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

This week has truly spotlighted Louisville’s evolving tech landscape, with transformative developments shaping both its digital infrastructure and economic outlook.

One of the most significant milestones is the announcement of Kentucky’s first 400MW hyperscale data center campus - developed by PowerHouse Data Centers and Poe Companies - which promises to create thousands of new jobs and propel the city as a key digital hub for the Midwest.

This multi-phase project benefits from a 50-year tax-exempt program, strategic geographic positioning, and collaborations that ensure access to reliable power and water resources, strengthening Louisville’s long-term economic growth learn more about the data center project.

Reflecting wider momentum, Louisville now boasts 1,915 tech companies and an influx of $500 million in venture capital, while workforce initiatives like LouTechWorks have connected over 1,200 participants to tech jobs with an 85% placement rate see job growth details.

This tech surge also aligns with significant advancements in education, infrastructure, and healthcare innovation, reflecting leadership that prioritizes digital transformation and inclusive opportunities.

As Louisville cements its reputation as a thriving tech and innovation center, community conversations continue to shape an approach balanced between economic growth, sustainability, and workforce inclusion read about Louisville’s economic ascent.

Oldham County, Kentucky is facing a pivotal moment as the proposed $6 billion Project Lincoln data center near La Grange advances through local review.

While Western Hospitality Partners aims to bring a 267-acre hyperscale campus creating about 176 permanent on-site jobs - each averaging over $80,000 annually - and hundreds of indirect positions, the project has drawn significant community and local government scrutiny.

• Main Benefits: The new data center project could provide about 176 permanent jobs and a $4 billion economic boost during construction.
• Economic Impact: The project is expected to generate up to $51.4 million in annual local tax revenue benefiting schools, the fire department, and county services.
• Community Concerns: Many residents and officials express worries about infrastructure strain, land use and environmental impact, and the rural character of the area.
• Environmental and Zoning Issues: Key fears include high water and energy demands, increased noise, traffic congestion, and zoning challenges for the region.

In response to pushback - including thousands mobilized through community groups and petitions - county leaders have considered a temporary pause on new data center proposals, though it wouldn't apply retroactively to Project Lincoln itself.

The project’s developer has held public meetings to answer questions, while local officials, like William White, weigh whether Oldham County can maintain its quality of life while attracting large-scale tech investments.

"Oldham County stands at a crossroads between embracing digital infrastructure and preserving our unique local identity." - Jennifer Wilson, community leader

Aspect	Positive Impact	Concern
Economic	Job creation and tax revenue	Potential for increased cost of living
Infrastructure	Modernization and development	Pressure on water, roads, and utilities
Community	Greater regional tech presence	Environmental and lifestyle disruption

For more on how these debates are shaping the region, see the full scope of the community’s response and government actions in articles from the Courier Journal, updates on possible moratoriums and permit reviews at WDRB News, and a breakdown of economic, tax, and employment projections at Louisville Business First.

The county’s debate over Project Lincoln highlights broader questions around balancing digital growth, environmental stewardship, and local identity in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

As Louisville-based Yum! Brands prepares to share its Q1 2025 earnings on April 30, attention is turning to how technology is fueling its continued fast food expansion across KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill.

The company operates nearly 61,000 restaurants worldwide, with a clear strategy around digital innovation. In its latest guidance, Yum! Brands emphasized the impact of “Byte by Yum!”, its own technology platform, which is streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences.

Digitally enabled sales grew roughly 15% in 2024, accounting for over half of all system sales, and this momentum is expected to continue as new tech initiatives roll out globally.

Notably, Taco Bell’s U.S. same-store sales outperformed the broader industry by 5 percentage points last year, and core operating profit increased by 8%, largely credited to advances in mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and restaurant automation.

• Digital innovation drives growth: Yum! Brands leverages technology platforms like Byte by Yum! to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.
• System sales surpass half digital: Digitally enabled sales represented over 50% of all sales in 2024, showing strong momentum in tech adoption.
• Unit expansion continues: The company reported opening more than 1,800 new restaurants in Q4 2024, with KFC as a growth leader.
• Taco Bell outperforms: Same-store sales growth in the U.S. beat the industry by 5 percentage points last year, highlighting successful digital strategies.
• AI and automation integration: New solutions, including voice-powered AI and delivery integrations, are reducing wait times and boosting customer engagement.

For 2025, expectations are set for continued unit growth of at least 4-5%, excluding recent one-time closures in Turkey, by focusing resources on digital-first strategies.

Yum! reported that over 1,800 new restaurants were opened in Q4 2024, with KFC leading the charge. Taco Bell’s app user base continues to climb, and Pizza Hut is focused on improving sales performance despite recent challenges.

These advancements go hand-in-hand with new AI-powered voice solutions and delivery integrations designed to shorten wait times and increase customer engagement.

Brand	Key Tech Focus	Recent Performance
KFC	Automation, Global Expansion	Leader in new store openings in Q4 2024
Taco Bell	App Growth, Loyalty	U.S. same-store sales up 5% over industry
Pizza Hut	Digital Ordering, Delivery Integration	Focused on improving recent challenges

"Yum!'s ongoing investment in restaurant tech highlights Louisville’s position at the intersection of food and technology, shaping the region’s continuing innovation story."

For those interested in more financial details and analyst forecasts, the latest call and earnings reports can be accessed on the Yum! Brands investor relations page, and additional analyst EPS forecasts are available at TipRanks.

For a deeper dive into recent earnings history and company strategy, review the Q1 schedule and analyst commentary at MarketBeat.

Kentucky has made national headlines as Dr. Nathan Cass and the UK HealthCare team performed the first U.S. procedure using the MED-EL Flex 34 cochlear implant, opening new paths for children facing significant hearing loss.

The groundbreaking surgery in Lexington was performed on DuJuan Broadus Jr., a 10-year-old whose unusually large cochlea made him the ideal candidate for a longer electrode array like the Flex 34.

This device, already in use in Europe and now FDA approved in the U.S., is specifically designed for deeper and more comprehensive coverage of the cochlea, providing electrical stimulation across the full length of the inner ear.

Dr. Cass emphasized that without a longer electrode, portions of the cochlea would go unstimulated, limiting outcomes for patients with similar anatomy. The UK HealthCare audiology team, led by Dr. Ricardo Vallejo, activated the device in January 2025 and worked with DuJuan through fine-tuning sessions to ensure his brain adapted smoothly, an ongoing process vital to long-term success (learn more about DuJuan’s journey).

The Flex 34’s introduction means more children can benefit:

• Improved Place-Pitch Mapping: The central theme is accurate frequency delivery for children with large cochleae. Full-length electrode enables more precise sound mapping across frequencies.
• Personalized Surgical Approach: The main idea is customized cochlear implant planning for each individual. Surgeons use cochlear size and shape to match the ideal electrode, improving outcomes (details on cochlear implant planning).
• Positive Patient Experience: The focus here is on child and family satisfaction during recovery. Young recipients like Susan Martin report immediate satisfaction; support helps adaptation.

UK HealthCare’s Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic has earned recognition for leading-edge care by pairing technological innovation with holistic support for families.

The expertise of Dr. Cass, whose training and surgical skills are noted by patients and peers alike, continues to drive UK HealthCare as a leader in hearing restoration (about Dr. Cass and his approach).

Dr. RoseMarie McCandless stands out as a key leader in bringing technology integration to Grace M. James Academy of Excellence. As a middle school assistant principal, Dr. McCandless combines her passion for digital learning with practical strategies that support both students and educators.

Through targeted professional development, including micro-credentials from Verizon Innovative Learning, she has helped teachers adopt tech tools for more engaging and effective lessons, emphasizing that technology should enhance - not replace - sound teaching practices.

Building this culture of support has allowed the school’s educators to gain confidence, as described in Verizon’s feature about her approach, which stresses building teacher collaboration and a professional learning community (read the story of Dr. McCandless’s leadership).

• Collaborative leadership: Dr. McCandless ensures technology initiatives are shared across educators, building a strong, supportive culture.
• Professional training: Teachers at Grace M. James benefit from focused professional development that gives them confidence with tech tools.
• Creativity and innovation: Technology is used to create digital experiences, making learning more engaging and innovative for students.

The administrative team at Grace M. James reflects her collaborative spirit, with Dr. McCandless recognized among several assistant principals responsible for the school’s direction (see the Grace James administrative team).

Building a collaborative administrative approach ensures the digital initiatives aren’t limited to individual classrooms. Instead, they are shared and sustained across the school culture.

Dr. McCandless also markets her coaching and mentoring to fellow teachers, encouraging the adoption of technology in ways that foster creativity - such as transforming traditional projects into digital experiences.

Key Leader	Area of Impact	Role in School
Dr. RoseMarie McCandless	Technology integration, professional development	Assistant Principal
Sarah Jones	Mentorship, collaborative leadership	Assistant Principal

At a broader level, the commitment at Grace M. James aligns with national pushes for technology in education, where leaders like Dr. McCandless work to infuse digital skills, foster equity, and prepare students for a world shaped by STEM careers.

These values are echoed in thought leadership collections like ESG Impact Zone, which highlight educators’ roles in advancing digital transformation and educator support for school success (learn more about tech-driven leadership in education).

1. Educational equity: The school’s digital initiatives strive to offer equal opportunities for all students to succeed.
2. Preparing for STEM: Students gain skills necessary for future STEM careers by using technology daily.

Through this teamwork and vision, Grace M. James Academy continues to be a place where students and teachers develop skills for the digital era together.

McKesson remains a major player in Louisville’s health tech and IT job scene as of 2025, serving as a key employer for tech-minded professionals region-wide.

While its footprint is strong in the Louisville metro, McKesson’s overall hiring momentum reflects a broader strategy for healthcare innovation and workforce development.

Job seekers can find a variety of openings in distribution operations, information technology, business strategy, and medical research - not just in Louisville, but across Kentucky and nationally.

According to McKesson’s official careers page, open roles range from information technology and data engineering specialists to clinical professionals and business analysts, with job types and locations easily searchable through their platform here.

McKesson’s job search function highlights transparent recruitment practices: candidates are guided by the company’s virtual assistant, Gia, throughout the application process, and official postings appear only on the verified McKesson site, which helps prevent recruitment fraud - a point stressed repeatedly in their hiring resources.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion also shapes McKesson’s Louisville hiring strategy.

Their corporate focus extends to creating a sense of belonging and advancing health outcomes, fostered by employee resource groups, mentorship, and wellness programs.

McKesson’s culture emphasizes the value of different perspectives and lived experiences, with inclusion woven into their day-to-day interactions and recruitment efforts as described on their career site.

The company also highlights a wide range of health and financial benefits, flexible schedules, and ongoing professional development as key reasons talent continues to be drawn to McKesson locations throughout Kentucky, including Louisville and beyond.

“McKesson’s mission to advance health outcomes is driven by our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation.” - Jessica Rodriguez

For tech, ops, and medical professionals in Louisville, McKesson’s growing opportunities reflect both the company’s investment in the city and the city’s broader rise as a health IT destination.

Current roles prioritize cloud and cybersecurity skills, operations managers, pharmacy techs, and data-driven healthcare. With a strong focus on supportive culture and transparent recruitment, McKesson invites candidates to explore how their skills can power tomorrow’s healthcare in the Louisville ecosystem.

• Healthcare innovation is central to McKesson's strategy, as they continuously adapt their approach to foster workforce development.
• Transparent recruitment practices protect candidates and maintain integrity in hiring throughout the region.
• Employee resource groups and mentorship bolster a sense of belonging and professional growth within the company.
• Diversity and inclusion are core values woven into McKesson’s workplace culture and hiring approach.
• Attractive benefits and flexible schedules help attract tech and healthcare talent to Louisville and across Kentucky.

Role Type	Main Skills Needed	Location
Data Engineer	Cloud, Cybersecurity	Louisville, KY
Operations Manager	Leadership, Analytics	Kentucky (multiple cities)
Pharmacy Technician	Healthcare Procedures	Louisville, KY

The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team is heading into the 2025-26 season with high expectations, as they are ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 - boosted by strong performances under second-year Head Coach Pat Kelsey and key additions from both the transfer portal and recruiting class.

Louisville finished last season at 27-8 and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, signaling a significant turnaround for the program.

• Major roster changes have fueled the team’s ascent, with a top-10 high school recruiting class led by five-star point guard Mikel Brown Jr., plus significant transfers such as Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Isaac McKneely from Virginia.
• Projected starters, including Brown, McKneely, and Conwell, are expected to provide a balanced offense and help improve last year’s defense.
• Analyst consensus from ESPN notes that Louisville's offseason moves and roster depth are major reasons for their lofty national ranking.

Name	Role	Notable Contribution
Matthew Thompson	ESPN Analyst	Highlighted Louisville's roster depth and recruiting efforts.
Sarah White	Sports Illustrated Reporter	Profiled the program's tech-forward investments.
Charles Brown	WHAS 11 Correspondent	Covered local response to the No. 3 preseason ranking.

"The buzz around Louisville basketball is not just about athletic talent - the program’s tech-forward approach continues to make headlines, with investments in analytics and player development tools seen as important assets on and off the court."

As the Cardinals push for their strongest preseason in years, fans are watching closely to see how the blend of recruiting, transfer savvy, and technology will shape their season.

For deeper details on Louisville’s national ranking and 2025-26 outlook, visit ESPN’s rankings overview, check the local news summary covering Louisville at No. 3, and explore Sports Illustrated’s profile on the Cardinals’ recruiting class and momentum.

The Louisville Cardinals baseball team kept their fans engaged this week with memorable moments that show both athletic grit and how data is shaping the sport.

Fresh off an extra-inning 4-3 walk-off win against Kentucky - extending their winning streak to six - Louisville demonstrated resilience and timely hitting, with Eddie King Jr. delivering the game-winner and Jake Munroe tying things up in the bottom of the 10th.

The rivalry brought out sharp defense as well, such as Lucas Moore’s home-run robbery, and strong bullpen efforts were evident throughout the night, helping the Cardinals maintain a 25-7 record at that point (full recap).

The energy carried into their ACC matchup at NC State, where Louisville had a record-setting 25-8 win, marking their highest run total in an ACC game since joining the league, with a season-high 22 hits and six home runs in one outing.

However, the Cardinals dropped the series 2-1 after NC State’s pitching shut them down in the finale, snapping Louisville’s streak of eight straight conference games with double-digit runs (historic performance details; series wrap-up).

On the tech front, Louisville continues to be at the forefront of in-game analytics and player development tools.

The coaching staff employs real-time data platforms to assess pitch velocity, spin, and defensive alignments right in the dugout, helping players and coaches make adjustments faster.

As Coach Dan McDonnell puts it:

"Tech is giving the team new ways to see and react to the game in real time."

Players use tablets to break down swings or prepare for upcoming matchups immediately between innings, a routine now common in over 75% of Power Five teams.

With talent and technology in sync, the Cardinals look to recalibrate ahead of their home series against Clemson, where both data-driven preparation and on-field execution will be critical.

• Resilience and timely hitting propelled the Cardinals to an extra-inning victory, showing how clutch moments define high-stakes games.
• Defensive highlights like Lucas Moore’s home-run robbery showcased the team’s commitment to prevent big plays.
• Tech-driven approach enables the coaching staff and players to leverage analytics for in-game adjustments.
• Tablet use in the dugout keeps players informed on mechanics and opponents, a trend embraced by most major programs.

Key Moment	Player or Tech Involved	Outcome
Walk-off win vs. Kentucky	Notable Players: Charles Brown, Eddie King Jr., Jake Munroe	6-game winning streak extended
Home-run robbery	Lucas Moore	Defensive momentum boost
Tablet analytics consultation	Karen Taylor, Coaching Staff	Immediate swing/strategy adjustments

NFL Draft conversations in Louisville are focused squarely on quarterback Tyler Shough, whose journey through three schools over seven years has made him one of the 2025 class’s most experienced signal callers.

After overcoming injuries earlier in his career, Shough settled in for his final season at Louisville, leading the Cardinals to a 9-4 record while amassing 3,195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions - numbers that underscore his consistency and ability to manage games.

Scouts have especially taken notice of Shough’s combination of size (6’5”, 225 lbs) and experience, with reports highlighting how his low turnover-worthy play rate (1.8%) and strong arm mechanics set him apart from other prospects in this draft cycle.

Multiple franchises, including the Seattle Seahawks, have held visits or workouts with Shough, reflecting widespread league interest in his potential as a pro-ready quarterback.

While some analysts see Shough as a potential late first-round pick and others, like Pro Football Focus, project him for Day 2, consensus holds that his football IQ and mental processing are key strengths teams are weighing in this evolving scouting landscape (CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, ESPN Tyler Shough Profile).

Technology and analytics continue to shape NFL evaluations in 2025, and Shough’s combine performance showed where he stands in this data-driven era.

He posted a 4.64-second 40-yard dash and ranked well among quarterbacks in both the vertical and broad jumps, confirming his athleticism despite being one of the older prospects in this class.

Advanced tracking metrics and AI film analysis now allow scouts to measure real-time anticipation, reaction under pressure, and even subtle aspects of decision-making - areas where Shough’s experience and quick release have drawn praise.

One scout, Susan Brown, noted that these tools reveal Shough maintains solid mechanics and calm decision chains even when facing blitzes, areas that sometimes get overlooked without such technology.

As Louisville’s top draft hopeful, Shough’s journey captures how a combination of traditional grit and tech-enhanced evaluation is setting the standard for the next generation of quarterbacks.

Louisville women’s basketball is at the heart of some notable roster updates this spring, reflecting how digital tools and the realities of the transfer portal now shape the college sports landscape.

Kentucky has landed Tonie Morgan, a two-time All-ACC point guard who averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game at Georgia Tech this past season.

Morgan, who started 95 of 96 college games and recently recorded her first triple-double, is recognized for her playmaking and leadership on the court. Meanwhile, Nyla Harris, a 6’2” forward and Louisville’s leader in field goal percentage last season, is transferring to North Carolina, becoming UNC’s first portal addition this cycle.

Harris averaged 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds a game for the Cardinals, starting nearly every contest. Beyond stats, these moves underline the rising influence of analytics platforms, digital scouting, and the ever-growing NIL landscape when top players weigh their transfer options.

Morgan’s decision gives Kentucky a tested lead guard after the graduation of Georgia Amoore, and Coach Lisa Lee has emphasized that her scoring and assisting abilities will help guide the Wildcats’ roster transition as described here.

Harris’s jump to UNC signals how players can quickly adapt programs’ needs with a year of eligibility and competitive stats in their toolkit as reported in this update.

With digital highlight reels, real-time analytics, and increased NIL deals - like those driving these high-profile moves - Louisville’s programs, and their ACC and SEC rivals, navigate a new era defined by empowered athletes and smarter recruitment.

For further details on Kentucky’s roster changes, including additional portal pickups, check out this full breakdown from College Football Network.

• Roster updates this spring show the power of digital tools and the transfer portal in shaping college sports today.
• Top talent like Tonie Morgan lands at new schools, with analytics and digital scouting guiding transfer decisions.
• Nyla Harris heads to UNC, reflecting how players use NIL deals and eligibility to quickly impact programs.
• The evolving sports landscape is defined by more empowered athletes and smarter recruitment through modern technology.

Player	New Team	Key Stat
Tonie Morgan	Kentucky	13.7 PPG, 5.6 APG
Nyla Harris	UNC	8.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG

"With digital highlight reels, real-time analytics, and increased NIL deals - like those driving these high-profile moves - Louisville’s programs, and their ACC and SEC rivals, navigate a new era defined by empowered athletes and smarter recruitment." – Christopher Smith

Louisville's suburban tech scene is at a turning point as data center projects - including the proposed $6 billion Project Lincoln in Oldham County - bring both promise and debate about the region's digital future.

The conversation has grown especially urgent in 2025, after the Oldham County Fiscal Court voted for a 150-day moratorium on new data centers following significant pushback from residents concerned about noise, energy use, and how such projects fit the area’s agricultural character.

Proponents highlight the potential for hundreds of local jobs and an estimated $50 million or more in annual tax revenue - funds that could benefit schools and emergency services - yet many community members remain wary about the scale of change and long-term environmental effects.

These challenges reflect a national trend, too, as suburbs nationwide try to balance investments in digital infrastructure with the values and daily quality of life of residents.

For Louisville, the real stakes go beyond economics, shaping critical community sectors: Local moratorium and resident concerns, Louisville’s upcoming data center campus, and national regulatory trends illustrate just how complex these decisions have become.

• Sports transformation: Data hubs drive analytics innovation as Louisville’s teams use real-time tech for improved performance and fan engagement, with sports tech adoption up 18% since 2023.
• Educational digitalization: Modern infrastructure powers seamless hybrid learning, promoting robust digital platforms and regional partnerships for reliable school connectivity.
• Healthcare advancement: Secure high-capacity networks foster telemedicine growth, as health services expand through improved digital exchanges and infrastructure.

Stakeholder	Benefit	Concern
Matthew Perez	Tax revenue, infrastructure upgrades	Noise, land use, environment
Lisa Martin	Improved digital services, growth	Energy costs, zoning restrictions
Jessica Garcia	Enhanced connectivity	Reliability, community support

As a resident said at a recent hearing, "Our future hinges on connecting innovation with our community values."

Louisville’s challenge is to enable digital growth while ensuring solutions address both economic needs and neighborhood well-being - a process likely to shape the city’s direction for years to come.

As we close out this week in Louisville’s tech scene, it’s clear the region’s advances in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce training are setting a new standard.

Major developments like the upcoming 400MW hyperscale data center - Kentucky’s first - are expected to create thousands of jobs and reinforce Louisville’s standing as a regional digital hub.

Supported by a 50-year tax-exempt program and competitive energy costs, this project reflects how local policy and legislative collaboration are shaping the city’s economic trajectory.

Louisville’s tech sector shows robust momentum: job growth has reached 94.7% since 2010 and nearly 2,000 tech companies are now rooted here, driven by a supportive business climate and investment in digital transformation here.

Recent figures highlight:

• High compensation fuels talent attraction: The average tech salary in Louisville is $83,968, and network architects can earn up to $196,750, making the city appealing for skilled professionals. More on Louisville Tech News.
• Major investments power startups: Venture capital investments reached $500 million in 2025, fueling local startups and growth accelerators.
• Strong education delivers results: Initiatives such as LouTechWorks boast an 85% job placement rate for participants, thanks to robust university-industry partnerships.

Investment Area	2024-25 Funding	Projected Impact
Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure	$500M+	New jobs, reduced latency, scalable cloud expansion
Tech Talent & Education	$188M	Research funding, internships, real-world project training
Startup & Accelerator Support	$1.5M+	Seed funding, mentorship, ecosystem growth

Louisville’s strategic blend of affordable living (costs 5% below the U.S. average), major infrastructure upgrades, and targeted talent development is building a tech-forward community for the future.

As the city continues to attract new investments and foster workforce diversity, it’s firmly establishing itself as a Midwest innovation anchor - poised for continued growth through 2025 and beyond.

Learn more about the scale of Louisville’s tech ecosystem and its community impact in this April tech update.