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

Wichita's tech transformation in 2025 continues to exceed expectations, with an 18% sector growth since 2020 and tech salaries averaging $72,500.

The ecosystem now includes more than 110 established IT companies, including Koch and NetApp, while the recent designation as a Regional Tech Hub by the federal government positions the city for additional growth.

WSU Tech's record-breaking enrollment of 6,503 students in tech programs, coupled with the opening of the new Gene Haas Innovation Lab, demonstrates the city's commitment to developing local talent.

The tech landscape spans various sectors, from cybersecurity operations centers to advanced manufacturing facilities, with companies like Novacoast and Integra Technologies investing heavily in the region.

Major developments include the $1.8 billion semiconductor project and the establishment of multiple security operations centers, creating thousands of new tech jobs.

With energy rates 7.3% below national averages and strong educational partnerships offering 17 IT certifications, Wichita has created an environment where tech innovation and business success naturally converge.

FryeTech, a pioneering figure in the tech industry, celebrates its new headquarters in downtown Wichita this April, joining a wave of tech expansion in the region.

The timing aligns with Integra Technologies' major development of their million-square-foot facility in Bel Aire, signaling Wichita's growing tech momentum.

The state-of-the-art FryeTech building spans 120,000 square feet and houses over 500 employees, featuring eco-friendly design and collaborative workspaces that mirror the innovation seen at Bombardier's U.S. headquarters in the city.

CEO Lisa Martin's vision extends beyond the physical space.

"Our commitment is to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives," she stated during the opening ceremony. The company's strategic plan includes three key initiatives:

1. Startup Mentorship Program: Creating an environment that supports and nurtures young companies.
2. Partnerships with Wichita State University: Enhancing educational and technological collaborations.
3. Annual Tech Innovation Challenge: Fostering a competitive spirit and new tech solutions.

These programs complement the city's broader tech evolution, as evidenced by new municipal technology investments in infrastructure and public services.

The impact of FryeTech's presence is already visible in the local tech ecosystem.

The company's growth aligns with regional workforce development goals, targeting a 15% increase in tech employment by year-end. Their emphasis on inclusive hiring practices and diversity initiatives reflects Wichita's demographic makeup and future aspirations.

Working alongside local government, FryeTech is launching public tech education programs, including coding bootcamps and digital literacy workshops for underserved communities.

These efforts, combined with their new headquarters, position FryeTech as a catalyst for Wichita's technological transformation and economic growth.

Wichita State University has established a groundbreaking AI Research and Development Center, marking a significant milestone in positioning Wichita as a rising tech hub.

The center's mission encompasses integrating advanced AI technologies into education while addressing key challenges in user privacy and seamless integration.

Through the Innovation Campus initiative, the center leverages state-of-the-art research facilities and makerspaces, fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners.

The facility houses specialized AI tools including chatbots, presentation tools, and video generation systems, all designed to enhance academic and research capabilities.

The center's impact extends beyond campus boundaries through its AI and Machine Learning Education Series, offering virtual sessions led by industry experts covering topics from basic machine learning to advanced applications in computer vision and digital twins.

Recent funding data shows substantial investment, with external proposals reaching $76.3 million in FY2025, demonstrating strong institutional backing for AI initiatives.

The center actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting researchers across departments including physics, engineering, and computer science. This strategic approach has already yielded practical applications in areas such as genomic data analysis, sustainable farming practices, and educational technology enhancement.

Local industry engagement has been remarkable, with nearly a dozen companies participating in daily interactions with students and faculty.

The center's emphasis on practical application has attracted attention from major tech firms and research institutions, positioning Wichita State as a key player in the AI revolution.

Through partnerships with organizations like NVIDIA and NetApp, the center continues to expand its reach and impact, creating new opportunities for both academic research and commercial applications in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

In a significant development for Wichita's startup landscape, FinTech Innovators has secured $5 million in Series A funding, joining a wave of fintech investments across the Midwest.

This investment aligns with broader industry trends, as fintech funding recently topped $1.23 billion globally despite market fluctuations.

The funding round was led by Capital Ventures LLC, with local investors demonstrating strong commitment to Wichita's tech ecosystem. The company's expansion mirrors successful models like Interledger Foundation's initiatives, which has invested over $21 million in financial technology innovation.

FinTech Innovators plans to leverage this capital for infrastructure expansion, including an AI-driven financial analysis tool and the hiring of 50 new tech professionals by year-end.

The impact of this funding extends beyond the company, as demonstrated by similar tech hub transformations in cities like Lincoln, Nebraska, where tech sector employment has grown significantly.

CEO Ludo Fourrage's leadership team aims to position Wichita as a central player in the Midwest's expanding fintech corridor, with plans to develop solutions for both consumer and enterprise markets.

The Kansas Tech Council reports a 30% increase in venture funding for Wichita startups over the past two years, indicating growing confidence in the region's tech potential.

This investment represents not just growth for FinTech Innovators, but a catalyst for Wichita's broader technological advancement.

The Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) made waves this week with their game-changing Cybersecurity Workshop for Small Businesses, which took place on April 12th, 2025.

The event drew over 150 local business owners, all looking to level up their cybersecurity game in response to rising digital threats. According to recent data, 43% of ransomware attacks now target small and medium-sized businesses, with the average cost of a data breach hitting $4.35 million.

• Practical strategies: The workshop delivered strategies focused on the five key layers of cybersecurity: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.
• Hands-on security experience: Participants got hands-on experience with essential security tools and learned about the latest threats facing small businesses in 2025.

The timing couldn't be better, as the latest cybersecurity best practices emphasize the critical need for employee training and robust security protocols.

WIBA's Executive Director, Sarah Martin, highlighted how the organization has launched over 30 programs this year aimed at strengthening business resilience.

The workshop featured live demonstrations of security tools, practical advice on implementing multi-factor authentication, and strategies for creating incident response plans.

What made this workshop particularly effective was its focus on real-world applications rather than just theory, with local tech experts sharing their experiences and solutions.

The success of this event signals WIBA's ongoing commitment to protecting Wichita's business community from emerging cyber threats, ensuring local enterprises can confidently navigate the digital landscape.

Multiple Wichita teams are gearing up for the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas this May, showcasing our city's growing tech talent.

The Allison team from Wilbur Middle School clinched the Excellence Award, demonstrating outstanding performance in engineering documentation, interviews, and field competition.

Teams compete in "Over Under," a challenge played on a 12-foot field where robots must autonomously score points with Triballs. The National Robotics Challenge, celebrating its 39th year of open-platform competitions, has seen remarkable participation from Kansas schools, with 95% of participants reporting increased interest in STEM subjects.

Local standouts include teams from Wilbur MS Wranglers, Brooks Center for STEM & The Arts, and Christa McAuliffe K8 Academy. The achievements align with Wichita State University's rising prominence, as the NSF ranked WSU No. 1 nationally for aerospace engineering R&D.

Technology teacher James Thompson emphasizes how these competitions provide students vital exposure beyond state borders, while Elizabeth Rodriguez from Wilbur Middle School describes the accomplishment as pure joy.

Teams are fully responsible for designing, building, programming, and automating their robots, developing critical skills in mechanical engineering, coding, and teamwork.

This success strengthens Wichita's position in tech education and inspires the next generation of innovators.

The 2025 IEEE Green Technologies Conference, scheduled for March 26-28 in Wichita, is set to be a landmark event in renewable energy innovation.

The conference brings together industry leaders, researchers, and technology pioneers to address sustainable industry challenges and showcase breakthrough solutions.

Building on previous successes, this year's event features expanded opportunities for paper and poster presentations focused on renewable energy advancements.

The international scope of GreenTech 2025 positions Wichita as a key player in the global renewable energy conversation, attracting participants from across the technology sector.

Notable sessions will explore emerging technologies in solar power, wind energy, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

The conference agenda highlights include presentations from industry experts like James Jackson from KDOT and Alan Anderson of Polsinelli PC, focusing on transportation electrification and renewable energy development.

Local initiatives and partnerships between academic institutions and industry players will showcase practical applications of green technologies.

The event is expected to generate significant economic impact through new business partnerships and investment opportunities, while advancing Wichita's position as an emerging hub for sustainable technology innovation.

Participants will gain insights into the latest developments in renewable energy systems, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technologies, with special emphasis on practical implementation strategies for urban environments.

April 2025 is shaping Wichita's tech landscape through multiple career events across the city. Wichita State University's Health Professions Career Fair kicks off the month, combining healthcare and tech opportunities in a focused setting.

The initiative expands with the WSU Tech's employer services program, which bridges the gap between local talent and industry needs through applied learning and strategic partnerships.

The momentum continues as the City of Wichita hosts its comprehensive career fair at the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, featuring positions in emerging tech sectors.

The collaborative approach to tech recruitment has shown immediate results.

Companies attending these fairs reported an average of 150 qualified candidates per booth, with 20% advancing to interviews. The unemployment rate has improved to 3.4%, reflecting the success of these targeted recruitment efforts.

Key participants include established firms expanding their local presence and startups bringing fresh opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

The events showcase Wichita's evolution into a tech hub, with educational institutions playing a crucial role.

WSU Tech's commitment to technical education and Wichita State University's industry partnerships demonstrate the city's investment in developing local talent.

The Barton School of Business is actively connecting students with employers, while specialized virtual job fairs focus on diversity, veterans, and technology sectors.

These initiatives are creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to Wichita's growing tech ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the success of these April 2025 career events signals Wichita's emerging position as a competitive tech market in the Midwest. The city's coordinated approach to talent acquisition and development is building a foundation for sustained growth in the technology sector.

The Wichita Public Library is revolutionizing digital education with its new tech literacy program, offering free technology training classes that cover everything from basic computer skills to Microsoft Office fundamentals.

The program, part of the library's Technology Plan 2024-25, provides both structured classes and flexible learning options.

What makes this initiative stand out is the practical approach - participants can borrow Internet bundles that include laptops and hotspots with unlimited data, ensuring everyone has the tools they need to practice at home. The library has partnered with NexStep Alliance to offer weekly tech help sessions focusing on essential digital skills like resume building and email management.

Classes are available in English and Spanish, making digital literacy accessible to more community members. The program includes hands-on training in internet safety, critical information evaluation, and basic computer operations.

Most classes don't require advance registration, though seating is limited, and sessions are offered at multiple branches throughout Wichita. Since launching, the program has seen high engagement levels, particularly among job seekers and adults looking to upgrade their tech skills.

The library's investment in digital education reflects a broader understanding that technology literacy is no longer optional but essential for career advancement and daily life.

With funding support from organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Friends of the Wichita Public Library, these resources are helping bridge the digital divide in our community.

The Wichita startup scene is reaching new heights with NXTUS' fourth-annual NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort graduating 19 entrepreneurs across Kansas, including seven from Wichita.

These startups are tackling everything from talent recruitment to healthcare tech. The program, which is completely free thanks to Network Kansas and INTRUST Bank, has equipped founders with serious growth strategies.

Wichita-based companies like POURPIS and Good Works Talent have been crushing it, expanding into new markets and developing fresh revenue models.

The program hooks participants up with one-on-one coaching from national partners and runs workshops on finding the right product-market fit. NXTUS has already connected over 2,700 startups with community resources and helped mobilize $8.35M in funding.

The recent celebration at Evergy Connect wasn't just about graduation - it kicked off their Spring 2025 Accessing Growth Capital Series, which is going to help founders secure more funding and polish their pitches.

• Program Manager: Amber Dunn keeps it real, saying they customize everything to meet startups exactly where they are, helping them test their riskiest assumptions through targeted experiments.
• Support Network: With partners like K-State 105, Capitol Federal, and Wichita State University's College of Innovation and Design backing the program, these startups are getting serious support to level up their game.

Wichita's tech landscape is being significantly reshaped by the innovative strides of local startup, PrintCraft Solutions, which is pioneering 3D printing advancements.

Their emergence aligns with broader industry shifts, as manufacturing startups increasingly focus on AI integration and local production capabilities.

The Wichita Public Library is supporting this movement through their MakerBot and Prusa printer demonstrations, making the technology accessible to the community.

PrintCraft's breakthrough enables the production of high-quality prototypes at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, while their focus on metal 3D printing aligns with industry predictions of increased competition and innovation in metal additive manufacturing.

Their flagship project in customizable prosthetics represents a growing trend in medical applications, with the global 3D printing market expanding rapidly across healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Wichita's tech landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by an 18% surge in tech sector growth since 2020, with tech salaries now averaging $72,500.

The city's commitment to innovation is evident through strategic investments, including a $50 million allocation for IoT infrastructure and the establishment of over 110 IT companies.

The recent launch of FutureReady Centers demonstrates the city's dedication to nurturing tech talent, with a new Information Technology Center opening in August 2025 and a $25 million investment in educational infrastructure.

WSU Tech's record enrollment of 6,503 students in tech programs signals growing interest in technology careers. Major companies like Koch Disruptive Technologies and NetApp are capitalizing on the local market's potential, while the 2025 Innovation Awards recognized 32 companies and two individuals for their contributions to the tech ecosystem.

The city's smart initiatives have yielded impressive results, including a 40% reduction in travel times through advanced traffic systems and significant improvements in community services through the Unified Public Services Platform.

With energy rates 7.3% below national averages and a thriving downtown revitalization project creating more space for tech startups, Wichita continues to solidify its position as a leading tech hub in the Midwest.