened by the presence of industry giants like Oracle, HP Enterprise, and FedEx, with average tech salaries reaching $117,000.

The 40th Space Symposium, drawing over 11,000 attendees from 60 countries, showcases the city's pivotal role in aerospace innovation and contributes $16 million to the local economy.

• Quantum Metric achieves unicorn status: Quantum Metric's valuation reaches $1 billion, highlighting the company's significant growth and impact.
• Emerging opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing: These fields continue to drive growth, showcasing Colorado Springs' adaptability and forward-looking strategies.
• Supportive business environment: The city offers tax benefits of up to $5,000 per new job and streamlined processes through the Rapid Response Team for tech professionals and companies.
• Job growth in defense and tech: With 3,800 new jobs expected, the sector's expansion aligns with local economic goals.

Companies like Zivaro are planning significant hiring through 2030, indicating that the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

This growth is further catalyzed by federal investments of $75 million, transforming the city's infrastructure and cementing its status as a major tech hub.