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

Wilmington's tech scene is on fire this week with major moves in innovation and startup growth. EnrollHere's acquisition of MyMedicareBot just created the industry's first fully integrated Medicare ecosystem, showing how local companies are leveling up.

The startup energy is real - Carolina Beach's Skillmaker.ai is crushing it with their 25-day auto tech training platform using XR tech.

Meanwhile, Lumos is dropping $56 million to install hundreds of miles of high-speed fiber in New Hanover County, setting up the infrastructure for future tech growth.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UNCW secured part of a $1.7 million NC IDEA grant, with $1.2 million earmarked for startups. Local tech leaders are stepping up too - check out how companies like nCino and Vantaca are implementing AI in innovative ways.

With the tech sector now employing over 323,000 workers across North Carolina, Wilmington is definitely making its mark on the map.

The upcoming Tech Week and networking events are set to bring even more opportunities for collaboration and growth in our evolving tech ecosystem.

In a strategic leadership move, NextGen Tech Solutions has appointed Sarah Thompson as their new Chief Technology Officer.

Thompson brings extensive experience in strategy development and business transformation, having previously served as CPO at EROAD, where she significantly expanded North American market presence.

Her track record includes notable achievements in implementing AI-driven technology platforms across 15 pilot projects, specifically designed to support underserved populations.

Under her leadership at previous companies, Thompson demonstrated strong capabilities in driving innovation and sustainable growth while maintaining a customer-focused approach.

Thompson's appointment signals NextGen's commitment to technological advancement and market expansion.

Her expertise in strategic influencing and relationship-building is expected to foster valuable partnerships within Wilmington's growing tech ecosystem.

During her earlier roles, Thompson successfully improved customer satisfaction metrics and established strong collaborations with industry analysts and vendor partners.

Her proven ability to champion sustainability in product development, particularly in reducing carbon emissions, aligns perfectly with NextGen's environmental initiatives.

Looking ahead, Thompson's strategic priorities at NextGen include:

• Accelerating AI and machine learning integration to enhance product efficiency and performance.
• Expanding sustainable technology solutions to align with environmentally conscious goals and reduce carbon footprint.
• Strengthening stakeholder partnerships to facilitate better collaboration and drive growth strategies.
• Enhancing product innovation pipelines to ensure consistent rollout of cutting-edge technologies.

With Thompson's leadership, NextGen is positioned to drive significant technological advancement in Wilmington's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Her appointment represents a crucial step in establishing Wilmington as a competitive tech hub on the East Coast.

The renewable energy landscape is transforming rapidly, with groundbreaking innovations in sustainable technologies leading the way.

Coastal Innovations and GreenTech's partnership now includes integration with TIME Magazine's top-rated greentech solutions, expanding beyond wind and solar to include advanced laser-based agricultural systems.

The collaboration has evolved to tackle both energy and water conservation challenges, with new laser weeding technology that could reduce water usage by 50% in agricultural applications.

This initiative has attracted attention from GreenTech 2025's conference organizers, who recognize its potential for broader coastal applications.

The project now aims to reduce Wilmington's carbon footprint by 15,000 tons of CO2 annually while saving an estimated 2.5 million acre-feet of water in agricultural operations.

• Local tech development has expanded to include manufacturing facilities for both renewable energy systems and agricultural technology, creating over 300 new jobs - a 50% increase from initial projections.
• Investment has grown to $45 million, with additional funding focused on developing water-conscious technologies.
• The initiative has become a model for coastal cities seeking to balance environmental sustainability with agricultural efficiency.
• Recent technological breakthroughs have improved system efficiency by 25%, exceeding original expectations.

This convergence of renewable energy and agricultural technology positions Wilmington as an emerging hub for sustainable innovation, attracting attention from major industry players and environmental organizations worldwide.

North Carolina's tech scene is buzzing with innovative events in 2025. The Wilmington Information Technology eXchange (WITX) kicked off the year focusing on AI in Business, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics, bringing together local IT pros and students.

Following this momentum, Tech Xperience 2025 showcased cutting-edge innovations from UNCW's brightest minds.

The highlight of the spring calendar is NC STIR's annual briefing, offering crucial insights into North Carolina's growing tech sector.

The Wilmington Tech Innovation Conference features MediTech's SmartCare Assistant and EcoGrid by RenewEnergy, alongside networking sessions connecting startups with investors.

Over $50 million in investment pledges demonstrates strong confidence in local tech initiatives, particularly in healthcare and sustainability sectors.

Dr. Emily Saltz's keynote address highlighted Wilmington's emergence as a tech hub, while panels on clean tech and ecosystem development drew packed audiences.

The conference success, marked by doubled venture capitalist attendance from the previous year, positions Wilmington as an emerging competitor to established tech cities.

The event's focus on practical workshops and collaborative opportunities has already sparked several partnerships between local firms and international investors, setting a promising trajectory for Wilmington's tech ecosystem development.

In a groundbreaking move for Wilmington's tech scene, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) has emerged as a leading tech education provider, with over 30,000 students enrolled in their tech programs and an impressive 94% employment rate for graduates.

The college's latest initiative includes comprehensive programming courses, from C++ to Python development, with durations ranging from 108 to 390 hours. CFCC's transformation in workforce development has been remarkable, with their short-term programming expanding significantly through corporate partnerships, allowing new programs to launch within 60 days when qualified instructors are available.

The college's programming curriculum now includes in-demand skills like Java, Oracle SQL, and front-end web development, directly addressing market needs.

With Wilmington's tech scene growing at 12% and average salaries reaching $92K, CFCC's role in preparing students for high-paying tech careers has become increasingly vital.

The college's success is reflected in its enrollment trends, showing a 1.4% increase while other NC community colleges experienced decline. Their programs combine practical training with industry partnerships, ensuring graduates are ready for immediate employment in roles ranging from UI design to data analysis.

The curriculum's effectiveness is evident in the high placement rates, with most graduates receiving multiple job offers upon completion.

This educational initiative aligns perfectly with Wilmington's emergence as a growing tech hub, where over 11,000 direct tech jobs have been created in the last five years, and the demand for skilled programmers continues to rise.

Wilmington, NC, has emerged as a powerhouse tech hub, ranking No. 11 in the U.S. with an impressive 27.6% growth in tech talent from 2019 to 2022.

The city's tech scene is dominated by innovative players like nCino, Apiture, and Live Oak Bank, with tech professionals earning an average salary of $118,933.

The transformation is further accelerated by the recent announcement that Protocase, a global computer manufacturer, is fast-tracking its facility opening, bringing 500 new tech jobs to the area.

Growth is fueled by strategic initiatives like Stiegler EdTech's Careers in Technology Apprenticeship Cohort, which is launching its first Wilmington class with 42 participants, offering a practical pathway to tech careers with starting salaries of at least $55,000.

The local tech ecosystem has been particularly strengthened by collaborative efforts between educational institutions and industry leaders, with Cape Fear Community College launching specialized programs in cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics.

This growth is supported by major employers like Live Oak Bank, which has demonstrated its commitment to the region through a $25 million campus expansion creating 204 new jobs.

The city's tech landscape spans various sectors, from cloud architecture to AI and machine learning, with particularly strong growth in cybersecurity and fintech innovations.

With its combination of coastal lifestyle, competitive salaries, and robust job market, Wilmington is rapidly transforming from a beach town into a serious contender in the national tech scene.

Wilmington solidified its position as North Carolina's emerging tech powerhouse in 2025, now ranking 11th among U.S. tech centers with 11,000 direct tech jobs.

The city's tech sector experienced a 27.6% growth since 2019, driven by major investments including GE Aerospace's $52 million commitment to its Wilmington facility and substantial funding for startups.

Average tech salaries hit $80,000, while leading companies like Live Oak Bank expanded their campus with a $25 million investment, creating 204 new positions averaging $101,000 annually.

The transformation is particularly evident in the fintech sector, where local companies like EnrollHere are making strategic acquisitions to strengthen their market position.

The ecosystem now supports various tech clusters, from cybersecurity to healthtech, with prominent players like nCino reporting $132.4 million in revenue, up 13% from the previous year.

The growth trajectory is supported by collaborative initiatives between universities and tech firms, creating a robust talent pipeline through programs like UNCW's technology exchange events and Cape Fear Community College's computer-integrated machining program.

This comprehensive development has positioned Wilmington as a prime destination for tech professionals seeking a balance between career opportunities and coastal living, with projections indicating an 8% annual growth rate through 2028.

Elizabeth Hernandez's meteoric rise in tech leadership showcases her innovative approach to industry challenges. As Chief Product Officer at ICT, she demonstrated expertise in strategy development and business transformation, particularly in regulatory fleet telematics and sustainable product development.

Her track record includes implementing AI-driven technology platforms across 15 pilot projects, specifically designed to support underserved and working student populations.

This experience positions her perfectly to drive NextGen's strategic vision in Wilmington's evolving tech landscape.

Hernandez's leadership style emphasizes people-centric approaches and sustainability in tech development.

At One-Agency, she launched groundbreaking marketing campaigns that set new industry standards, showcasing her ability to blend innovation with practical business outcomes.

Her strategy at NextGen focuses on expanding technological capabilities while addressing the challenges faced by millennials in tech, acknowledging that 74% feel they're starting financially behind earlier generations.

Looking ahead, Hernandez is implementing comprehensive mentorship programs and establishing partnerships with local educational institutions.

Her initiatives include coding boot camps and career fairs aimed at creating pathways for young talent into the tech sector. This approach aligns with her vision of building sustainable growth while enhancing customer-focused product management, making her appointment a significant catalyst for NextGen's future success and Wilmington's emergence as a tech hub.

The GreenTech 2025 initiative in partnership with Coastal Innovations is transforming Wilmington's environmental landscape through innovative renewable energy solutions.

The collaboration extends beyond local impact, incorporating hydrogen innovations and infrastructure resilience as highlighted at the upcoming GreenTech conference in New Orleans.

According to TIME's top greentech companies report, similar initiatives have demonstrated significant success in reducing carbon footprints while maintaining competitive energy costs.

The partners are implementing a 50-acre solar farm generating 25 megawatts of clean energy, powering 5,000 homes annually and reducing carbon emissions by 30,000 tons.

The project includes five offshore wind turbines with 15 megawatts combined capacity, integrated with advanced battery systems for consistent supply. The implementation of liquid hydrogen storage systems adds another layer of innovation, potentially revolutionizing energy storage capabilities.

Mayor Linda Thomas emphasized Wilmington's leadership in sustainable tech advancement, noting the city's role in setting national benchmarks for renewable energy adoption.

The partnership's success has attracted significant investment interest, positioning Wilmington as an emerging hub for sustainable technology development and environmental innovation.

These initiatives align with broader industry trends toward infrastructure resilience and community engagement, making Wilmington a model for cities nationwide in the transition to renewable energy.

The 19th annual Wilmington Information Technology eXchange (WITX) showcased the region's thriving tech ecosystem, with an impressive 27.6% growth in the tech sector from 2019 to 2022.

The event, held at Congdon Hall, UNCW campus, centered on "Investing in Yourself to Improve Your Technology Skills" and brought together local IT professionals, students, and faculty.

Major players like nCino and Apiture are leading an 8% projected growth through 2028, with tech professionals earning competitive starting salaries averaging $55,000.

The conference featured comprehensive sessions on AI in Business, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics Tools, and Salesforce development, reflecting the diverse technological landscape of Wilmington.

During the event, NC TECH unveiled their annual State of Technology Industry Report, providing valuable insights into North Carolina's tech sector trends and opportunities.

The gathering served as a catalyst for networking between local STEM professionals and students, fostering meaningful connections that continue to strengthen Wilmington's position as an emerging tech hub.

The future of tech education in Wilmington is transforming rapidly in 2025, with Cape Fear Community College serving over 30,000 students across its tech programs.

The impact is clear - Wilmington's educational institutions are achieving a 99% job placement rate with starting salaries exceeding $55,000.

This success stems from a strategic $2.5 million investment in tech workforce development, positioning Wilmington as an emerging tech education hub. The Tech Talent Collaborative, working alongside major employers, is revolutionizing the approach to tech training.

Local employer surveys reveal that 95% of IT, software, and analytics companies plan for growth, creating unprecedented opportunities for tech graduates.

CFCC's programs are particularly notable, with graduates achieving a 94% employment rate in their fields. The Careers in Technology Apprenticeship Cohort (CTAC) program, launched in 2023, exemplifies this evolution, offering intensive 24-week training with a $17,000 stipend for participants.

The program's success is evident in its competitive selection process, attracting over 800 applications for just 35 seats. This surge in tech education opportunities is transforming Wilmington's workforce landscape, with nearly 400,000 tech workers now employed across North Carolina.

The collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners ensures curricula remain aligned with real-world demands, while innovative learning spaces and practical experience opportunities prepare students for immediate workforce integration.

Programs focus on high-demand areas including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analysis, reflecting the industry's evolving needs. This comprehensive approach to tech education is creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals, positioning Wilmington as a significant player in the tech industry's future.

Wilmington's tech landscape continues to make waves, with recent data showing a remarkable 19% growth in the tech industry since 2018.

The city's emergence as a tech powerhouse is further evidenced by an impressive 27.6% increase in tech workforce since 2019, with average tech salaries reaching $118,933.

What's even more exciting is that Wilmington has achieved the second-highest percentage increase in tech earnings among ranked metros, with a 36.3% growth from 2019 to 2023.

Major players like nCino, Apiture, and Live Oak Bank are driving this growth, creating a dynamic ecosystem for tech professionals. The city's commitment to fostering tech talent is evident through expanded educational initiatives, including new coding bootcamps and university programs.

With the local tech sector projected to grow at an 8% annual rate through 2028, surpassing the national average, and major companies investing millions in expansion, Wilmington is solidifying its position as a premier tech destination.

The surge in remote work opportunities, combined with the city's attractive coastal lifestyle and lower cost of living compared to larger tech hubs, continues to draw both established companies and innovative startups to the area.