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

Savannah's tech scene is surging with unprecedented momentum, growing 20% faster than the national average, with major players like Gulfstream Aerospace and Hyundai driving innovation.

The newly launched Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership (SHIP) is transforming the local startup ecosystem, focusing on supply chain and logistics technology while projecting 500+ new jobs within two years.

Tech salaries are competitive, with AI engineers earning around $160K annually and cloud architects ranging from $112K to $145K. The sector's growth is further amplified by Savannah State University's strategic initiatives under new leadership, particularly in workforce development partnerships with major employers.

The city's cybersecurity sector contributes significantly to Georgia's economy, with Savannah Technical College maintaining an impressive 99.6% job placement rate.

• Job listings: Currently, there are 315 active IT job listings, indicating robust demand for tech talent.
• Tech campus investment: The establishment of a $60 million tech campus is a significant development.
• Projected tech jobs: The projection of 3,000 new tech jobs by year-end underscores Savannah's emergence as a prominent southeastern tech hub.
• Infrastructure and talent challenges: Challenges remain in infrastructure development and talent retention.

The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) is driving transformative partnerships in 2025, positioning the city for unprecedented economic growth. Through the newly launched Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE), SEDA is addressing critical workforce challenges across military, education, housing, and transportation sectors.

The organization has expanded its reach with the collaboration of sixteen economic development authorities, creating new job opportunities throughout the region.

A significant milestone includes the approval of $501.7 million in state funding for the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Partnership, supporting vital infrastructure projects between Savannah, Bryan County, and Effingham County.

• Home Depot's expansion: The Home Depot has strengthened its presence by acquiring a 1.4 million-square-foot distribution center.
• Impact on Education: SEDA's partnership with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is developing an Economic Development for Educators course to align education with industry needs.
• Art and connections: These initiatives are complemented by an innovative public art master plan and international connections, including a new partnership with Limerick City for economic development and tourism.
• Hyundai's future role: With the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America preparing to start production by late 2024, RISE is strategically positioning Savannah to address workforce demands and facilitate sustainable economic growth through 2025 and beyond.

David Martinez, from SEDA, noted the strategic importance of aligning educational initiatives with industry requirements to ensure a future-ready workforce.

Savannah's tech scene is experiencing a major transformation with the launch of SPARK Savannah, an intensive 12-week accelerator program that kicked off on April 8, 2025.

The program, hosted at SCAD's Deloitte Foundry, marks a significant milestone for the newly rebranded Startup Savannah organization, formerly known as The Creative Coast.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Charles Harris, the accelerator targets businesses less than three years old and comes at no cost to participants. The initiative received substantial backing, including a $150,000 grant from the Savannah Economic Development Authority, demonstrating strong institutional support for the local startup ecosystem.

The program aligns with the city's broader tech growth, as Savannah's tech sector now contributes $1.2 billion annually to the local economy.

Fifteen select small businesses will receive comprehensive support through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities, focusing on developing sustainable business models and effective market strategies.

This initiative arrives at a crucial time when Savannah's tech job growth outpaces the national average by 6%, positioning the city as an emerging tech hub in the Southeast.

The accelerator represents a strategic step toward fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors like supply chain technology, cybersecurity, and logistics, while creating new opportunities for local tech talent.

The Savannah Convention Center is becoming a hub for cybersecurity innovation, hosting multiple high-profile events in 2025. The CRE Cybersecurity Forum kicks off on June 2, addressing critical infrastructure protection and emerging threats in real estate enterprises.

The forum tackles pressing challenges like IoT device security and operational technology vulnerabilities in smart buildings. Later in May, credit union security professionals gather to explore AI-driven technologies and practical cybersecurity planning through interactive workshops.

Adding to this momentum, DefenseStorm's Readiness Conference brings together financial institutions to discuss cybersecurity resilience and incident response strategies.

These events highlight how traditional IT security frameworks are evolving to meet new challenges in connected environments. The conferences feature:

• Hands-on training sessions: Participants engage in extensive sessions to gain practical experience.
• Real-world case studies: These provide invaluable insights into current cybersecurity issues and solutions.
• Networking opportunities: Professionals across industries connect to share knowledge.

Participants gain practical insights into zero-trust architecture, ransomware prevention, and emerging AI applications in security.

Seeing how Savannah is positioning itself as a southeastern cybersecurity hub, bringing together experts like Jessica Brown from finance,

Mary Harris from real estate, and Charles Jones from technology sectors to tackle common security challenges.

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, these events provide crucial platforms for sharing knowledge and building stronger defense strategies. The focus on practical, hands-on learning makes these conferences especially valuable for professionals looking to level up their security game.

Georgia Tech-Savannah is totally changing the game in 2025 with a massive expansion of tech programs. Tech AI, their latest initiative, is set to transform how artificial intelligence impacts real-world industry and government applications.

The campus is now offering cutting-edge courses in AI, machine learning, and data analytics - exactly what Savannah employers are hunting for. Beyond just teaching theory, they're getting students hands-on with practical skills through their AI for Business certificate program, which covers everything from strategic AI integration to ethical practices.

What's really cool is how they're connecting students with actual work experience.

Their Online Master of Science in Analytics program includes a practical component where students work on real projects with local companies.

The stats are impressive:

• 70% of students land internships with local tech firms.
• 85% of graduates stay to work in Savannah.
• With tuition under $11,000 for the full program, it's way more affordable than traditional tech education options.

The job scene in Savannah is booming, with tech postings up 25% from last year.

Companies like Gulfstream Aerospace are investing heavily in tech talent, and the city's seeing a surge in startups. Georgia Tech's new programs are perfectly timed, especially their focus on AI and data analytics - skills that local employers are desperate for.

As one recent grad put it: "The hands-on experience I got at Georgia Tech-Savannah wasn't just about learning tech - it was about solving real business problems. Now I'm working at a local company, using AI and analytics every day to make a difference."

Georgia Tech-Savannah isn't just upgrading its education game - it's helping make Savannah a legit tech hub where students can build awesome careers without leaving the city.

In 2025, Savannah's emergence as a Southeastern tech hub is marked by unprecedented growth and strategic developments. According to recent tech industry reports, the city's tech scene is growing 20% faster than the national average, with major players like Gulfstream Aerospace and Hyundai driving job market expansion.

The local tech sector now contributes $1.2 billion annually to the economy, with approximately 15,000 tech professionals calling Savannah home. The job market is particularly robust, with Cloud Architects earning between $112K-$145K and AI Engineers commanding around $160K annually.

Educational initiatives are keeping pace with this growth, as Savannah Technical College reports a remarkable 99.6% job placement rate for its tech programs. A significant boost to the ecosystem comes from the cybersecurity sector's $5 billion contribution to Georgia's economy, positioning Savannah as a key player in digital security.

The city's commitment to innovation is evident in the development of a $60 million tech campus and the launch of the Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership, which focuses on supply chain and logistics technology.

With over 50 new startups attracted since 2018 and 3,000 additional tech jobs projected by 2024, Savannah's tech landscape continues to evolve, supported by strategic partnerships, educational advancement, and robust government initiatives.

Savannah's startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable momentum, ranking 136th nationally and 457th globally in 2024, with notable improvements in both rankings.

The landscape has been transformed by the $150,000 contribution from SEDA to Startup Savannah, formerly The Creative Coast, marking a significant boost to local entrepreneurial support.

The tech sector is contributing $1.2 billion annually to the local economy, with a projected growth rate of 25% by 2026. The launch of the Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership in April 2025 has added momentum to this growth, focusing on supply chain and logistics technology innovation.

• 26 startups thriving: The ecosystem currently hosts 26 startups, with particular strength in ecommerce, retail, healthtech, and software development sectors.
• Major players anchor growth: Major players like Gulfstream Aerospace and the new Hyundai Metaplant are anchoring this growth.
• Free Accelerator Programs: Initiatives like SPARK Savannah are providing 12-week accelerator programs at no cost to early-stage startups.
• Innovation-led ventures: The city's strategic focus on fostering innovation-led ventures, combined with affordable infrastructure and collaborative partnerships with institutions like SCAD and Savannah State University, is creating a robust foundation for startup success.

With an average annual growth rate of 40% among top startups and over $15M in combined seed funding, Savannah's startup scene is rapidly evolving into a significant tech hub in the Southeast.

The ecosystem is particularly notable for its focus on sustainable technologies, AI implementation, and digital transformation, with new ventures creating over 500 tech jobs and counting.

Savannah's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth through strategic university-industry partnerships in 2025. Savannah State University's new leadership is actively transforming the institution's role in the tech landscape.

A major milestone includes SSU's strategic partnership with HCA Healthcare, launching a paid internship program that connects students with real-world tech applications in healthcare.

The collaboration extends beyond internships, with HCA Healthcare investing $650,000 to support advanced degree programs.

This investment strengthens SSU's position in healthcare technology education and creates new opportunities for tech-focused career paths. The university has also established an AI Symposium, gathering experts to explore artificial intelligence applications, demonstrating its commitment to emerging technologies.

These initiatives align with Robert Martin's vision to establish SSU as an anchor institution in Savannah's tech community. The partnerships have resulted in a 57% engagement rate between local tech companies and universities, up from 35% in 2023, generating an estimated $200 million annual economic impact.

The collaboration between academia and industry continues to evolve, with plans for a College of Allied Health and Nursing that will integrate advanced technology into healthcare education.

Local tech startups benefit from these partnerships through access to research facilities, skilled graduates, and faculty expertise. This ecosystem of collaboration positions Joseph Thompson as an emerging leader in fostering innovation across multiple sectors, solidifying Savannah as a tech hub in the Southeast, attracting talent and fostering innovation across multiple sectors.

In Savannah's evolving tech landscape, groundbreaking public-private partnerships are reshaping the city's digital future. The Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership, launched in April 2025, marks a major milestone in the city's tech development, with the sector now growing 20% faster than the national average.

The city's selection for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative has amplified this momentum, providing crucial resources and expertise for implementing smart city solutions.

This partnership has attracted over 50 new startups since 2018, focusing on AI and infrastructure innovation.

Metric	Details	Examples
Annual Economic Contribution	$1.2 billion	Tech Sector
Notable Employers	Gulfstream Aerospace, Hyundai	$160K salary for AI Engineers
Upcoming Development	$60 million tech campus	Commitment to innovation
Education Alignment	99.6% job placement	Savannah Technical College

Looking ahead, Savannah's tech ecosystem is poised for exponential growth.

With 500+ new jobs projected in logistics, cybersecurity, and aviation technology sectors within two years, and William Hernandez's leadership at Tech Savannah targeting 600 new tech positions by 2027, the city is rapidly emerging as a significant tech hub in the Southeast.

The collaborative spirit between public and private sectors continues to attract investment and talent, positioning Savannah at the forefront of technological innovation.

Savannah's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! Tech job growth is hitting 28% with starting salaries of $90K+, making the city's conference circuit more relevant than ever.

The upcoming 2025 Let's Connect Summit at the Savannah Convention Center and the Navtech Conference at JW Marriott are drawing serious attention from industry players.

Savannah Technical College's Opportunity Award Gala is celebrating 20 years of impact, recognizing the Georgia Ports Authority for their work in developing local tech talent.

The city's pulling in over 15,000 tech jobs, with AI Engineers making around $160K annually. These events aren't just about networking anymore; they're creating real opportunities for startups and established companies to collaborate on innovation.

The $60 million tech campus under development is just one example of how these conferences are catalyzing growth. Local initiatives like TechSAV and the Creative Coast Innovation Conference are making waves too, offering hands-on workshops in everything from cybersecurity to digital marketing.

With the cybersecurity sector alone contributing $5 billion to Georgia's economy annually, it's clear that Savannah's tech conferences aren't just events - they're launching pads for the city's future as a major tech hub.

Savannah's tech education landscape is experiencing a transformative surge in 2025, with Savannah Technical College leading the charge through nearly 150 market-driven programs.

The institution has achieved an impressive 94% job placement rate, with 99.6% of graduates either employed or continuing their education. The college's commitment to innovation is evident in its expanding program offerings, which now include cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity, automation, and robotics.

• Remove barriers to education: The college is participating in the Georgia Apply to College program, waiving application fees through March.
• Five consecutive terms of enrollment growth: Now serving over 13,000 students due to free applications.
• Key programs focus on high-demand areas: Electric vehicle technology, aviation, and manufacturing directly address workforce needs.

The recent launch of a new Culinary Arts Center on Bay Street exemplifies the college's commitment to hands-on learning, while expansions in Liberty and Effingham counties, including new labs and facilities, demonstrate its regional reach.

This strategic growth aligns with the city's emerging status as a tech hub, contributing $1.2 billion annually to the local economy.

The college's partnerships with industry leaders ensure students receive relevant, practical training that meets current market demands, while its diverse program offerings create multiple pathways for success in the tech sector.

Savannah's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the city's tech scene growing 20% faster than the national average according to recent industry reports.

The launch of the Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership marks a significant milestone, projecting to create over 500 new jobs in logistics, cybersecurity, and aviation technology sectors within two years.

Major companies like Gulfstream Aerospace and Hyundai are driving this growth, with AI Engineers commanding salaries around $160,000 annually. The local tech sector now contributes $1.2 billion to the economy, bolstered by innovative startups like BioGem and Weezie Towels.

Tech education is evolving rapidly, with Savannah Technical College maintaining an impressive 99.6% job placement rate and expanding its curriculum to meet industry demands.

The development of a $60 million tech campus and the city's participation in the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative further cement Savannah's position as an emerging tech hub.

With over 315 active IT job listings and projections for 3,000 new tech positions by year's end, Savannah is quickly becoming a prime destination for tech professionals and companies alike.

The combination of educational advancement, corporate investment, and government support creates a robust foundation for continued growth in the region's tech sector.