This Week's Latest Tech News in Des Moines, IA - Sunday April 6th 2025 Edition

Des Moines is rapidly emerging as a Midwest tech powerhouse in 2025, with the sector contributing $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy - a stunning 28% increase since 2017.

Major players like Microsoft are expanding with nine campuses, while fintech leader Dwolla handles over $13 billion in transactions.

The upcoming Iowa Technology Summit 2025 showcases the city's tech evolution across cybersecurity, data, innovation, leadership, and transformation tracks.

• Tech job opportunities are booming, with companies like Q2 revolutionizing mobile banking and PwC investing heavily in AI initiatives.
• The city's commitment to innovation is evident in its hosting of Tech Hub LIVE 2025, which brings together thought leaders and practitioners in advancing tech-enabled solutions.

Local success stories include Dotdash Meredith's innovative D/Cipher tool boosting digital revenue by 12%, and Barbara Miller's autonomous tractors achieving 9% higher crop yields while reducing fertilizer costs by 60%.

With an 18% sector growth from 2018-2023 and companies actively investing in advanced technology and employee development, Des Moines is proving itself as a prime destination for tech professionals seeking opportunities in a thriving ecosystem.

A2Tech Solutions' expansion plans align with Des Moines' explosive tech growth, which has contributed $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy - a 28% increase since 2017.

The company's new 100,000-square-foot development facility, scheduled for completion by Q4 2025, joins other major tech players like Microsoft, which is building its sixth data center in the region.

A2Tech's $50 million investment includes plans for an AI innovation lab and cloud computing center, positioning itself alongside companies like PwC, which is leading massive investments in AI that are projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

The facility will be powered by renewable energy, matching the region's commitment to sustainability demonstrated by other tech leaders in the DSM region.

With 500 new jobs planned across software development, data analytics, and systems management, A2Tech's expansion is part of a larger trend that has seen the sector grow 24% since 2010.

CEO Ludo Fourrage's vision includes partnerships with local institutions and a commitment to diversity, with 40% of roles designated for underrepresented groups.

The company's focus on emerging technologies and sustainable practices, combined with its collaborative approach to education and workforce development, exemplifies the transformation of Des Moines into a major Midwest tech hub.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Spark DSM Business Incubator program is revolutionizing the local startup scene in 2025.

This initiative, launched in 2022, empowers early-stage businesses through comprehensive support and education. The program specifically targets vendors for signature events like the Downtown Farmers' Market, World Food & Music Festival, and Out to Lunch, providing real-world business experience.

Eligible participants must be in business for one to four years or show annual sales between $40,000-$90,000.

The incubator's five-module curriculum covers essential topics including business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and legal compliance. A key feature of the program is its focus on networking and community engagement, helping entrepreneurs build crucial business relationships.

Under the direction of Sarah Garcia, Director of Inclusive Business Strategies, the program provides multiple showcase opportunities throughout the year, strengthening business operations and expanding market presence.

With support from Principal® and partnership with the Evelyn K. Davis Center, Spark DSM represents a significant investment in Des Moines' entrepreneurial future, serving businesses across twelve counties in the region and fostering economic growth through innovation and inclusivity.

Des Moines Area Community College's (DMACC) pioneering cybersecurity program is reshaping the local tech landscape as Iowa's first NSA-accredited community college program.

The comprehensive curriculum covers essential areas including information confidentiality, risk management, and system integrity, directly addressing the region's growing demand for cybersecurity expertise.

Recent data shows over 265,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions nationwide, with Des Moines experiencing particular strain in healthcare (22% growth) and finance (18% growth) sectors.

DMACC's program structure offers multiple pathways including an AAS degree, diploma, and certificate options, with graduates starting at approximately $54,000 annually.

The program sets itself apart through specialized certification tracks in Network+, Security+, and Ethical Hacking, complete with included certification vouchers.

Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools while working alongside experienced faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through partnerships with local businesses, providing real-world exposure to current cybersecurity challenges.

With projected job market growth of 27% through 2024 and salaries ranging from $108,000 to $168,000 for experienced professionals, DMACC's program is positioning Des Moines as a significant hub for cybersecurity talent development.

The tech scene in Des Moines is buzzing as the city prepares for its biggest tech event of the year. The 2025 Iowa Technology Summit, happening April 7-8 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, is set to be a game-changer with its groundbreaking AI track.

Dan Chuparkoff's keynote on "AI & The Future of Teams" will kick off discussions about navigating the challenges of AI implementation while fostering innovation.

The summit features five diverse tracks:

• Cybersecurity - Focuses on protecting digital assets and information.
• Data - Addresses the management and analysis of data for better decision-making.
• Innovation - Highlights new ideas and technologies driving progress.
• Leadership - Explores strategies for effective team and company guidance.
• Transformation - Emphasizes the role of changing technology in business evolution, with special focus on digital transformation and AI implementation across multiple stakeholders.

What's really cool is that they're bringing together both tech giants and local innovators - from startups to enterprise-level companies.

An exciting addition is the "Summit Sandbox," where attendees can get hands-on experience with emerging AI tools and technologies.

The summit's innovation track will spotlight groundbreaking AI applications in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, showcasing how local companies are leveraging artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems.

Grey Lovelace from Source Allies will lead an interactive session on "Structuring the Unstructured: GenAI Data Transformation," while Susan Martin and Zach Veigulis from Claimable will demonstrate how they're revolutionizing patient appeals using RAG-powered solutions.

With over 1,000 attendees expected, including students, professionals, and industry leaders, the summit is positioning Des Moines as a rising tech hub in the Midwest.

The event will conclude with "The Summit Download," offering attendees a chance to network and discuss potential collaborations, ensuring the conversations and innovations continue long after the conference ends.

Des Moines continues its evolution into a tech-forward metropolis in 2025, with a groundbreaking $50 million digital enterprise program laying the foundation for advanced smart city capabilities.

The initiative includes over 110 miles of conduit network, enabling everything from smart water meters to autonomous vehicle support.

The city's commitment to digital transformation is further evidenced by major development projects launching in 2025, including a new downtown skyscraper and the innovative Two Rivers Park project.

These improvements are complemented by significant state-backed initiatives that are creating over 410 new tech-focused jobs and attracting over $263 million in capital investment to the region.

Here are some key initiatives:

• AI-powered waste management: The city has implemented an AI-powered waste management system, reducing energy consumption by 60% and optimizing city services.
• Public Wi-Fi coverage: The digital infrastructure expansion has already enabled public Wi-Fi coverage across 70% of public spaces, fostering digital inclusion and supporting local businesses.
• Smart traffic management system: A new system has reduced peak-hour delays by 20%, while real-time data analytics help city planners make informed decisions about urban development.

With several tech giants establishing data centers in the region and the city's commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Des Moines is positioning itself as a leading smart city in the Midwest.

These initiatives are attracting both talent and investment, transforming Des Moines into a hub for technological innovation and sustainable urban living.

Des Moines is solidifying its position as a rising FinTech powerhouse, with 18 innovative startups collectively raising over $217 million in funding.

Leading this transformation is Dwolla, a pioneering payment infrastructure company that has revolutionized bank-to-bank transfers, handling an impressive $13 billion in transactions.

The city's tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with major players like Microsoft expanding operations across nine campuses and contributing to a sector-wide 28% economic boost since 2017.

The startup ecosystem is further enriched by emerging players like OpenLoop in telehealth and Roboflow in computer vision, which have attracted significant venture capital attention.

This growth has generated thousands of new tech jobs, with FinTech employment showing an 18% increase from 2018-2023. The city's commitment to innovation is evident through initiatives like Curql Accelerate, which recently opened applications for its third FinTech cohort, providing crucial funding and industry connections to early-stage startups.

Local success stories showcase Des Moines' potential, with companies like Q2 now serving one in ten digital banking customers nationwide. The combination of established firms, innovative startups, and robust support networks positions Des Moines as a prime destination for FinTech development and investment.

The 2025 Des Moines Charity Hackathon is set to transform local nonprofits through tech innovation this May 1-3 at West48 in West Des Moines.

This 48-hour event brings together developers, designers, and tech professionals to create digital solutions for community organizations. The hackathon, now in its 11th year, has become a catalyst for both social impact and career growth.

Teams will develop various digital tools, from web applications to database systems, addressing real challenges faced by local nonprofits.

What makes this event unique is its dual impact: while nonprofits receive much-needed tech support, participants gain valuable experience and networking opportunities.

According to dsmHack's company profile, many local tech companies actively recruit from the event, recognizing participants' demonstrated skills in real-world problem-solving.

The $30 entry fee grants access to a weekend of coding, collaboration, and community impact. Common technologies used include JavaScript, Python, Java, and various web development tools.

Past participants have reported that the hackathon experience significantly enhanced their portfolios and led to professional opportunities.

The event emphasizes that everyone, from seasoned developers to eager learners, can contribute meaningfully to these projects.

With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged for those wanting to be part of this transformative weekend that exemplifies the "Build. Learn.

Give." philosophy.

Des Moines is transforming into a dynamic tech education hub in 2025, with top colleges offering advanced programs in AI, coding, and ag-tech.

The University of Iowa, ranked 98th among national universities, leads with engineering programs producing graduates earning average starting salaries of $89,577.

Iowa State University has emerged as a powerhouse with nearly 100 research centers and an impressive 75% graduation rate. Recent expansions like OpenLoop, which grew from 5 to 300 employees, demonstrate the city's tech momentum.

The collaboration between educational institutions and industry is driving innovation, with Drake University's Zimpleman College of Business offering hands-on projects in digital marketing and business analytics.

The Iowa Technology Summit 2025 further strengthens these connections, featuring tracks in cybersecurity, data analytics, and innovation.

This synergy has resulted in a 94% career placement rate at institutions like Simpson College, while companies report a 30% increase in talent acquisition. With annual investments of over $5 million in joint research initiatives and tech collaborations contributing $12 million to the local economy, Des Moines is solidifying its position as a leading Midwest tech hub where education and industry innovation converge.

Blockchain technology continues to reshape Des Moines' business landscape in 2025, with adoption rates reaching record levels across multiple sectors.

Local financial institutions now process transactions with unprecedented efficiency, while healthcare providers leverage secure digital ledgers for patient data management.

Notably, the integration of AI with blockchain data is revolutionizing market predictions and investment strategies for Des Moines businesses.

The technology's impact extends beyond traditional applications - agricultural firms are implementing blockchain solutions for supply chain transparency, ensuring farm-to-table traceability.

According to recent data, 45% of Des Moines-based businesses have either implemented or are actively exploring blockchain solutions, with adoption rates highest in finance (60%), healthcare (50%), and agriculture (40%).

William Lee, CEO of Iowa Blockchain Initiative, emphasizes the technology's transformative potential, particularly in building resilient systems through reduced transaction fees and improved cross-chain communication.

As gas fees continue to decrease and user experiences improve, Des Moines positions itself as a Midwest leader in blockchain innovation, attracting tech talent and fostering economic growth through enhanced operational efficiency and security across its business ecosystem.

Des Moines is experiencing unprecedented growth in its tech sector, contributing $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy, marking a 28% increase since 2017.

The city's tech landscape is transforming rapidly, with major players like Microsoft expanding operations and Dwolla processing over $13 billion in transactions.

Tech employment has surged, with job growth reaching 8.9% and adding more than 2,500 positions, offering an average salary of $88,750.

This growth is further amplified by the development of a new 500-megawatt data center project on the south side, representing a $2-3 billion investment that's attracting smaller tech companies to the region.

The tech ecosystem is particularly vibrant in areas like cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and AI development, with companies offering competitive salaries ranging from $120K to $165K for entry-level positions.

Local initiatives like the Iowa Technology Summit and various business accelerators are fostering innovation and connecting entrepreneurs with resources. Despite challenges in talent acquisition, Des Moines is actively addressing these through partnerships between tech firms and educational institutions, positioning itself as an emerging tech hub with a focus on sustainable growth and innovation.

The city's lower cost of living combined with its growing tech opportunities makes it increasingly attractive to both established companies and startups looking to expand their operations.

Des Moines continues to cement its position as a dynamic tech hub in the Midwest, with the tech industry contributing a substantial $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy in 2021, marking a 28% increase since 2017.

The city's tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth, ranking in the top 20 cities nationally for tech job growth with a 5.5% increase from 2020 to 2021. This growth is exemplified by companies like Dwolla, which processes $50 billion annually in transactions, and MākuSafe, whose workplace safety technology has reduced claims severity by 90%.

The ecosystem is further strengthened by Microsoft's expansion, with plans for a sixth data center representing an investment exceeding $6 billion.

Support networks and accelerators like Global Insurance Accelerator and Iowa AgriTech Accelerator are fostering innovation, while events such as the Iowa Technology Summit bring together over 700 tech professionals annually.

The city's commitment to sustainable growth is evident in its infrastructure development and focus on renewable energy, with new tech facilities powered by 100% renewable sources.

Looking ahead, Des Moines is positioned to continue its upward trajectory, with projections showing a 15% increase in tech support networks and a 20% rise in incubator programs by 2024, making it an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals and startups alike.