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

Wilmington's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with North Carolina ranking 8th nationwide in tech industry growth, achieving a 19% increase from 2018 to 2023.

The city's transformation is marked by significant investments, including Lumos' $56 million fiber infrastructure project and the successful Wilmington Tech Innovation Conference, which secured $50 million in investment pledges.

Tech professionals in the region now earn an average salary of $118,933, with the sector projected to grow at an 8% annual rate through 2028.

The ecosystem is further strengthened by strategic startup initiatives and investor interest, as evidenced by the recent Investor Buzz-In at the Beach event.

Cape Fear Community College continues to play a crucial role, boasting a 94% employment rate for graduates in tech-related fields.

Local success stories like nCino and Live Oak Bank have established Wilmington as a legitimate tech destination, while new developments in AI, cloud computing, and data analytics are creating additional opportunities.

This growth is supported by a collaborative environment between educational institutions, businesses, and government initiatives, positioning Wilmington as an emerging force in the tech industry.

• Significant investments: The city's transformation is marked by major initiatives like Lumos' $56 million fiber infrastructure project.
• Investment pledges: Wilmington Tech Innovation Conference secured $50 million in pledges, boosting the ecosystem.
• Average salary growth: Tech professionals in the region earn $118,933 on average, with growth projected at 8% annually.
• Strategic initiatives: Startup initiatives and investor interest are fueling Wilmington's tech sector expansion.
• Employment success: Cape Fear Community College boasts a 94% employment rate for tech-related graduates.

In a pivot from traditional operations, TekMountain has transformed its business model to embrace a hybrid approach, combining virtual and physical resources for startups.

The expansion reflects Wilmington's tech sector growth, where tech salaries now average $118,933 and the workforce has increased by 27.6% since 2019.

• Hybrid approach for startups: TekMountain embraces a combination of virtual and physical resources to support the growth of startups.
• Wilmington’s tech sector growth: Technology salaries average $118,933, and the workforce has grown by 27.6% since 2019.

TekMountain's evolution includes enhanced virtual collaboration tools, remote mentorship programs, and a partnership with Genesis Block to foster community inclusion.

The facility, which opened in 2014, has adapted its services to support both local and international entrepreneurs, making Wilmington's resources accessible to a global audience.

As part of Wilmington's top tech employers, TekMountain continues to offer comprehensive support through mentorship, resources, and flexible workspace solutions for remote workers and freelancers.

“Their committee-led initiatives focus on virtual events and networking opportunities, fostering connections beyond geographical boundaries. This strategic shift positions TekMountain to better serve the evolving needs of modern entrepreneurs while maintaining its role as a crucial player in Wilmington's growing tech ecosystem.”

In April 2025, nCino has demonstrated remarkable growth with total revenues reaching $141.4 million, marking a 14% year-over-year increase.

The company's expansion strategy includes signing their first customer in the Czech Republic and strengthening relationships with top U.S. banks. A significant development includes nCino's partnership with SME Banking Club, which enhances their platform's capabilities in customer onboarding, loan origination, and portfolio management.

The company's commitment to growth is further evidenced by their newly announced $100 million stock repurchase program, reflecting the Board's confidence in their long-term strategy.

With over 1,800 financial institutions worldwide now using nCino's platform, the company has solidified its position as a leader in cloud banking technology. The integration of artificial intelligence and actionable insights has particularly resonated with community banks, credit unions, and large financial entities, enabling them to enhance their decision-making processes and improve customer satisfaction.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, nCino projects continued growth with total revenues expected to reach between $574.5 million and $578.5 million, demonstrating the company's strong market position and potential for further expansion in the digital banking space.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is revolutionizing tech education in Wilmington with its Business Analytics program, which launched in early 2025.

The program features both certificate and associate degree options, with coursework covering data mining, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis. Students can complete a certificate in just two semesters or pursue a comprehensive four-semester AAS degree.

The Business Analytics curriculum includes 65 credits of specialized courses, from intro to analytics to advanced analytical tools, preparing graduates for roles as data analysts, management consultants, and research specialists.

To support aspiring professionals, CFCC now offers a Certified Business Data Analytics (CBDA) prep course, a self-paced online program designed to help students master industry-standard tools and techniques.

The program's practical approach combines business communication skills with technical expertise in data warehousing and project management.

Through hands-on experience with industry-standard software packages, students develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities essential for today's data-driven workplace.

Recent employment data shows strong demand for CFCC graduates, with many securing positions as business analysts, data scientists, and project managers across various industries.

CFCC's commitment to flexible learning options, including both online and face-to-face classes, makes the program accessible to working professionals and traditional students alike.

The college's partnerships with local businesses provide invaluable internship opportunities and real-world projects, ensuring graduates are job-ready. With Wilmington's growing reputation as a tech hub, CFCC's business analytics program is positioning itself as a crucial pipeline for skilled professionals in the region's expanding digital economy.

Wilmington's tech scene is riding a massive wave of growth, ranking 11th in U.S. tech talent growth from 2019 to 2022.

The April 13th Tech Meetup brought together over 500 participants to explore how tech can drive positive change in our community. Port City Java Devs, with their 2,500+ members, led hands-on workshops covering everything from AI to blockchain.

The real MVP moment came when Tyson Nargassans shared insights about his recently acquired startup CureMint, showing how local innovation can hit the big time.

The meetup wasn't just talk - it was all about getting stuff done. Cape Fear Women in Tech stepped up with their proven track record, where 87% of attendees reported major skill gains through their programs.

• Healthcare innovations: Teams demonstrated real solutions in healthcare, like HealthNet 2.0 cutting diagnostic times by 30%.
• Educational tech: The education crew brought AR tools that could boost student engagement by 40%.
• Environmental initiatives: Introduced solar-powered IoT devices for better pollution tracking.

Workshops and panels kept it interactive, focusing on how we can use tech to solve actual problems in Wilmington.

The vibe was clear - we're not just building cool tech, we're building a better community. With monthly meetups drawing consistent crowds and a growing startup scene, Wilmington's tech community is proving that smaller cities can make a huge impact in the tech world.

In a transformative move for Wilmington's digital infrastructure, Greenlight Networks is launching ultra-high-speed fiber internet with speeds reaching up to 8 Gbps, setting new standards for connectivity.

The initiative includes a base speed of 500 Mbps for $50 monthly, making high-performance internet accessible to both residents and businesses. This development comes as multiple fiber optic companies enter the Wilmington market, including Metronet's $30 million investment and Lumos Fiber's $56 million project.

The competitive landscape ensures residents have choices for their connectivity needs, with installation beginning in various neighborhoods throughout 2025. Metronet's service will offer residential speeds up to 5 Gbps and business speeds up to 10 Gbps, introducing symmetrical upload and download capabilities that will revolutionize video conferencing, streaming, and gaming experiences.

The fiber rollout represents a significant upgrade from traditional cable infrastructure, with providers eliminating contracts and hidden fees while delivering superior reliability.

This expansion positions Wilmington as a growing tech hub, supporting economic development through enhanced remote work capabilities, improved healthcare services through telemedicine, and advanced educational opportunities through reliable high-speed connections.

As construction progresses neighborhood by neighborhood, residents can expect comprehensive communication about installation timelines and service availability, marking a new era of digital connectivity for the coastal Carolina region.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is championing a forward-thinking approach to tech education in 2025, with a focus on high-demand fields and career-ready programs.

The college's Information Technology program now offers specialized tracks in artificial intelligence, networking, software development, and systems administration, preparing students for roles from help desk technicians to software developers.

Adding to its tech portfolio, CFCC has just launched a groundbreaking Aviation Maintenance Technician Program in response to Boeing's forecast of 690,000 new mechanics needed in the next 20 years.

The college has also expanded its Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, which combines robotics, industrial manufacturing, and automation training, with students eligible for internships at major employers like General Electric and Corning.

These programs feature hands-on learning environments, industry partnerships, and real-world project experience, resulting in strong employment outcomes. Recent data shows that many CFCC tech graduates secure positions within six months of completion, with entry-level salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 annually.

Beyond traditional tech fields, CFCC has integrated technology across various disciplines, including marine technology, chemical technology, and healthcare informatics, ensuring students in all programs develop digital literacy skills essential for today's workforce. The college's commitment to affordable education and industry-aligned curriculum has made it a key player in Wilmington's growing tech ecosystem, providing both traditional students and career changers with practical pathways to tech-focused careers.

Wilmington's startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth, with the city climbing 32 spots in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index to rank 22nd nationally and 61st globally.

The Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW) leads this transformation, connecting entrepreneurs with essential resources to foster innovation along the coast.

A cornerstone of this ecosystem is 1 Million Cups Wilmington, a weekly gathering where entrepreneurs present their ventures and receive community feedback every Wednesday at UNCW's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

• Community events foster collaboration: The collaborative spirit extends to Global Entrepreneurship Week, a November celebration that drew over 2,000 attendees in 2023 and connected 15 mentors with emerging startups.
• Success stories inspire the community: Recent success stories include The Wall Printer, which began as a startup dream and has now come full circle by donating cutting-edge technology to Cape Fear Community College's programs.
• Specialized support for diverse innovations: The ecosystem continues to evolve with specialized support for various sectors, including technology, biotech, and environmental innovations, particularly through initiatives like EcoInnovate Weekend, which offers entrepreneurs the chance to develop sustainable solutions with potential prize funding of $5,500.

These resources, combined with regular networking opportunities and mentorship programs, create a supportive environment where startups can thrive and contribute to the region's economic growth.

Wilmington's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with tech workforce increasing by 27.6% since 2019.

Local events are driving this expansion, connecting talent with opportunities at major employers like nCino, Apiture, and Live Oak Bank. The upcoming Tech Wilmington calendar showcases essential networking opportunities, including the NC VetBiz Mixer and DEEEEEP DIVE sessions, which facilitate partnerships and knowledge sharing.

These events have become crucial platforms for the region's 11,000 tech professionals, with average salaries reaching $118,933.

The recent tech industry report reveals North Carolina ranks 8th nationwide in tech industry employment growth, with a 19% increase from 2018 to 2023.

Notable events like the Wilmington Tech Innovation Conference have attracted $50 million in investment pledges, particularly in healthcare and sustainability sectors.

The UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship secured $1.2 million for startups through NC IDEA grants, while Lumos invested $56 million in high-speed fiber infrastructure.

Cape Fear Community College's tech programs boast a 94% employment rate for graduates, demonstrating the direct impact of educational initiatives on workforce development.

The integration of AI is expected to affect 40% of jobs in the coming years, making these events essential for staying current with industry trends. With an 8% projected annual growth rate through 2028, Wilmington's tech ecosystem continues to thrive, driven by a dynamic event calendar that connects innovators, investors, and talent.

In 2025, Wilmington's tech scene shows remarkable momentum, ranking 13th among Southern U.S. cities for tech growth.

The sector has experienced a 27.9% increase in tech establishments and a stunning 106.5% surge in tech employment since 2019. While talent acquisition remains a challenge, with over 1,000 positions unfilled annually, research indicates that tech jobs now comprise over 6% of New Hanover County's workforce, showing significant progress in building the talent pipeline.

Infrastructure development has received a boost through Lumos' $56 million investment in high-speed fiber, addressing previous connectivity concerns.

The economic impact is substantial, with tech salaries averaging $92,000 and job growth projected at 8% annually through 2028.

Educational initiatives through Cape Fear Community College and UNCW's tech programs are producing job-ready graduates with a 94% employment rate, helping to bridge the skills gap.

The city's tech ecosystem is further strengthened by expanding startup resources and significant investment pledges, particularly in healthcare and sustainability sectors.

As Wilmington continues its evolution into a prominent tech hub, the focus remains on developing talent, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships between education and industry.

Wilmington has catapulted itself into a serious tech contender, ranking among the top five tech cities in North Carolina, with particularly strong showings in tech job postings and business-funded R&D. The city's tech workforce grew by 27.6% from 2019 to 2022, outpacing many established tech hubs.

This growth has resulted in over 11,000 direct tech industry jobs, with the ecosystem now supporting more than 110 startups. The rise of local success stories like nCino and Apiture demonstrates the region's potential.

The city's startup ecosystem has earned an impressive global ranking of 79th, placing second among similar-sized cities worldwide, behind only Cambridge, UK.

Key initiatives driving this growth include UNCW's expanding cybersecurity program, which has exceeded enrollment expectations, and the Tech Talent Collaborative's efforts to address workforce development.

The average tech salary now stands at $118,933, with roles in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and AI seeing the highest demand growth.

While challenges remain, particularly in filling senior-level positions and securing venture capital, Wilmington's strategic focus on educational partnerships and community engagement continues to strengthen its position as an emerging tech hub.

The city's success offers a blueprint for other mid-sized cities, demonstrating how targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and startup support can transform a regional economy.

The rise of local success stories like nCino and Apiture demonstrates the region's potential.

• Increasing tech jobs: Wilmington surpassed expectations with a 27.6% tech workforce growth from 2019 to 2022.
• Global ranking achievement: The city's startup ecosystem is ranked 79th globally, second among similar-sized cities worldwide.
• High salaries in tech: The average salary in Wilmington's tech industry is $118,933, with specific demand in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and AI roles.

Wilmington's tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 27.6% increase in the tech workforce since 2019.

The city's transformation is driven by major employers like Live Oak Bank, nCino, and Apiture, with tech professionals earning average salaries of $118,933. The recent collaboration between UNCW and Cape Fear Community College has strengthened educational pathways, particularly in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and software development.

The Tech Talent Collaborative's initiative has shown impressive results, with a 95% graduation and job placement rate through programs like the Careers in Technology Apprenticeship Cohort (CTAC).

This year's Wilmington Information Technology eXchange (WITX) further demonstrated the city's commitment to tech advancement, focusing on AI in Business, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics.

The fusion of education and industry partnerships has created over 900 new tech jobs, with projections showing an 8% annual growth rate through 2028. Local institutions are adapting their curricula to meet emerging needs in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and AI development, while major infrastructure investments in the 421 corridor and downtown Wilmington are creating optimal conditions for tech companies to thrive.

This strategic alignment of education, industry, and infrastructure positions Wilmington as an emerging tech hub, attracting both established companies and innovative startups to the region.