This Week's Latest Tech News in Sioux Falls, SD - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

This week, Sioux Falls continued to solidify its position as a rising Midwest tech hub, driven by rapid digital transformation and consistent headline growth across the sector.

Tech job opportunities remain strong, with 476 openings and an impressive economic multiplier - each dollar invested in the tech sector is generating $2.67 in return for the local economy.

Entry-level tech salaries now average $60,569, with roles in AI and cloud architecture commanding up to $175,292 annually, according to local reporting on the region’s tech ecosystem (latest Sioux Falls tech news).

• Infrastructure investments: Midco’s $500 million Fiber Forward project to increase connectivity to 10G speeds by the end of 2025 has expanded high-speed coverage to 91% of South Dakota and is supporting the region’s ability to attract and retain talent. Get additional details from the Sioux Falls weekly update.
• Educational partnerships: Southeast Technical College's growing tech programs offer flexible learning pathways and report a notable 91% placement rate.
• Workforce development: Local leaders such as Jessica Garcia prioritize workforce development, digital infrastructure, and increasing workforce diversity.

Main Indicator	2024 Value	Key Insight
Tech Job Openings	476	Opportunity signals growth in job market
Entry-Level Salary	$60,569	Competitive pay attracts fresh talent
High-Speed Coverage	91%	Widespread connectivity strengthens tech sector

"Sioux Falls is not just riding the wave - it's helping set the pace for tech in the Midwest," said Richard Anderson, highlighting the city’s leadership in technology transformation (biotech leader insights).

South Dakota is in the spotlight as Rasner Media, led by Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner, launched a $47 billion bid to acquire a controlling stake in TikTok and potentially move its U.S. headquarters to the state.

Governor Larry Rhoden and major business groups, including the South Dakota Retailers Association and State Chamber of Commerce, have endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the state’s interest in leveraging this opportunity to drive tech sector growth and new job creation.

Although no final decision has been made regarding TikTok’s operational base, Rasner Media has publicly committed to making South Dakota a key partner and is actively exploring Sioux Falls as a leading option if the acquisition is successful.

The context is notable - just over a year ago, South Dakota was the first state to ban TikTok from government devices, but now leaders are advocating for a role in shaping its American future, reflecting a pragmatic approach to balancing security and economic interests.

• National bidding war: Nationally, the bidding war includes offers from Amazon and OnlyFans’ founder, both over $40 billion, as stakeholders aim to secure TikTok’s headquarters for their respective cities. Major tech companies see TikTok's relocation as a transformative opportunity.
• Legal and regulatory challenges: Federal law requires TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest U.S. assets or face a ban, and competitors like Oracle and Blackstone have also expressed interest. The government is prioritizing national security and data protection.
• South Dakota’s strategy: With coalition-building among government and industry leaders, South Dakota is making a strong play to become a central player in the U.S. tech landscape.

Entity	Role	Key Figures
Rasner Media	Bidder for TikTok	Reid Rasner
South Dakota State Government	Support & Partnership	Governor Larry Rhoden
Other Bidders	Competing Offers	Amazon, OnlyFans Founder, Oracle, Blackstone

You can find detailed updates and statements from state leaders and business organizations in the original reporting from SDPB, learn more about the competitive bidder landscape and state perspectives via SiouxFalls.Business, and see how local support is shaping the effort in this Rasner Media news release.

In April 2025, students in the Welding and Auto Collision Repair programs at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls developed a unique way to honor area first responders.

Working together over the course of about a month, the students designed, cut, welded, and painted a total of 16 handcrafted metal American flags, each intended as a token of gratitude for agencies like Sioux Falls Police, Fire Rescue, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

The project originated from a smaller effort the year before and quickly grew as both welding and collision repair students collaborated - welders shaped and finished the flags, while their peers applied the detailed paintwork.

According to Southeast Tech faculty and students, this hands-on approach challenged students to balance technical fabrication with team coordination, from plasma cutting and grinding to ensuring a smooth, professional finish on each flag Metal Flags Will Be Presented to First Responders.

The presentation of the flags took place on a Tuesday morning, where the handcrafted pieces were given directly to first responders in recognition of their daily commitment and service Southeast Tech Students Gift Flags to Emergency Responders.

Instructors emphasized that real-world projects like this do more than develop technical expertise; they build leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and a stronger sense of community engagement.

The project serves as an example of how work-based learning at Southeast Tech cultivates both career readiness and civic responsibility, giving students direct experience with the skills needed in today’s manufacturing, transportation, and service industries Metal Flags Presented to First Responders.

Downtown Sioux Falls is entering a new era of parking management, rolling out several targeted updates designed to make parking simpler and safer for everyone.

Starting May 1, the city will introduce mobile payment for all downtown meters, allowing drivers to pay with a credit card by texting a unique code found at each meter to 25023 - a $0.45 convenience fee applies, while coin payment remains available.

• Mobile payment convenience: Drivers will be able to pay with a credit card at all downtown meters using a texting system, though there is a $0.45 convenience fee.
• Updated enforcement hours: Metered spaces will be monitored Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but parking ramps and lots will be free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day during weekends.
• New vehicle size limits: On 142 spaces on Phillips Avenue between Ninth and 13th Streets, only vehicles 18 feet or shorter can park, with at least 10 feet required between the rear of the vehicle and the center yellow line. A new white line will assist with compliance, and tickets for violations start at $15.

Location	Restriction	Fine
Phillips Ave (Ninth–13th St)	Vehicles 18ft or shorter, 10ft from yellow line	$15 minimum
Downtown Meters	Mobile payment with credit card, $0.45 fee	N/A

According to city officials Richard Wilson and Elizabeth Taylor, these changes are expected to benefit small businesses directly, as more frequent parking turnover can create an additional $20,000 in annual revenue per spot if each is used more than five times a day.

Data and details about these new rules, including a map of public parking facilities, are available on the official City of Sioux Falls website.

For firsthand community perspectives and a breakdown of the new vehicle length restrictions, you can read more from recent local news coverage.

Additional reporting explains how the text-to-park system rollout supports business vitality downtown by boosting convenience and keeping traffic moving.

These adjustments are part of a broader push to make Sioux Falls more accessible and support a vibrant city center.

Sioux Falls’ biotech landscape made headlines this week as local leaders stepped up their advocacy for strategic tech policy and research investment. The South Dakota Biotech Association, active since 2006, has renewed its commitment to industry advocacy and public policy by engaging officials and pushing for accelerated support for research, science, and technology initiatives.

One of the major developments fueling this momentum is the recent opening of the USD Discovery District’s first building - a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art lab facility designed to boost biotech, life sciences, and workforce development in the region (USD Discovery District opens first building).

This new hub is part of a master plan for a 26-building, 80-acre site aimed at integrating research, business, and education, with a particular focus on supporting both homegrown and out-of-state biotech companies (Discovery District ready for innovators).

• Advocacy efforts are central as organizations intensify their push for strong policy initiatives and tech research growth in Sioux Falls.
• The South Dakota Biotech Association is championing expanded R&D tax credits and streamlined licensing to encourage collaborative projects in technology and healthcare. (South Dakota Biotech Association Advocacy)
• Public-private partnerships between Forward Sioux Falls, Dakota State University, and major healthcare organizations are fueling cyber/IT parks and innovation fund initiatives.
• Local healthcare systems like Sanford Health and Avera Health showcase cross-sector cooperation through projects in genomics mapping and telemedicine.

Key Stakeholder	Main Initiative	Impact Area
Karen Harris	USD Discovery District launch	Lab facilities & workforce
Sarah Martin	Policy advocacy & tax reform	R&D support
Michael Miller	Healthcare & tech partnership	Innovation & services

“Sioux Falls is positioned to build on this foundation - connecting modern infrastructure with policy vision to drive long-term industry growth and high-quality job creation.”

Nvidia is shifting gears by announcing that its next-generation Blackwell AI chips and supercomputers will now be manufactured entirely within the United States - a first for the company as it responds to growing demand for domestic tech production.

Over one million square feet of manufacturing space has been commissioned, with production of Blackwell chips already underway at TSMC’s facility in Phoenix, Arizona, and new supercomputer assembly plants being built in Texas, in partnership with Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas.

Mass production at these Texas plants is expected to reach full capacity within 12-15 months. The move is part of Nvidia’s broader plan to invest up to $500 billion in U.S. AI infrastructure over the next four years, aiming to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting economic resilience (Nvidia’s $500B investment announcement).

Beyond the direct manufacturing roles, Nvidia projects that this initiative will drive trillions of dollars in economic security and spur substantial indirect employment across logistics, supply, and support sectors (Nvidia's manufacturing partners and economic strategy).

The company has partnered with Amkor and Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) for chip packaging and testing, using advanced digital twin and robotics technologies to optimize factory operations (How Nvidia's U.S. supercomputer plants are coming together).

• Arizona Operations: The Arizona manufacturing expansion at TSMC, Amkor, and SPIL encompasses over one million square feet, illustrating massive production scale.
• Texas Expansion: Texas factory development involves partnerships with Foxconn and Wistron, aiming for full production capacity within 12-15 months.
• Total Economic Impact: Broad economic impact is projected, with potentially hundreds of thousands of jobs and trillions in economic activity forecasted over upcoming decades.

For Sioux Falls and the Midwest, this nationwide shift brings tangible opportunities.

Local institutions like South Dakota State University, USD, and Southeast Tech are well positioned to provide the talent pipeline needed as industry demand for AI, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor talent surges.

Hiring trends already show a notable uptick in jobs related to AI and chip manufacturing, setting the stage for the region to play a key role in America’s next chapter of tech innovation.

Nvidia’s commitment ensures Midwestern workers and students have rewarding opportunities - directly tethering local growth to a strong national tech future.

In April 2025, the U.S. government expanded its export licensing requirements for certain advanced AI chips manufactured by Nvidia and AMD, intensifying efforts to limit the flow of sensitive technology abroad.

The latest rules now specifically require export licenses for Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 chips when selling to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and countries designated under D:5 classifications.

These measures have immediate financial consequences: Nvidia disclosed it will take a $5.5 billion charge related to inventory and purchase commitments tied to the H20 line, while AMD reported potential exposure of $800 million if export licenses are not granted for its MI308 GPUs.

The rules are a response to concerns over national and economic security, as U.S. officials aim to restrict access to hardware critical for advanced computing and defense use in certain regions.

Both Nvidia’s and AMD’s stock values responded quickly to the news, showing declines of nearly 7% and 6%, respectively, after the announcements. For a comprehensive overview of these requirements and company statements, visit this summary from CNBC, and for further details on the corporate impacts, see AMD’s SEC filing highlights and analysis of Nvidia’s $5.5 billion write-down.

For Sioux Falls and the broader South Dakota business community, these new regulations affect several areas:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The supply chain faces delays as manufacturers dealing with electronics and automated machinery encounter new uncertainty due to tighter global export rules.
• Increased Costs: The costs for startups and educational institutions have risen by 5–10% as they search for alternative chip sources amidst trade barriers and limited inventory.
• Reduced Market Reach: The market reach for software firms using AI analytics is curtailed, since access to top-tier processing hardware is now governed by stringent U.S. export policies.

Key Impact	Estimated Change (Q1–Q2 2025)	Notes
Regional AI Hardware Imports	-12%	Sharp drop in availability
Tech Sector Stock Growth (US)	-1.8% (post-announcement week)	Market reaction to policy
Startup Hardware Costs	+7%	Rising expenses locally

As local entrepreneur Jessica Moore notes, “We understand the need for national security, but these changes mean Sioux Falls innovators must get creative on sourcing and scaling their AI solutions.”

This move by the federal government highlights how policy shifts in Washington can quickly reshape both the local tech landscape and national industry forecasts.

This week, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, marking a significant shift for the online marketing world.

The U.S. District Court found that Google’s conduct reduced competition, harmed website publishers, advertisers, and consumers, and unlawfully tied its publisher ad server with its ad exchange over a period exceeding a decade.

The Department of Justice, joined by a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, argued that Google’s control over the ad tech stack allowed it to extract higher fees from advertisers while paying less to publishers - a move that affected everyone from major news outlets to independent bloggers.

As the industry awaits the next phase of the trial to determine remedies, potential outcomes include forcing Google to divest key advertising businesses and changes to its dominant market practices, with a decision on specific penalties expected later this year (New York Times coverage).

For local businesses and digital marketers in Sioux Falls, this shake-up means facing new dynamics.

Many rely on Google’s platforms for accessible and targeted digital advertising, so a less consolidated landscape brings both opportunities and challenges.

• Increased competition could lead to lower prices and innovation for advertisers navigating a wider array of platforms.
• Greater complexity might arise as marketers manage different ad services outside of the Google ecosystem.
• Reducing the “walled garden” effect would offer startups and local companies more flexibility to choose platforms that align with their needs.

Breaking up Google’s dominance may create more flexibility, allowing startups and local companies to find platforms that suit their goals best (Attorney General's official statement).

Comparing market share, Google continues to lead with a substantial hold, controlling the large majority of U.S. digital ad revenue.

Here’s a quick look at the market position:

Company	US Digital Ad Share	Notable Impact
Google	~70%	Maintains industry dominance
Meta	15%	Major competitor with unique audience targeting
Amazon	5%	Growing retail-focused advertising
Others	10%	Includes new entrants and startups

As Sioux Falls adapts, staying current with shifts in the digital ad space and remaining open to new platforms will help businesses navigate the changing landscape.

For more details on the broader implications and next steps in the case, explore this overview from the Department of Justice (DOJ announcement).

This week, attention turned to the antitrust trial in Washington, where Meta is being challenged over its past acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp - a development that reaches far beyond Silicon Valley to communities like Sioux Falls.

The Federal Trade Commission claims that Meta’s moves to buy Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were driven by efforts to curb competition, with internal emails from Mark Zuckerberg suggesting these purchases were intended to “neutralize a competitor” and help Meta “buy time” to defend its market position.

Richard Gonzalez, called to testify for several days, defended these deals as standard business decisions and argued that Instagram’s eventual growth was only possible with Meta’s support, contending that the company faces real competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

The FTC, however, argues that Meta dominates a narrower market for social networks centered on friends-and-family connections, with Snapchat as one of its only direct competitors, a definition that could influence whether the court orders Meta to divest from Instagram or WhatsApp - a significant potential outcome that would send ripple effects across the industry (Meta antitrust trial testimony).

For local digital marketers, a breakup could mean adapting to a fragmented marketplace, requiring new cross-platform ad strategies. Developers in Sioux Falls might face new API and integration challenges as platforms evolve or separate, while startups could benefit from lower barriers to entry if Meta’s grip on social networking loosens (BBC analysis of the Meta antitrust trial).

Instagram’s contribution - now more than half of Meta’s US ad revenues - highlights what’s at stake (financial impact of Instagram for Meta).

As this case proceeds, it signals a changing landscape in tech regulation and a call for local Sioux Falls professionals to remain flexible as social networks - and the tools and rules for digital business - may soon look very different.

• Antitrust trial: The central issue is whether Meta’s acquisitions were anti-competitive moves to solidify its market power.
• Testimony: Richard Gonzalez defended Meta’s actions as typical business practices, facing scrutiny about intentions and competition.
• Market definition: The FTC's focus is a specific market of friends-and-family social network, narrowing the potential impact.
• Implications for Sioux Falls: Local professionals may need to update strategies as platform dynamics potentially change drastically.
• Instagram’s value: The platform provides over half of Meta’s US ad revenue, showing the high stakes involved in the trial's outcome.

"The outcome of this landmark antitrust case could fundamentally reshape the business landscape for digital professionals in Sioux Falls and beyond," said Elizabeth Davis.

Main Stakeholder	Potential Impact	Key Consideration
Digital Marketers	Fragmented advertising landscape	Adjust marketing strategies
Developers	API and integration challenges	Adapting to evolving platforms
Startups	Lowered barriers to entry	Increased opportunities

This week, Intel caught the industry’s attention by announcing it will sell a 51% stake in its Altera chip unit to Silver Lake in an $8.75 billion deal, representing a significant shift in how Intel approaches its product portfolio and financial strategy.

Altera, known for its programmable FPGA technology in areas like AI, communications, and robotics, will now operate as an independent company - the largest pure-play FPGA provider globally - with Intel holding on to a sizeable 49% share.

This transaction is designed to free up cash for Intel’s investments in its foundry and products group, while giving Altera more flexibility to pursue new markets under Silver Lake’s guidance.

The new Altera CEO, Raghib Hussain, brings experience from Marvell and Cavium, a move meant to position Altera for growth in advanced computing applications. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approval, after which Intel will deconsolidate Altera’s financial results from its own statements (official Intel announcement).

For Sioux Falls-area technology supply businesses, this means changes are on the horizon.

On the opportunity side, local companies might see demand grow for programmable hardware as Altera, now more independent, looks to diversify and speed up its product development.

Sioux Falls component suppliers could benefit from direct engagement with Altera, which will likely be more agile and responsive. Companies offering repair and maintenance for FPGAs may also find more business as Altera’s products expand across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture (analysis of Silver Lake’s stake).

• Growing demand: Sioux Falls tech companies should see increased opportunities as programmable hardware becomes more sought after.
• Supplier benefits: Local suppliers may gain direct business from Altera’s independence and broader market reach.
• FPGA services: Firms in repair and support will find expanded prospects in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Still, adjustment challenges are inevitable.

Businesses closely linked to Intel’s integrated supply chain may experience transition delays or need to negotiate fresh agreements as Silver Lake shapes Altera’s go-to-market strategy.

While these changes pose risks, they also create longer-term possibilities for innovation and new partnerships. Sioux Falls tech suppliers that stay flexible and proactive will be best positioned as Altera’s next chapter unfolds (Tom's Hardware report).

"Sioux Falls businesses prepared for these market changes - embracing adaptability - are most likely to thrive during Altera's transformation," said Susan Moore.

Stakeholder	Key Impact	Recommended Action
Local Suppliers	More opportunities for FPGA engagement	Build partnerships with Altera
Repair Firms	Rising demand in new sectors	Expand service offerings
Existing Intel Partners	Potential supply chain disruptions	Negotiate new agreements

For the Sioux Falls tech scene, preparation and flexibility will be crucial for navigating the ripple effects of Intel’s latest move.

As Barbara Brown, a local industry analyst, notes: "Those who innovate and build new relationships early may secure a competitive edge as the market evolves."

The use of AI-generated content is reshaping how media and public health organizations share stories, raising both interest and concern throughout Sioux Falls and beyond.

In 2025, anti-drug campaigns began using AI to recreate the voices and stories of overdose victims, an approach designed to reach young people more effectively by making victims “come back to life” to deliver their warnings directly.

Kansas City, for example, launched the Unfinished Legacies campaign, which featured AI-powered messages from real young fentanyl overdose victims.

While some families and experts believe this method helps make the risks feel personal, others emphasize the need for careful, ethical use of AI, as noted in recent public health discussions about best practices and transparency around synthetic storytelling (see this overview by ASTHO).

Debate over these campaigns is echoed locally, where advocates stress the importance of authenticity; arguments go beyond effectiveness, delving into the effect on trust among those impacted by overdose.

• AI-driven campaigns are increasingly used to communicate with young audiences by recreating overdose victims' stories, making messages more direct and impactful.
• Ethical concerns arise as some experts and families call for careful oversight to ensure that synthetic storytelling is transparent and respectful.
• Advocates highlight the importance of authenticity in public health messages, worrying about the potential erosion of trust among those affected by overdose.

Community surveys highlight growing skepticism: nationwide, counterfeit pills were implicated in nearly 5% of overdose deaths by 2021, and some critics worry that AI-generated narratives might manipulate emotions or be misunderstood if not clearly labeled as synthetic.

Meanwhile, other research points out the widespread effect of overdose losses - over 40 million U.S. adults have felt negative impacts from losing someone, making sensitivity around these stories especially important (source: KBTX News).

Issue	Insight	Stakeholder
Counterfeit Pills' Impact	Implicated in nearly 5% of overdose deaths by 2021.	Richard Davis
Emotional Sensitivity	Over 40 million U.S. adults affected by overdose loss.	Lisa Anderson
Transparency Required	AI stories must be clearly labeled as synthetic.	Charles Smith

"Transparency remains a central issue, and while AI-generated tools offer the chance to expand resources and reach broader audiences, Sioux Falls residents and experts continue to call for responsible use, ethical guidelines, and clear disclosure."

As these technologies spread, the community weighs how to balance innovation with authenticity, asking whether these tools will support or undercut trust in critical stories about health and safety.

Sioux Falls is embracing a tech-driven future in 2025, with its reputation as a Midwest innovation hub growing stronger amid national attention.

The city’s tech workforce is expanding at a pace that outpaces national averages, highlighted by a remarkable 15% tech job growth rate and a $781 million investment in infrastructure, resulting in over 4,700 new tech jobs added in the past year.

Key sectors - like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity - are booming, while major companies such as Amazon and Citibank fuel local demand for tech talent.

The robust energy in the local ecosystem is matched by practical initiatives, including new tech education programs launched at Southeast Technical College and regional coding bootcamps, offering flexible payment options and scholarships to a diverse pool of learners.

These investments are paying off, with average tech salaries in Sioux Falls now reaching $60,569, higher than the state average and making the area increasingly attractive for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

• Tech workforce expansion: Sioux Falls boasts a 15% growth rate in tech jobs, reflecting rapid progress in technology careers.
• Significant investment: The city has allocated $781 million toward tech infrastructure to foster business and innovation.
• Diverse skills demand: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are the key growth areas driving local opportunity.
• Education initiatives: Southeast Technical College and coding bootcamps now offer flexible payment options and scholarships for learners like Daniel Jones.
• Competitive salaries: The average tech salary in the area has risen to $60,569, increasing the city’s attractiveness to new talent.

Community momentum is further reflected in organizations like MarketBeat, whose employee-led philanthropic efforts deliver targeted support to local nonprofits, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen health and education programs, ultimately enriching the socioeconomic fabric.

This approach aligns with Sioux Falls’ growing recognition that strategic philanthropy - adopted by over 90% of leading local businesses - boosts employee engagement, enhances brand reputation, and positions companies as leaders in community impact and innovation.

While the city continues to make strides, challenges remain: a persistent skills gap in cloud, security, and AI, and the ongoing need to draw talent away from competing regions.

Yet, public and private partnerships, inclusive tech events, and a culture that celebrates local changemakers (like the annual “30 Under 30” honorees) drive a sense of shared progress and optimism.

Challenge	Local Response	Key Organization
Skills gap in cloud, security, AI	Coding bootcamps & scholarships for hands-on training	Sarah Wilson, Southeast Technical College
Competition for tech talent	Networking events & outreach programs	Richard Martinez, Sioux Falls Tech Coalition
Socioeconomic inclusion	Targeted support to nonprofits and entrepreneurs	Daniel Jones, MarketBeat

"Sioux Falls is not just growing its tech workforce but is also nurturing a community-centered ecosystem where strategic partnerships and philanthropy reinforce long-term regional success."

For a deeper dive into Sioux Falls’ booming tech sector, workforce trends, and philanthropic initiatives, visit the latest reports on tech news and workforce growth, learn about local corporate philanthropy initiatives, and explore how businesses are integrating strategic charitable approaches into their operational goals.

Sioux Falls’ momentum is clear: the city is not only creating jobs and drawing investments but also building the community resilience needed for a sustainable and inclusive digital future.