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

Lawrence, KS is experiencing unprecedented tech growth with a 19.3% increase in tech employment and an annual tech payroll reaching $49.7 million.

The KU Innovation Park, now hosting over 70 companies, stands as a testament to this evolution, with 89% of founders reporting positive expectations for their startups.

This week, the University of Kansas expanded its tech curriculum, adding cutting-edge courses in AI and data science, while the newly established Kansas National Security Innovation Center secured $22 million in federal funding, promising to create over 250 new jobs.

The city's tech landscape spans multiple sectors, including AI, genomics, green tech, and cybersecurity, with companies like GreenTech Solutions leading sustainable innovation.

Local businesses are implementing advanced security measures, particularly as cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 35% through 2031. The average tech salary in Lawrence now stands at $101,440, making it an attractive alternative to traditional tech hubs.

With major initiatives like the city-wide public Wi-Fi upgrade and the expansion of KU Innovation Park to 800,000 square feet by 2036, Lawrence is solidifying its position as a rising tech powerhouse in the Midwest.

The Lawrence Technology Association's networking landscape is evolving rapidly, as demonstrated by the first-ever Lawrence Tech Conference scheduled for April 5th at KU Innovation Park.

This groundbreaking event is set to feature industry leaders like David Perez, Senior VP at Niantic Labs, discussing cutting-edge topics including genAI and Gaussian Splats.

The conference builds upon Lawrence Tech's educational initiatives, which focus on transforming scientific principles into practical innovations across graphics, games, and built environments.

The event's timing coincides with significant developments in the local tech ecosystem, including new research partnerships and startup initiatives.

What sets this conference apart is its practical approach to addressing real-world tech challenges.

The event will showcase presentations on crucial topics like GIS mapping and zero-trust security in 5G networks, directly addressing the needs of local tech companies.

Following the success of previous networking events, the conference organizers have structured the day to maximize interaction between participants, featuring dedicated networking sessions and collaborative workshops.

The integration of science and technology center strategies into the conference format ensures that participants can engage with both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

The conference represents a significant step in establishing Lawrence as a regional tech hub, with free admission and lunch provided to encourage broad participation from the tech community.

This accessibility aligns with the city's vision of fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem where innovation thrives through collaboration.

The event's focus on emerging technologies and their practical applications positions Lawrence at the forefront of technological advancement, creating new opportunities for local tech professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow together.

The University of Kansas (KU) is transforming its tech education landscape through major program expansions and innovative initiatives. KU's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has established itself as a national leader in cybersecurity, radar systems, and artificial intelligence, backed by significant investments including a $2 million gift from Ripple for blockchain research.

The department's growth includes new state-of-the-art facilities and a groundbreaking high-performance computing system that strengthens research capabilities across multiple disciplines.

The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service Program, supported by a $4.7 million NSF grant, demonstrates KU's commitment to developing cybersecurity talent.

The expansion of the Advanced Computing Facility now supports over 24,000 processing cores, enabling cutting-edge research in data science and AI.

Students benefit from hands-on experience starting freshman year, working alongside faculty in areas like network security, virtual reality, and stealth technology.

The curriculum evolution reflects industry demands, with graduates securing positions at tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, with starting salaries ranging from $70,000 to $97,650.

The program's success is further evidenced by its selection by the NSA to oversee a lablet for securing the Internet of Things, positioning KU as a key player in shaping the future of technology education and research.

Lawrence's startup ecosystem is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $500,000 FORGE grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The funding is creating some seriously cool opportunities, including the Rock Chalk Ready Fund that's dishing out $35,000 grants to help startups de-risk their tech and business models.

Companies like GreenTech Energy Solutions are already showing improvements in energy production exceeding 25%.

The investment scene is heating up too, with an angel network launch planned for 2024 that'll bring together 25-35 investors with 4-5 promising startups.

Plus, there's this new 2,000-square-foot International Launch Pad facility in the works that's going to be perfect for companies wanting to tap into KU's research expertise.

The whole vibe is super collaborative – you've got the KU Office of Economic Development coordinating with different departments to make sure startups get all the support they need, from mentorship to actual funding.

With the KU Center for Technology Commercialization managing funds and KU Analytics developing a new Jayhawk Front-Door Chatbot, it's basically creating a one-stop shop for startup success.

The data shows this strategy is working – Lawrence is seeing the fastest per-capita tech worker growth at 19.3%, making it a legit alternative to overpriced tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

Lawrence's smart city transformation is gaining momentum, with $98.6 million in infrastructure investments approved in 2025.

The city's initiatives combine technology and sustainability, featuring smart traffic systems that have reduced congestion by 25% during peak hours and IoT-enabled street lighting that cuts energy usage by 40%.

KU's Institute for Smart Cities is spearheading innovative research, including a smart home project that integrates health monitoring technologies through intelligent mirrors, floors, and sensors.

These advancements are part of a broader vision that has attracted over 70 tech companies to the area, creating a thriving ecosystem with an annual tech payroll of $49.7 million.

The city's commitment extends to public infrastructure, with comprehensive corridor planning that integrates smart transportation solutions and improved connectivity across neighborhoods.

The initiatives have delivered measurable results: commuters save an average of 10 minutes daily through optimized traffic flow, while smart lighting has reduced CO2 emissions by 600 metric tons annually.

Community engagement remains central to these developments, with regular feedback sessions ensuring technology deployment aligns with resident needs. These efforts position Lawrence as a model for mid-sized cities leveraging smart technology to enhance quality of life while advancing sustainability goals.

Lawrence has emerged as a hub for Virtual Reality innovation, with groundbreaking developments reshaping the tech landscape. The KU research team's iKNOW project, supported by a $2.5 million federal grant, demonstrates the city's leadership in VR education technology.

The system, which includes 140 unique learning scenarios and integrates AI components, represents a significant advancement in special education. Local startup scene growth is exemplified by VR Lawrence, which has established itself as a premier VR arcade and testing ground for emerging applications.

The city's progress in medical training is highlighted by the KU School of Nursing's Metaversity, offering virtual simulations for clinical training and increasing educational capacity.

• Growth prospects: The Lawrence Technology Association's report indicates the VR sector could grow by 25% annually over the next five years. This growth is supported by cross-sector applications in healthcare, education, and entertainment, with local startups securing over $2 million in funding since 2024.
• AI integration: The integration of AI with VR technology has opened new possibilities, particularly in areas like social skills development and medical training simulations.

Looking ahead, Lawrence is positioned to lead VR innovation nationally.

Industry projections suggest VR could represent 30% of the city's tech ecosystem by 2030. With established institutions and startups collaborating on cutting-edge projects, the city is fostering an environment where VR technology can thrive and address real-world challenges.

The combination of academic research, private sector innovation, and public investment is creating a sustainable ecosystem for VR development in Lawrence.

April 2025 has emerged as a watershed moment for Lawrence's tech ecosystem, with the University of Kansas leading a major expansion of AI and Data Science programs.

The city's tech scene has seen remarkable growth, with over 70 companies generating a $49.7 million annual tech payroll. At the inaugural Lawrence Tech Conference at KU Innovation Park, industry leaders shared groundbreaking developments in AI applications, from healthcare innovations to advanced security protocols.

Notably, the conference featured Charles Moore from Niantic Labs discussing genAI developments, while Dr. Taejoon Kim presented insights on Zero Trust in 5G networks.

The momentum continues with the Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit, where professionals are focusing on bridging business requirements with technical specifications.

The local tech community has shown impressive metrics: a 19.3% increase in tech employment, with average salaries reaching $101,440. These conferences have highlighted three key trends shaping Lawrence's tech landscape:

• AI-led healthcare innovations are reducing emergency readmissions by 20%.
• Smart traffic systems are cutting commute times by 15%.
• Enhanced cybersecurity solutions are addressing a 25% surge in regional threats.

With 84% of IT decision-makers planning to invest in AI and the KU Innovation Park set to expand to 800,000 square feet by 2036, Lawrence is solidifying its position as a rising tech hub.

The enthusiasm is backed by concrete growth projections, with the cybersecurity sector alone expected to grow 35% through 2031. These developments are attracting both talent and investment, creating a robust foundation for continued innovation and economic growth in the region.

In 2025, cybersecurity has become a critical focus for Lawrence's expanding tech sector. Lawrence's tech employment has surged by 19.3%, with over 70 companies generating an annual tech payroll of $49.7 million.

The FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference, held on April 3-4, highlighted emerging threats and solutions, while cybersecurity roles are projected to grow 35% through 2031.

Local businesses are responding with increased investment in security measures, driven by the rising complexity of cyber threats. The KU Innovation Park has become a hub for cybersecurity initiatives, hosting regular training sessions and workshops for the 750 tech professionals employed across the region.

• Companies invest in security: Facilitates comprehensive security protocols including AI-powered systems.
• Emphasis on employee training: Security training programs are becoming mandatory.
• Focus on compliance: Firms protect against tracking and data vulnerabilities while adhering to privacy standards.
• Wi-Fi security upgrades: Public Wi-Fi in Lawrence is being fortified.

The average tech salary in Lawrence has reached $101,440, reflecting the high value placed on cybersecurity expertise.

Local firms are particularly focused on protecting against new tracking technologies and data vulnerabilities while also maintaining compliance with evolving privacy standards.

The city's commitment to cybersecurity is further demonstrated through expanded public Wi-Fi security upgrades and partnerships between the university and federal agencies.

This proactive approach has positioned Lawrence as an emerging leader in cybersecurity innovation and implementation, attracting both talent and investment to the region.

Lawrence's green technology sector is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with Green Tech Solutions emerging as a key player in sustainable technology development.

The company's focus on renewable energy systems and smart home technologies is expected to create 150 new jobs this year. The city's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its ambitious renewable energy goals, targeting 100% clean energy for municipal operations by 2025 and citywide implementation by 2035.

This initiative has already shown success with notable projects like Fire Station #5's 100 kW solar array, which offsets 20% of the facility's electricity usage.

The city's green infrastructure development is supported by an $11.3 million investment in energy-saving upgrades, projected to save $450,000 annually.

Community engagement in sustainability efforts has increased significantly, with Earth Day celebrations and activities serving as a catalyst for public participation in environmental initiatives.

The KU Innovation Park hosts over 70 companies focused on green technology development, contributing to a growing ecosystem of sustainable innovation.

The city's comprehensive approach to sustainability, combining technological innovation with community involvement, demonstrates a practical model for environmental stewardship at the municipal level.

Local businesses are actively collaborating on various eco-friendly projects, from energy management systems to smart grid solutions, positioning Lawrence as a leading hub for green technology advancement in the Midwest.

The collaborative efforts of individuals like Lisa Harris, John Perez, and Christopher Rodriguez have been instrumental in driving this change.

Lawrence's tech ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with KU Innovation Park's Lab2Market accelerator leading the charge as a transformative force in the local startup landscape.

This six-month program transforms research into market-ready ventures, offering dedicated workspace, expert training, and specialized tools for ambitious entrepreneurs.

The Park, serving as a center for bioscience and technology advancement, has grown to host over 70 companies with an impressive annual tech payroll of $49.7 million.

Recent success stories include Icorium Engineering, which secured over $1 million in funding for their innovative refrigerant recycling technology.

The impact of these initiatives is evident in Lawrence's emergence as the fastest-growing tech hub per capita, with a 19.3% increase in tech employment and more than 750 tech professionals driving innovation across various sectors.

• Comprehensive support for entrepreneurs: The accelerator programs provide comprehensive support, including SBIR/STTR funding guidance, monthly workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Boosting startup success rates: This structured approach has proven particularly effective, with participants gaining access to cutting-edge resources and industry connections that significantly boost their chances of success.
• Economic ripple effect: The economic ripple effect has been substantial, with accelerator-supported startups contributing to job creation and attracting significant venture capital investment.

Looking ahead, KU Innovation Park's planned expansion to 800,000 square feet by 2036 signals continued growth and opportunity for tech entrepreneurs in Lawrence.

The University of Kansas is revolutionizing next-gen computing through groundbreaking initiatives. KU's 2025 Strategic Plan outlines an ambitious vision for tech innovation, with a special focus on AI and high-performance computing.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is leading these efforts with thirteen computer labs and nine hardware labs, where researchers are pushing boundaries in quantum computing and neural networks.

Recent achievements include a 30% enhancement in quantum algorithm efficiency and the development of cutting-edge AI applications for environmental monitoring.

Industry partnerships are accelerating this momentum.

The university's collaborations with tech giants have yielded over $10 million in funded research, including a significant NSF grant for AI and microelectronics innovation.

KU Innovation Park now houses over 70 tech companies employing 750 people, creating a thriving ecosystem for research commercialization.

The Park's initiatives have generated an annual payroll of $49.7 million, significantly impacting the local economy.

Looking ahead, KU's research is set to transform multiple sectors.

The university's focus on AI-driven computing aligns with industry demands, preparing students for high-paying careers in emerging fields. The EECS department's innovative curriculum, taught by award-winning faculty, ensures graduates are ready for positions at Fortune 500 companies.

With 75% of graduate students receiving funding support and state-of-the-art facilities worth $1.7 million, KU is fostering the next generation of tech innovators while cementing Lawrence's position as a competitive tech hub.

Lawrence, Kansas emerges as a standout tech hub in 2025, boasting an impressive 19.3% increase in tech employment and an annual tech payroll reaching $49.7 million.

The city's transformation is driven by over 70 companies, employing 750 tech professionals across AI, genomics, green tech, fintech, and cybersecurity sectors.

A major catalyst for this growth is KU Innovation Park's expansion, which plans to reach 800,000 square feet by 2036, focusing on national security and bioinnovation initiatives.

The ecosystem is further energized by startups like Icorium Engineering, which has already secured over $1 million in funding for innovative refrigerant processing technologies.

The tech landscape faces both opportunities and challenges:

• Economic Growth: The development of the Panasonic battery plant in De Soto promises significant economic advancements.
• Rising Challenges: Increasing office vacancy rates and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures are notable issues.
• Educational Initiatives: The University of Kansas expands AI and Data Science programs, preparing students for future tech challenges.
• Infrastructure Development: A $10.7 million ADOPT program works to enhance bandwidth across 100 locations.

Looking ahead, Lawrence's tech sector shows strong potential for continued growth.

The average tech salary stands at $101,440, attracting talent from across the region. The startup ecosystem is particularly vibrant, with KU Innovation Park hosting regular pitch events and networking opportunities.

The city's commitment to innovation is evident in its support for emerging technologies, particularly in AI and sustainable tech solutions, positioning Lawrence as a compelling destination for tech professionals and companies alike.