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

Tallahassee's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy with a projected 28% workforce growth by 2030.

The city's transformation is anchored by the groundbreaking $24-million North Florida Innovation Labs, featuring 31 specialized labs and flexible workspaces for tech startups.

As Florida's third-largest tech industry hub, the region hosts over 38,000 high-tech companies, with Tallahassee emerging as a standout performer. The city's commitment to innovation is evident through its data-driven analytics initiatives and public-private partnerships, particularly in economic development and digital technology solutions.

Major employers like Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and Accenture are leading the transformation with AI implementation and cloud computing advances.

The ecosystem is further strengthened by collaborations between Florida State University and Florida A&M University, fostering tech talent development. With the city ranking as the strongest economy in the US in 2025, Tallahassee's tech landscape offers competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and robust professional development opportunities, making it an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals and startups alike.

FAMU's commitment to fostering innovation has reached new heights with the launch of the Interdisciplinary Center for Creativity and Innovation (ICCI), backed by a $5 million donation from Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson and his wife Sandi.

The center, which opened in April 2025, includes a business incubator partnered with Tallahassee Domi Ventures and offers comprehensive entrepreneurship programs.

Students now have access to cutting-edge 3D printing facilities, including the advanced nScrypt 6-axis printer, enabling them to prototype everything from basic products to complex aerospace components.

The innovation ecosystem has been further enriched by the establishment of peer-led support groups and cultural clubs, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive creative solutions.

• Hands-on learning experiences: Under the direction of Dr. Jason Black, the center provides hands-on learning experiences through annual events like the Business Plan Competition Day and Lemonade Day, teaching practical entrepreneurship skills to students and the wider community.
• Creating a pipeline for student entrepreneurs: The hub's impact extends beyond campus through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, creating a pipeline for student entrepreneurs to transition their ideas into successful ventures.
• Allocating resources for strategic growth: With 70% of funding allocated to academic scholarships and 30% supporting innovation initiatives, FAMU is strategically positioning its students to become leaders in technology and entrepreneurship, while maintaining a strong focus on serving underrepresented communities in the tech sector.

Tallahassee is making major moves in the tech world with their Smart City transformation, now supercharged by a $28.6 million federal grant focused on grid resilience and innovation.

The city's getting serious about upgrading its infrastructure, starting with the Griffin Heights neighborhood where they're implementing storm-hardening tech and the city's first utility-scale battery storage system.

The city's analytics ecosystem is revolutionizing city services:

• Cut water leak detection: They've reduced notification time from 55 to just 7 days, catching 15-40 leaks daily.

The city's also making power moves with their traffic system:

• Smart traffic system upgrade: They're applying for an additional $24 million to upgrade all 360 stoplights with weather-resistant, smart technology that’ll be ready for future autonomous vehicles.

These improvements include:

• Expand solar energy use: Utilize renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability.
• Implement smart grid tech: Incorporating advanced systems for efficient energy usage.
• Install advanced monitoring systems: Enhancing infrastructure with cutting-edge tech.

The whole initiative aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, while making the city more resilient during severe weather.

Through partnerships with local universities and the RIDER Center at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the project is also creating job opportunities with 30 Clean Energy Trades certificates up for grabs.

Real-time data from these systems is being used to improve city services and is shared publicly, keeping residents in the loop about their city's transformation.

The TalTech Alliance Conference, scheduled for November 13, 2024, is gearing up to showcase Tallahassee's evolution as a data-driven tech hub.

Last year's event drew over 225 attendees, including tech companies, students from FAMU, FSU, and TCC, and industry professionals. The conference features an expanded lineup of tech industry leaders including Autodesk Inc., Procore, and BuildOps, highlighting the city's growing prominence in the tech sector.

The event's impact extends beyond networking, with Tallahassee's tech workforce projected to grow 28% by 2030, driven by flourishing startups in AI, fitness, and fintech sectors.

The conference agenda includes:

1. Career fairs connecting IT students with local businesses.
2. Engaging lunch panels featuring student startups.
3. Sessions on critical topics like data security and tech talent recruitment.

Notable companies like Call Simulator Inc., which recently secured $575k in seed funding, and Titus Human Performance showcase the diverse range of innovation happening in the city.

The event emphasizes Tallahassee's strategic advantages, including its central location in Florida's tech corridor, lower living costs compared to established tech hubs, and robust support systems through organizations like Domi Ventures and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber.

While the tech community faces challenges like funding issues and talent retention, the conference serves as a vital platform for addressing these obstacles through collaborative solutions.

Local tech businesses particularly focus on:

• Data-related services, from capturing and securing to visualizing and forecasting.

This reinforces Tallahassee's position as an emerging data capital.

Tallahassee's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with local startups contributing $1.2 billion to the economy.

The newly launched North Florida Innovation Labs (NFIL) stands as a cornerstone of this expansion, featuring 31 specialized labs and 40,000 square feet of space dedicated to innovation.

This $25 million tech hub is projected to support 100 technology companies and create over 600 full-time jobs in the region.

The momentum is further amplified by Launch Tally's initiatives, which include LaunchPad, an online virtual hub connecting startups with resources, mentors, and potential investors.

Key players in this growth include Alertgy in healthcare tech, Ruvos in cybersecurity, and NewSci in AI solutions, alongside emerging startups in biofuel and digital health sectors.

The ecosystem is strengthened by support from Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College, which provide essential talent and research partnerships.

• Collaborative Environment: This collaborative environment is transforming the city through partnerships with organizations like Domi Station and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
• Anticipated Growth Rate: The tech hub is expected to achieve an impressive 18% growth rate in the coming years.

Leon County Schools has launched an innovative digital learning environment that combines virtual and traditional classroom instruction.

The initiative equips each student with a mobile device connected to WiFi, enabling access to electronic textbooks, internet-based applications, and collaborative learning tools.

In alignment with their technology vision, classrooms are being upgraded with interactive flat panel TVs and wireless connectivity through Half Penny 2 funding.

The one-to-one program empowers students to engage actively in their education while developing essential digital literacy skills.

Students participate in various tech-focused pathways, including a comprehensive Engineering and Applied Technology program that covers fundamentals of engineering design, principles, and development.

The curriculum prepares students for careers in robotics, electrical systems, automation, and engineering, with opportunities to earn industry certifications like Autodesk Inventor.

This educational transformation is supported by core technology upgrades in network infrastructure, ensuring enterprise-level processing capabilities and robust data management systems.

Teachers utilize a blended learning approach, giving students control over their learning path while maintaining flexibility to create rich educational environments.

The program's success is evident in increased student engagement and expanded opportunities for differentiated instruction, positioning Leon County Schools at the forefront of preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven future.

Tallahassee's startup scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 23 active startups contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy and an expected growth rate of 18% in 2025.

The tech ecosystem is anchored by standouts like Switchboard, which leads with a top SB score of 339, revolutionizing data feeds on Solana, and Call Simulator Inc., which is transforming call center training through AI innovation.

The North Florida Innovation Labs has invested $24 million in creating 31 specialized labs and flexible workspaces, fostering an environment where companies like Alertgy and Ruvos are advancing healthcare technology and cybersecurity solutions.

The city's startup landscape is further enriched by initiatives from Domi Ventures and Launch Tally, which provide crucial support for early-stage companies.

Notable developments include NewSci's AI-based software solutions for public sectors and Xeric Holdings' SolarVolt project, which is creating green jobs while reducing carbon emissions.

The talent pipeline from Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College continues to fuel startup growth, while digital health innovations have reduced hospital readmissions by 38%.

Despite challenges in securing funding - with 68% of startups struggling to attract investors - the tech workforce is projected to grow significantly by 2030, positioning Tallahassee as an emerging force in Florida's tech landscape.

Tallahassee's tech scene is hitting different in 2025, with the Florida Digital Government Summit showcasing how government and tech companies are teaming up to push innovation forward.

The city's pulling in major players, with over 400 experts from companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon coming through for the 2025 MDSM Conference, making Tallahassee the spot for tech collaboration.

The local government's not just talking the talk - they're investing $8 million in smart infrastructure and getting results. At the Government Innovation Showcase Florida, they're showing off how AI-driven solutions and IoT tech are transforming everything from public safety to city services.

• Smart Infrastructure Investment: The local government is demonstrating commitment with an $8 million investment in smart infrastructure.
• AI and IoT Transformation: AI-driven solutions and IoT tech are revolutionizing public safety and city services.
• Tallahassee Tech Coalition Projects: Over 50 companies are collaborating with the city on projects like smart street lighting.
• Blockchain Voting Initiative: A new blockchain project is redefining secure voting in elections.
• Startup Funding Boost: The Tallahassee Innovate Initiative provides $5 million in startup funding, supporting local tech growth.
• Economic Impact: Tallahassee's becoming a tech hub, with a 28% workforce growth projected by 2030 and contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy.

Keith Bowers, Director of OEV, is right when he says Tallahassee's becoming a global innovation hub - the partnerships between government and tech companies are making it happen.

Whether it's quantum computing for infrastructure or AI implementation in public services, Tallahassee's showing other cities how it's done.

Tallahassee's tech landscape is evolving with groundbreaking initiatives supporting women in technology. Wendi Cannon, Chief Information Officer at Radiology Associates and one of Tallahassee's 25 Women You Need to Know for 2025, exemplifies leadership in the field while actively mentoring through programs like TallyRobotics, connecting middle school students with engineering opportunities.

The city's commitment to gender diversity is further strengthened by ISACA's SheLeadsTech program, which focuses on increasing women's representation in technology leadership roles and the tech workforce.

Local organizations have created robust support systems, with the FSU College of Communication & Information partnering with WITI to establish a dynamic network for women in STEM careers.

The impact of these initiatives is evident in the growing number of women-led tech ventures and community programs.

The Small Business Incubator Program specifically targets minority and women-owned businesses, providing essential resources including workspace, mentorship, and funding support.

The tech workforce is projected to grow by 28% by 2030, with women playing an increasingly vital role in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and fintech.

Regular networking events hosted by Capital City Tech Hub and Tallahassee Techies create opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development.

Organizations like Women in Tech Global continue to support this momentum, working toward empowering 5 million women by 2030.

The city's tech ecosystem now features numerous women-led startups, accelerators, and educational programs, making Tallahassee an emerging hub for female tech talent and innovation.

This collaborative environment, combined with lower living costs compared to established tech centers, positions Tallahassee as an attractive destination for women pursuing careers in technology.

In 2025, Tallahassee's tech training landscape is expanding rapidly with diverse career programs spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, and programming.

The Department of Education projects 68% more infrastructure-related job openings than available trained professionals in the next five years, making these programs crucial for workforce development.

• Main Idea: Local bootcamps are responding to demand. Local bootcamps are offering affordable options starting at $458 for web development fundamentals, with advanced programs covering full-stack development and software engineering.
• Main Idea: Vibrancy of the tech sector. The tech sector is particularly vibrant, with over 1,000 new positions added quarterly and entry-level salaries reaching $92,000 for software developers.

Prominent employers like Accenture, Ruvos, and VR Systems actively partner with local universities and training centers to create direct pathways to employment.

The city's commitment to tech education is evident in its growing roster of programs, including specialized tracks in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

These initiatives have shown impressive results, with 78% of bootcamp graduates securing tech positions within nine months.

The landscape of learning options includes both traditional classroom settings and flexible online formats, making tech education accessible to diverse schedules and learning styles.

Employer	Partnership Type	Focus Area
Accenture	University Collaborations	Direct Employment Pathways
Ruvos	Training Center Support	Cybersecurity and AI
VR Systems	Local Bootcamp Aid	Software Development

This robust educational ecosystem is transforming Tallahassee into a significant tech hub, with training programs consistently adapting to meet evolving industry demands and technological advancements.

In Tallahassee's evolving tech landscape, university-industry partnerships are revolutionizing innovation and research in 2025. The city's tech ecosystem, contributing $1.2 billion to the local economy, has established itself as the strongest economy in the US this year.

Florida State University's groundbreaking partnership with Samsung Electronics showcases this momentum through their Smart Health Home initiative, implementing cutting-edge wellness platforms and IoT technology.

Meanwhile, FSU and FAMU's technology transfer offices are actively facilitating the commercialization of academic innovations, transforming university research into marketable products.

The ecosystem is further strengthened by the new $24-million North Florida Innovation Labs, a 40,000-square-foot facility housing 31 specialized labs and flexible workspaces for tech startups.

This collaborative environment has sparked significant growth, with the tech workforce projected to expand by 28% by 2030. Local institutions are fostering industry connections through programs like the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, while companies such as Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and Accenture are providing competitive opportunities for graduates, offering summer analyst positions with hourly rates of $32-35.

The synthesis of academic expertise and industry resources has created a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, establishing Tallahassee as an emerging leader in technological advancement and research commercialization.

Tallahassee's emergence as a tech hub in 2025 is backed by impressive metrics and strategic growth. The city is experiencing a tech boom with over 1,000 new tech positions added quarterly, and an average tech salary of $90,000.

The local tech scene has attracted major players, with top employers like Accenture, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and Advanced Systems Design establishing strong presences.

The city's tech sector now contributes $1.2 billion to the local economy, with a projected workforce growth of 28% by 2030.

Innovation is thriving through collaborations between educational institutions and industry leaders.

The 2025 Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics Conference showcased this synergy, bringing together over 260 industry leaders and highlighting Tallahassee's position as the Magnetic Capital of the World.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and local tech companies are fostering groundbreaking research and development, while partnerships between FSU, FAMU, and tech employers create direct pathways to industry positions.

The city's tech transformation is further evidenced by its innovative infrastructure development, including smart city initiatives and advanced connectivity solutions.

Entry-level tech positions now offer competitive starting salaries, with software developers beginning at $92,000 and cybersecurity specialists at $88,000. With 27% of tech jobs offering remote work options and continued investment in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, Tallahassee has established itself as a forward-thinking tech destination that balances innovation with quality of life.