This Week's Latest Tech News in Wichita, KS - Sunday April 6th 2025 Edition

In 2025, Wichita has emerged as a formidable tech hub, jumping 45 spots to rank 43rd among best-performing cities nationwide.

The city's tech sector has achieved an impressive 18% growth since 2020, with over 110 IT companies now calling Wichita home. Ranking 15th in digital service job growth according to the Brookings Institution, Wichita offers tech salaries averaging $72,500, with specialized roles like Data Scientists commanding over $121,525.

• WSU Tech growth: WSU Tech's record enrollment growth, particularly in tech-related programs, with 6,503 students now enrolled.
• IoT investment: $50 million invested in IoT infrastructure, while the cost of tech labor remains 10% to 30% below national averages.
• Company presence: Notable companies like Koch Disruptive Technologies and NetApp have established strong presences, benefiting from commercial energy rates 7.3% below the national average.
• Downtown revitalization: The city's revitalized downtown provides unique spaces for tech startups.
• Educational partnerships: Partnerships between businesses and educational institutions offer 17 different IT certification programs, creating a robust pipeline of tech talent.

This convergence of affordable living, growing opportunities, and technological innovation continues to strengthen Wichita's position as a leading tech destination in the Midwest.

The technology landscape in Wichita continues to evolve with multiple opportunities for career advancement and innovation. The Engineering & I.T. Career Fair at the Rhatigan Student Center serves as a prime networking hub for tech professionals and students alike.

Building on this momentum, WSU Tech's expanding programs in Information Technology and Computer Science are preparing the next generation of tech leaders.

The community's commitment to STEM education is further exemplified through the Regional Science & Engineering Fair, which connects students with industry professionals and showcases emerging talent.

Recent developments include expansion of virtual reality labs, sustainable technology initiatives, and advanced robotics research facilities.

Local tech companies are actively recruiting for positions in AI development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, with starting salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 annually.

The focus on practical, hands-on experience through internships and co-op positions has created a robust pipeline for tech talent in the region.

Industry partnerships with major employers have resulted in cutting-edge training programs, particularly in automation and data analytics. With over 200 tech startups calling Wichita home and an increasing number of remote work opportunities, the city's tech ecosystem continues to thrive.

The integration of emerging technologies across healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors has positioned Wichita as a growing tech hub in the Midwest, attracting both established companies and innovative startups.

This transformation has been supported by significant investments in digital infrastructure and the development of collaborative workspaces throughout the city.

Wichita's transformation into a smart city is gaining momentum through strategic sustainability and technology initiatives. The city's comprehensive Community Resilience Plan outlines ambitious goals for infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency.

Recent developments include LED conversions across major facilities, with City Hall and recreation centers receiving upgrades worth nearly $700,000 combined. The initiative extends beyond lighting, as revealed in the latest economic development report, which shows significant investments in tech infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Notable progress includes the installation of EV charging stations, smart traffic systems, and the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks throughout downtown. Wichita City Manager Susan Brown, who recently announced her retirement, has been instrumental in advancing these smart city objectives, particularly in implementing energy-efficient solutions at key facilities like the Advanced Learning Library and Eisenhower Airport.

The initiative has already achieved a 70-80% annual energy offset through renewable energy programs, with plans to reach 95% consumption from the Ponderosa Wind Farm by year-end.

These improvements align with the city's goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 25% by 2030 while enhancing public services through data analytics and IoT technologies.

The integrated data platform continues to evolve, providing real-time feedback to city officials and improving resource allocation across all sectors.

Wichita's gaming scene is experiencing a major transformation as multiple initiatives converge to establish the city as a tech and esports hub. The Wichita Board of Education's $544,400 investment in esports programs across four high schools and four middle schools marks a significant commitment to competitive gaming education.

This development comes alongside news that Integra Technologies' $1.8 billion semiconductor facility will create 2,000 jobs, potentially supporting the growing gaming infrastructure.

• Community Dedication: The city's dedication to gaming extends beyond education, with numerous gaming events and tournaments regularly taking place across various venues.
• Student Resources: Students will have access to 320 gaming desktop computers, enabling participation in popular titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Rocket League.
• Educational Pathways: The initiative includes both competitive teams and a new "Gaming Concepts" elective class, creating pathways for students interested in esports careers.
• Business Partnerships: Local businesses are getting involved too, with partnerships forming between schools and tech companies to provide equipment and mentorship opportunities.

This comprehensive approach to gaming infrastructure positions Wichita as an emerging force in the Midwest esports scene, with potential collegiate pathways through Wichita State University's developing esports degree program.

The combination of educational support, industry growth, and community engagement is creating a sustainable ecosystem for gaming enthusiasts and future professionals alike.

The 2025 Wichita Innovation Awards, held at Mark Arts on March 27, showcased the city's most innovative organizations and individuals.

The event marked its 11th year of recognizing local innovators, with 32 companies and two individuals receiving honors for their groundbreaking contributions.

Among the standouts was Riordan Clinic, recognized for their advances in integrative health solutions, and weavix Inc., honored for their technological developments in industrial connectivity.

The awards ceremony highlighted diverse sectors including healthcare, technology, and education, with organizations like Ascension Via Christi Lung Nodule Clinic and WSU Tech Gene Haas Innovation Center demonstrating Wichita's commitment to advancing medical care and technical education.

Notable honorees included Jennifer Johnson from Delta Dental of Kansas and Nancy Garcia of Chatterbox Studios, whose individual achievements have significantly impacted their respective fields.

The event underscored Wichita's growing reputation as a hub for innovation, with many recipients showcasing solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and technology.

• Artificial intelligence integration was a key theme, with honorees focusing on how emerging technologies can be incorporated into various sectors to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Community-focused technological solutions were also emphasized, highlighting developments that aim to improve community engagement and access to services through innovative tech applications.

This year's ceremony particularly emphasized developments in artificial intelligence integration and community-focused technological solutions, reflecting the city's evolution into a forward-thinking tech ecosystem.

The diverse range of honorees, from established institutions to emerging startups, demonstrates the depth and breadth of innovation happening across Wichita's business landscape.

Wichita State University continues to expand its tech footprint through strategic partnerships and innovative programs. The university's Innovation Campus has formed collaborations with major industry leaders including Airbus, Deloitte, and NetApp, establishing a robust ecosystem for tech advancement.

A significant development is the partnership expansion with SkillStorm, which integrates industry-recognized certifications into the IT curriculum, directly addressing the projected 25% growth in Kansas's tech sector by 2026.

The university's commitment to practical education is further demonstrated through the new Office of Community Partnerships, which enhances collaboration between academic programs and industry partners.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Students now have access to cutting-edge resources, including Deloitte's Smart Factory and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE Center, where they gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies and virtual environments.
• Focus on tech education: The university's strategic focus on tech education is particularly timely, as current data shows jobs in areas like software development, programming, and cybersecurity offer salaries double the median state wage.
• Economic growth and industry alignment: Through these initiatives, Wichita State is positioning itself as a key player in developing the next generation of tech professionals while strengthening the region's economic growth through industry-aligned education.

In the heart of Wichita, GreenTech Solutions Group and DigiMed are driving innovation forward, as recognized at the Wichita Innovation Awards.

GreenTech, founded in 2009, has evolved from its initial focus on energy-efficient upgrades to become a key player in sustainable technologies. Their latest venture, EcoCrop, combines renewable energy solutions with precision agriculture, achieving a 30% reduction in water usage while boosting crop yields by 20%.

With annual revenue reaching $164K and strategic partnerships across multiple sectors, GreenTech's impact extends beyond traditional sustainability metrics. Their innovative finance solutions have enabled faster implementation of sustainable technologies, supporting over 200 farms in the Wichita area.

Meanwhile, DigiMed continues to revolutionize healthcare through their MedConnect platform, which now integrates AI-powered diagnostics with real-time health monitoring.

Their virtual reality module for chronic pain management has shown remarkable success, reducing medication dependence by 15% and extending healthcare access to over 50,000 rural residents.

The platform's patient satisfaction ratings have increased by 35%, validating their approach to proactive healthcare delivery. Together, these companies exemplify Wichita's emergence as a tech hub where innovation meets practical application, creating solutions that address real-world challenges while promoting sustainable development.

Wichita's smart traffic evolution is hitting a major milestone with the installation of radio-equipped traffic signals along Greenwich Road by the end of 2024.

This $1.4 million project, backed by both KDOT and city funding, will enable direct communication between traffic signals and smart vehicles, making your daily commute way smoother.

The system's got your back - it'll give you a heads-up before lights change and might even help you catch more green lights. The best part? This tech isn't about catching speeders - it's all about keeping everyone safer on the road.

Since starting their traffic optimization program in 2017, Wichita has seen some serious results, including a 40% drop in travel times along Douglas Avenue. Smart work zone systems are taking things even further, with real-time updates every 30 seconds about traffic conditions, construction zones, and the fastest routes.

Deloitte's Smart Factory collaboration with Wichita State University is pushing the city's tech game even higher, showing how smart tech can transform everything from manufacturing to city infrastructure.

• Signalized Intersections: With Wichita rocking between 500 and 600 signalized intersections, and $800,000 allocated for improvements in 2023, we're looking at a future where getting around town isn't just easier - it's smarter.
• Safety and Traffic Flow: The whole system is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly while making sure pedestrians and drivers alike stay safe, proving that Wichita's investment in smart infrastructure is paying off for everyone.

Wichita's digital transformation is taking a major leap forward through strategic smart city initiatives. The city's newly implemented LORAWAN network demonstrates this commitment, enabling real-time monitoring of everything from soil moisture to city infrastructure.

This tech upgrade coincides with the Downtown Wichita Action Plan, which aims to revitalize the urban core through smart infrastructure and connectivity improvements.

The implementation of IoT sensors and traffic analytics has already reduced commute times by 20%, while the EnergySmart system continues to deliver impressive energy savings of 15% annually.

The city's transformation extends beyond infrastructure.

As Wichita considers new approaches to city management, digital services are being reimagined to better serve residents.

The Unified Public Services Platform (UPSP) has streamlined administrative processes, cutting waiting times in half and reducing workload by 35%. The Wichita eID system, now with 70% adoption, saves the city $1.2 million yearly through reduced paperwork and improved accuracy.

These initiatives represent more than just technological advancement - they're about creating a more responsive and efficient city.

The integration of smart sensors, digital identity systems, and automated services has established Wichita as a model for modern urban development. As these systems continue to evolve, residents can expect even more improvements in service delivery and quality of life.

The city's approach shows that thoughtful technology implementation can transform public services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Wichita's collaborative ecosystem continues to evolve in 2025, with Wichita State University's Technology Industry Engagement (TIE) department leading transformative partnerships between academia and industry.

The Innovation Campus has become a dynamic hub for collaboration, hosting partnerships with global leaders like Airbus, NetApp, and Spirit AeroSystems. These collaborations have created real-world opportunities for students, with over 300 employees at the Airbus Engineering Center alone.

The university's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through WSU Tech's expanded partnership with SkillStorm, which integrates essential tech certifications into degree programs, addressing the region's growing demand for skilled tech workers.

The Kansas tech sector is projected to grow by 25% by 2026, with over 70,000 jobs available in software development, programming, cybersecurity, and AI - positions that typically offer double the median state wage.

The new Office of Community Partnerships further strengthens these connections, incorporating the Community Engagement Institute and Public Policy Management Center to create a comprehensive support network for industry collaboration.

This integrated approach has positioned Wichita State as Kansas' premier urban public research university, ranking first nationally in aerospace engineering R&D and second in industry-funded engineering research.

The Innovation Campus now spans over 120 acres, making it one of the nation's largest research and innovation parks, where students gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals in cutting-edge facilities.

Wichita's vision for a technological future is transforming into reality, as the city emerges as a dynamic tech hub in America's heartland. The Greater Wichita region has become a recognized Midwest technology center, with over 110 IT companies calling it home and ranking #15 in digital service job growth nationally.

The city's strategic advantage includes:

• Business-friendly ecosystem: Offering commercial energy rates 7.3% below the national average and tech labor costs 10-30% lower than national standards.
• Significant tech growth: The tech sector has experienced a remarkable 20% growth over the past five years, with projections showing a continued 15% expansion through 2033.
• Major investments: Supported by key players like Koch Industries' commitment to the region.

"The Downtown Wichita Action Plan is further catalyzing this transformation, focusing on creating strong connections between tech hubs and cultivating vibrant neighborhood identities."

The initiative has already attracted $1.7 billion in public and private investments, with an additional pipeline of projects totaling over $760 million.

Educational institutions' role includes:

• Diverse education programs: 17 different IT certification and degree programs offered through business-education partnerships.
• Focus areas: Programs concentrate on network administration, software development, and emerging technologies.

The median tech salaries now reach up to $115,000, making Wichita an attractive destination for tech professionals, especially considering the cost of living is 15% below the national average.

Find out more about the Downtown Wichita Action Plan.

Real-life success stories such as Michael Jones and Jennifer Taylor exemplify how Wichita is becoming a competitive choice for tech careers.

Wichita's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with an 18% expansion in the tech sector since 2020 and a game-changing $50 million investment in IoT infrastructure.

The city's transformation is further evidenced by WSU Tech's record-breaking enrollment numbers, with 6,503 students now pursuing tech-focused education, surpassing strategic goals three years ahead of schedule.

The momentum is particularly strong in emerging fields, with the 2025 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program approval signaling the city's commitment to digital security.

The average tech salary now stands at $72,500, with specialized roles like Data Scientists commanding over $121,525 and AI Architects reaching $200,000.

The tech ecosystem is flourishing through strategic initiatives, including expanded workforce development programs and innovative partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders.

• Strategic Initiatives: Initiatives are crucial for expanding the tech workforce and include partnerships with educational institutions.
• Educational Partnerships: Collaboration between schools and industry leaders fosters innovation and growth in the tech sector.
• Cost of Living: Wichita's cost of living remains attractively low, 15% below average, making it a top choice for tech talent.

As we look ahead, the combination of robust educational programs, increasing job opportunities, and strategic investments positions Wichita as an emerging tech hub in the Midwest, ready to compete on the national stage.