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

Wichita's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 20% expansion over the last five years and projected 15% job growth ahead.

The city now hosts over 110 IT firms, with tech salaries averaging $72,500, making it an emerging Silicon Prairie powerhouse. Major developments include FryeTech's new 120,000-square-foot downtown headquarters, employing 500 people, and WSU's groundbreaking AI Research Center.

The transformation is further accelerated by commercial energy rates 7.3% below the national average and tech labor costs 10-30% lower than national standards.

Key employers like NetApp, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and High Touch Technologies are driving innovation, while WSU Tech's record enrollment of 6,503 students ensures a steady talent pipeline.

Notably, a $1.8 billion semiconductor project and the launch of AI-driven ventures like Planetary Talent showcase the region's tech momentum. With 17 different IT certification programs and partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders, Wichita is strategically positioned to become a major Midwest tech hub, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities across cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analysis sectors.

In a remarkable stride towards technological advancement, TechNiche Solutions recently secured $2 million in funding, joining a wave of innovative companies receiving strategic investments this spring.

The funding aims to revolutionize aviation through AI-driven solutions, with a focus on predictive maintenance and fuel optimization. According to recent market analysis, this investment aligns with broader trends in AI and defense tech funding, where companies are raising significant capital to advance autonomous systems and data analytics.

The timing couldn't be better, as Wichita's aviation sector seeks to integrate cutting-edge AI applications that could reduce operational costs by 20% while enhancing safety protocols.

Recent security advancements in AI technology are particularly crucial for aviation applications, where system integrity and safety are paramount.

This development positions Wichita as a key player in aviation innovation, with TechNiche's solutions addressing critical industry challenges through advanced AI implementation.

The impact extends beyond just aviation, contributing to Wichita's growing reputation as a tech hub, where startup activity has increased 150% over the past three years.

The city's tech workforce has grown by 30% since 2023, driven by strategic investments and cross-industry collaborations. Public-private partnerships continue to foment an environment conducive to innovation, attracting talent and resources that strengthen Wichita's position in the national tech landscape.

This collaborative ecosystem, combining aviation expertise with cutting-edge technology, is transforming Wichita into a model for industry-specific AI innovation.

Wichita's smart city transformation is reaching new heights in 2025 through innovative urban technology solutions powered by its partnership with Cisco.

The city's deployment of LoRaWAN technology has become a cornerstone of this evolution, enabling a network of IoT devices that monitor and optimize city operations.

Through strategic implementation of smart sensors, Wichita has achieved remarkable improvements in public safety response times and infrastructure management.

The collaboration between Deloitte and Cisco at the Smart Factory @ Wichita demonstrates how existing technologies can merge with new innovations to support Industry 4.0 transformation.

The initiative has yielded tangible results, with the smart traffic system reducing travel times by 40% along major routes through radio-equipped signals.

Temperature sensors and gunshot detection systems now provide real-time alerts to city officials, while public Wi-Fi expansion has strengthened digital inclusion across communities.

The LORAWAN network implementation has enabled comprehensive real-time monitoring of city infrastructure, supporting a new Unified Public Services Platform that has significantly improved service efficiency.

Michael Johnson, Smart City Coordinator, notes that the partnership with Cisco has been instrumental in deploying solutions quickly at scale.

The initiative has brought measurable benefits to public safety, with improved emergency response capabilities through advanced acoustic monitoring systems. Additionally, the program has catalyzed private sector growth, attracting tech companies and fostering innovation hubs throughout the city.

As Wichita continues to expand its smart city capabilities, the focus remains on creating practical solutions that enhance quality of life while building a sustainable technological infrastructure.

The success of these implementations has positioned Wichita as a model for mid-sized cities looking to leverage technology for urban development, proving that smart city initiatives can deliver tangible benefits to communities of all sizes.

Wichita State University (WSU) is revolutionizing cybersecurity education with its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program, which combines practical skills with industry-focused training.

The comprehensive 120-credit hour curriculum features cutting-edge courses in digital forensics, cyber operations, and web application security. WSU was recently re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyberdefense Education through 2029, proving they're seriously legit in this field.

The program's student outcomes focus on real-world problem-solving, effective team collaboration, and professional ethics - exactly what employers are looking for.

• Hands-on experience: Students get hands-on experience through industry-sponsored projects, and the program includes built-in applied learning opportunities through partnerships with companies like NetApp.
• Career pathways: The WSU Hub for Cybersecurity Education and Awareness connects students directly with corporate, government, and military sectors, creating solid career pathways.
• Meeting workforce needs: With current enrollment at 163 students and growing, the program is meeting critical workforce needs - there are over 8,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in Kansas alone.
• High earning potential: WSU grads are entering a field where the median annual wage tops $102,600.
• Comprehensive training: The program's blend of technical courses, ethical training, and practical experience is designed to produce graduates who can hit the ground running in this high-demand field.

This initiative positions Wichita as an emerging tech hub while addressing the critical nationwide shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

Wichita's robotics landscape is evolving rapidly, with Wichita State University leading research in multi-agent robotics through groundbreaking work by junior researcher Sejun Moon.

His development of scalable, hierarchical systems for robot collaboration is transforming how autonomous machines work together in extreme environments.

This innovation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Shocker Mindstorms Challenge, where over 220 students from 18 teams demonstrated their robotics skills, highlighting Wichita's commitment to nurturing future tech talent.

The city's robotics ecosystem has expanded further with Akeratos LLC becoming a certified systems integrator for Universal Robots, offering local expertise in machine tending and process automation.

These developments are creating a robust foundation for manufacturing innovation, with collaborative robots now capable of handling over 300 different part numbers in single machine cells.

The integration of these technologies is showing measurable impacts, with participating factories reporting significant efficiency gains and improved workplace safety through advanced sensor systems and AI-driven operations.

This technological advancement positions Wichita as an emerging hub for robotics innovation, particularly in manufacturing and research applications, while maintaining its strong aviation industry heritage.

Wichita's tech ecosystem continues its remarkable evolution, with an impressive 18% sector growth since 2020.

The city's transformation is evident in its competitive tech landscape, where salaries now average $72,500, attracting talent and fostering innovation. A significant milestone in this journey is WSU Tech's achievement of record-breaking enrollment numbers, with 6,503 students pursuing technical education, surpassing strategic goals three years ahead of schedule.

The ecosystem's strength lies in its diverse components, with over 110 established IT companies, including industry leaders Koch and NetApp, calling Wichita home.

The city's infrastructure advantages, including energy rates 7.3% below national averages and a $50 million investment in IoT infrastructure, continue to attract tech businesses.

Smart city initiatives have yielded impressive results, with radio-equipped traffic signals reducing travel times by 40% along major routes.

"The integration of technology into Wichita's transportation network has significantly improved efficiency," says Lisa White, a city planner involved in the initiative.

Educational institutions are stepping up to meet industry demands, with 17 IT certifications now offered through strategic partnerships:

• Partnerships boost certifications: Local colleges partner with tech firms to enhance IT certification options.
• Encourage student enrollment: Certification programs are designed to attract more students into the tech field.

WSU Tech's expansion in healthcare and manufacturing programs shows remarkable growth, with healthcare enrollment jumping from 53 to 258 students between 2023 and 2025.

This growth, combined with the city's rank as 43rd among U.S. cities for tech performance, cements Wichita's position as an emerging tech hub in the Midwest.

Here is an overview of the tech program enrollment numbers:

Year	Healthcare Enrollment	Manufacturing Enrollment
2023	53	124
2025	258	250

"Our enrollment growth is a testament to the quality and relevance of our programs," states Joseph Anderson, dean of WSU Tech.

In 2025, Wichita's venture capital scene is totally crushing it, with median seed deal values hitting $3.1 million and transforming the local tech landscape.

The investment focus has shifted dramatically, with AI startups now gobbling up nearly half of all deal value. Kansas ranked 12th nationally in tech job growth from 2022 to 2023, proving we're not just playing around - we're seriously competing.

The state's tech workforce of 70,850 people is making waves, especially with approximately 20,000 tech positions currently up for grabs.

Investments of up to $160 million over the next decade are being channeled into our region, specifically targeting educational and workforce development.

This isn't just about throwing money around - it's about building something huge. Local success stories like Weavix and emerging players in healthcare tech and AI are showing everyone that Wichita's got what it takes.

The city's cost advantages, including energy rates 7.3% below national averages, make it extra attractive for startups to set up shop here.

Looking at where we're headed, the future's looking bright with seed-stage startup valuations hitting record highs of $14.8 million in late 2024.

Sure, we're seeing some changes in the market - like fewer consumer product startups getting funded - but that's just pushing us to focus on what we do best: innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions.

The whole scene is transforming Wichita into a legit tech hub, and honestly, it's pretty exciting to be part of it all.

Wichita's tech landscape continues to evolve beyond its aviation roots, with AI innovation driving business transformation across multiple sectors.

The city has jumped 45 spots to rank 43rd among best-performing tech cities nationwide, with over 110 established IT companies, including Koch and NetApp, contributing to an 18% growth in the tech sector since 2020.

The Kansas Small Business Development Center is leading the charge with practical AI implementation workshops focused on operations optimization, content creation, and marketing revolution.

Local businesses are experiencing tangible benefits, with AI-driven solutions reducing operational costs and improving efficiency. The integration of VocClear technology and AI-based translation capabilities in healthcare applications demonstrates the versatility of AI adoption across industries.

Educational institutions are particularly active in this transition, with WSU Tech reporting record enrollment of 6,503 students in tech programs and projections indicating a 25% growth in tech jobs by 2026.

• Tech Salary Growth: The average tech salary has reached $72,500, reflecting the sector's robust growth.
• Infrastructure and Investment: Notable initiatives include a $50 million investment in IoT infrastructure and smart city projects that have resulted in a 40% reduction in travel times along major routes.

This comprehensive ecosystem of AI innovation, supported by strategic investments and community collaboration, positions Wichita as an emerging leader in practical AI implementation and technological advancement.

In 2025, collaborative robots (cobots) are revolutionizing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Wichita, offering game-changing advantages in productivity and cost reduction.

These machines are making automation accessible through their ability to work alongside human workers while simplifying specific duties.

What makes cobots particularly attractive is their quick setup - they can be unpacked, mounted, and programmed for basic tasks within hours. While cobots may not match traditional industrial robots in speed and precision, they excel in flexibility and cost-effectiveness, with ROI possible in less than a year compared to 18 months for conventional robots.

The technology has proven especially valuable for low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments, where adaptability is crucial.

Equipped with force-limited joints and sensors, cobots eliminate the need for safety fences, reducing implementation costs and space requirements. Most models handle payloads between 3-10 kg, with some reaching up to 35 kg, making them suitable for various SME applications.

The impact on Wichita's manufacturing sector has been significant, with businesses reporting enhanced operational efficiency and improved product consistency.

Local enterprises particularly appreciate the intuitive programming interfaces that don't require specialized training, allowing existing staff to manage the technology effectively.

As Wichita's SMEs continue to adopt these collaborative robots, they're finding themselves better equipped to compete in the global market while maintaining the flexibility needed for diverse production needs.

The integration of cobots represents a strategic investment in Wichita's manufacturing future, combining human creativity with automated precision to drive innovation and growth.

Wichita's smart traffic management systems are driving remarkable urban transformation in 2025, with projected savings of $277 billion across cities by year-end through reduced emissions and improved congestion management.

The city's $1.4 million investment in radio-equipped traffic signals has yielded impressive results, with travel times dropping by 40% along major routes.

Through partnerships with tech leaders and a comprehensive IoT infrastructure investment of $50 million, these systems are revolutionizing how residents navigate the city.

The integration of LED digital signs with traffic management software has enabled real-time monitoring of traffic patterns and congestion hotspots, resulting in each driver saving over 33 hours annually in traffic time.

Key improvements include:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: A substantial 20% cut leads to a cleaner environment.
• Decreased fuel consumption: Drivers now enjoy a 15% reduction, saving money and resources.
• Fewer traffic accidents: A 10% decline enhances road safety for everyone.

Smart parking solutions now guide drivers directly to available spaces, minimizing unnecessary circulation.

The system's success has positioned Wichita as the 43rd ranked U.S. city for tech performance, jumping 45 spots. These advancements support Mayor Richard Perez's vision of a future-ready city, where smart infrastructure and sustainability work together to enhance resident quality of life.

As the city expands its network of EV charging stations and public Wi-Fi, these traffic management systems continue to evolve, laying the groundwork for a more connected and efficient urban environment.

As the digital landscape evolves, cybersecurity has become a crucial driver of economic growth, not just a defensive measure.

With cyber threats projected to cost businesses $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, organizations are racing to strengthen their digital defenses. The surge in cyber incidents - increasing by 37% in upper-middle-income countries and 21% globally - underscores this urgency.

Recent data shows that security breaches cost between 4-6% of global GDP, with 70% of incidents being financially motivated.

WSU's Cybersecurity degree program addresses this challenge head-on, offering comprehensive training in network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.

The program's success is evident, with 90% of graduates securing positions within six months. The cybersecurity readiness economy focuses on preparing organizations for future disruptions through prevention, detection, and recovery strategies.

Key industries benefiting from WSU graduates include finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors, each requiring specialized security expertise.

As Dr. Amy Johnson notes,

"The digital frontier is expansive, and our graduates are pioneers equipped to navigate and defend it."

With the global shortage of 4 million cybersecurity professionals, WSU's role in developing skilled practitioners is more critical than ever for maintaining economic stability and growth across expanding sectors.

Wichita's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with an 18% increase in the tech sector since 2020, driving average tech salaries to $72,500.

The city's transformation is anchored by major developments including a $1.8 billion semiconductor project and FryeTech's new 120,000-square-foot downtown headquarters, creating 500 jobs.

WSU Tech's record enrollment of 6,503 students in tech programs demonstrates the growing momentum in educational initiatives.

The opening of the Gene Haas Innovation Lab and WSU's AI Research and Development Center marks significant progress in practical applications across genomics and sustainable farming.

Local infrastructure improvements are evident through the implementation of smart traffic systems, which have reduced travel times by 40% along major routes.

The tech community's vibrancy is further highlighted by the ongoing construction of the $222 million Wichita Biomedical Campus, set to integrate advanced healthcare education and research facilities.

With over 110 established IT firms, energy rates 7.3% below national averages, and robust investment in IoT infrastructure, Wichita continues to solidify its position as a leading Midwest tech hub.

Recent developments in smart city initiatives and successful tech job fairs averaging 150 qualified candidates per booth underscore the city's commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.

The ecosystem's strength is further reinforced by strategic partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the tech sector.