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

Winston-Salem's tech scene is thriving in 2025, with tech job growth up 52% and average salaries reaching $118,933.

The Innovation Quarter, spanning 2 million square feet, has become a central hub for innovation, hosting diverse companies from biotech to data analytics. The city's entrepreneurial ecosystem is strengthened by key support elements including Flywheel Coworking, Winston Starts, and Venture Café Winston-Salem, which provide essential resources for startups.

Local success stories like Swipeby and NVOLVE demonstrate the city's potential, while partnerships with Inmar Intelligence and Novant Health drive healthcare tech innovation.

The city has earned recognition as the #2 Best City for Women in Tech and #1 for Small Business Growth, supported by fast internet speeds averaging 463.66 Mbps.

Educational institutions like Forsyth Tech offer comprehensive programs in cybersecurity and web technologies, ensuring a steady talent pipeline. While recent rankings show some fluctuation in tech GDP, the foundation for continued growth remains strong, with emerging opportunities in data analytics and healthcare IT supporting the city's evolution as a tech destination.

Winston-Salem's Innovation Quarter is entering Phase II of development, adding one million square feet of clinical, office, and lab space alongside 15 acres of urban green space.

The expansion, breaking ground in September 2023, represents a major upgrade to the district that currently houses over 170 companies and 3,700 workers. The Innovation Quarter, spanning more than 330 acres, has become one of the fastest-growing urban-based innovation districts in the United States.

The master plan includes the construction of 10 buildings totaling 2.7 million square feet, with 450 residential units and 350,000 square feet of ground-level activation space.

Development opportunities include 28 shovel-ready acres equipped with redundant fiber systems and advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

The project emphasizes community inclusion with participation goals of 26% for minority-owned and 10% for women-owned businesses.

• Infrastructure improvements: This expansion phase features significant infrastructure improvements, including 2,270 linear feet of Long Branch Trail extension, 140 new trees, and 131 street lights.
• Inclusive environment: The development maintains a strong focus on creating an inclusive environment that supports innovation while providing essential amenities like restaurants, retail spaces, and public gathering areas.
• Winston-Salem's positioning: This growth positions Winston-Salem as a leading destination for biomedical science, information technology, and digital media companies, while strengthening its reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainable urban development.

Winston-Salem's tech scene is leveling up with several new accelerator programs launching in 2025. Velocity Creative Accelerator leads the charge, offering a 12-week program with mentorship and funding for early-stage companies.

The Innovation Quarter has strengthened its ecosystem through a strategic partnership with Winston Starts, providing entrepreneurs access to development frameworks and valuable resources.

This collaboration includes dedicated office space, expert mentoring, and customized coaching for startups. Wake Forest University's Center for Entrepreneurship adds academic muscle through its Startup Lab and Deacon Springboard programs, creating a comprehensive support network for new ventures.

• Flywheel New Ventures: This program focuses on Series A investments. Flywheel New Ventures is crucial for companies looking for significant fundraising avenues as they scale.
• New Ventures Accelerator: This accelerator specializes in business development. Entrepreneurs here gain vital skills and strategies for business growth successfully.
• Velocity Creative Accelerator: Targeting seed to Series A stage companies. Velocity helps startups expand with support in the early stages, offering both mentorship and funding.

These programs collectively offer varying equity arrangements and program durations, typically ranging from 12 weeks to 4 months.

The current startup cohort reflects Winston-Salem's commitment to diversity, with programs actively supporting companies across multiple verticals including business development, professional networking, and social entrepreneurship.

This expansion of accelerator options positions Winston-Salem as an emerging hub for tech innovation, providing entrepreneurs with the tools, space, and connections needed to scale their ventures successfully.

The Piedmont Triad Technology Council (PTTC) marked its 2025 annual meeting with significant announcements that are reshaping Winston-Salem's tech landscape. The Council unveiled plans for a comprehensive digital inclusion initiative aimed at bridging the technology gap across the 12-county region.

A standout development is the new Digital Literacy Curriculum program, backed by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, which will serve communities across ten counties including Forsyth and Davidson.

The Council's commitment to educational advancement is further demonstrated through innovative partnerships with local institutions, focusing on fundamental digital skills training and technology access.

In a groundbreaking announcement, the PTRC revealed its recent accreditation as an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Training Center, positioning Winston-Salem at the forefront of sustainable technology education.

This development, coupled with the Council's $50 million venture fund, creates a robust ecosystem for tech innovation and workforce development. The initiatives span across essential areas including internet safety, email communication, and basic software applications, with particular emphasis on serving underrepresented communities.

These strategic moves are already showing promise, with several success stories emerging from the initial implementation phase. The PTTC's comprehensive approach ensures Winston-Salem remains competitive in the national tech landscape while fostering inclusive growth and innovation.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine is revolutionizing healthcare through its Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, which is making major moves in AI healthcare applications.

The Center's mission focuses on using AI to enhance healthcare quality, reduce disparities, and improve patient outcomes.

Their LAUNCH 2025 program, announced by the Center for Healthcare Innovation, is accepting applications for innovative solutions in digital care navigation and clinical pathways.

Recent developments include AI tools that help doctors diagnose lung cancer earlier, monitor surgical patients, and analyze medical images more efficiently.

The implementation of AI systems has shown impressive results, with sepsis detection tools reducing mortality rates by 31% and AI-powered scheduling improving operating room efficiency by 13%.

The Center's research priorities include developing AI-driven solutions for diagnostic support, patient monitoring, and treatment optimization, while maintaining a strong focus on ethical implementation.

With the upcoming launch of their Master of AI Strategy and Innovation program in fall 2025, Wake Forest is positioning Winston-Salem as a hub for healthcare AI innovation.

The program will train professionals in AI strategy, ethics, and implementation across healthcare settings, addressing the growing demand for AI expertise in the medical field.

This comprehensive approach to AI in healthcare is transforming both patient care and research capabilities, making Winston-Salem a leader in medical technology advancement.

Winston-Salem's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 52% increase in tech opportunities across North Carolina in 2025.

The average tech salary has reached $118,933, making it an attractive destination for tech professionals. Leading companies like Hanesbrands Inc., Inmar Intelligence, and The Clearing House are actively recruiting for positions in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

The city's Innovation Quarter, a 2-million-square-foot tech hub, has become the epicenter of this transformation, contributing significantly to North Carolina's GDP with a 22% increase.

Local educational institutions are adapting to meet industry demands, with Forsyth Tech offering specialized programs in IT cybersecurity, systems security, and web technologies.

The job market is particularly strong for software developers and cybersecurity analysts, with many positions offering flexible remote work options. According to recent market analysis, key industries driving this growth include technology, finance, healthcare, and biotech.

The region's start-up ecosystem has welcomed approximately 70 new tech ventures focused on emerging technologies, supported by $348 million in investment capital this year alone.

This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with projections showing an 18% increase in tech jobs by 2026, cementing Winston-Salem's position as a rising tech hub in the Southeast.

Winston-Salem has emerged as a top-10 biotech innovation hub in 2025, with an ecosystem that's drawing significant attention from investors and entrepreneurs.

The Innovation Quarter has partnered with Winston Starts to provide crucial support for biotech startups, while the upcoming Founders' Journey 2025 event promises to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

The city's transformation is evidenced by breakthrough companies like KeraVet Bio, which raised over $6.5 million and successfully launched its veterinary product in under two years.

The momentum continues with ConvergeSouth 2025, featuring 75 exhibiting companies and connecting startups with investment firms from across the Southeast.

Local success stories include Fluree's $10 million funding round for blockchain technologies and OrbitalRx's collaboration with IBM Watson Health. The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine leads with over 600 scientists, focusing on organ regeneration and cell therapies.

While manufacturing challenges persist - with 80-85% of failures in regenerative medicine tied to manufacturing issues - the city is actively addressing these through strategic partnerships and investment platforms like Kind Capital.

The ecosystem's growth has created a ripple effect, attracting more talent and resources to the region, though the focus remains on building sustainable infrastructure for long-term success in the life sciences industry.

Winston-Salem's tech sector is driving unprecedented economic growth in 2025, with Innovation Quarter alone generating a $1.66 billion economic impact and supporting over 8,300 jobs in the region.

The tech landscape has evolved dramatically, with job opportunities increasing by 52% across North Carolina, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing roles.

The median tech salary now stands at $86,871, with top performers earning over $102,730, making tech careers increasingly attractive to local talent.

The Innovation Quarter, home to 115 companies and institutions, has become a cornerstone of this growth, hosting over 4,500 workers and 2,000 degree-seeking students in its 2.1 million square feet of space.

Major employers like Hanesbrands, Inmar Intelligence, and Wake Forest Innovations are actively expanding their tech operations, while recent labor data shows the professional and business services sector growing by 0.9%, indicating sustained momentum in the tech industry.

The transformation extends beyond direct employment, creating a multiplier effect that benefits local businesses and services.

• 70 new startups: Approximately 70 new startups focused on biotech, gaming, AI, and cloud technology.
• $348 million in investments: $348 million in new investments this year, driving the tech ecosystem.
• 18% job increase: Projecting an 18% increase in tech jobs by 2026.

This expansion has fostered an environment where innovation and economic development go hand in hand, attracting both established companies and emerging startups to the region.

Winston-Salem's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth through strategic partnerships in 2025. The Innovation Quarter has formed a groundbreaking alliance with Winston Starts, a non-profit startup accelerator, catalyzing biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Salem College and Forsyth Tech have established a historic co-admissions agreement, making tech education more accessible and affordable, with tuition costs not exceeding $3,000 per year at Salem College after scholarships.

This partnership particularly strengthens the pathway for students in health, science, and technology programs.

The tech education landscape has been further enhanced by Winston-Salem State University's new partnership with Cisco, which includes a $2.7 million investment in cybersecurity services and software over five years.

This collaboration provides students with hands-on experience and CCNA certification opportunities, potentially increasing graduate earning potential by up to $30,000.

Forsyth Tech's Vision 2025 strategic plan emphasizes completion rates and career success, with fast-track programs enabling job readiness in as little as 12 weeks.

These initiatives are driving significant economic impact, with the local tech sector showing a 52% increase in job opportunities across North Carolina.

The median tech salary now stands at $86,871, with top performers earning over $102,730. Winston-Salem's commitment to fostering these partnerships has resulted in approximately 70 new startups focused on biotech, gaming, AI, and cloud technology, supported by $348 million in investments this year alone.

This collaborative ecosystem continues to strengthen Winston-Salem's position as an emerging tech hub, creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet industry demands.

Winston-Salem's educational institutions are revolutionizing tech education in 2025, with Forsyth Technical Community College leading the charge through innovative programs in cybersecurity, web technologies, and IT systems security.

The college's fast-track programs enable students to achieve job readiness in as little as 12 weeks, addressing the region's growing tech workforce demands. Local universities are fostering unprecedented growth, with Winston-Salem State University achieving a remarkable 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation, particularly in STEM fields.

Wake Forest University's Technology Institute is breaking new ground with hands-on experiences in programming and IoT, preparing the next generation of tech innovators.

The city's educational landscape is further enriched by strategic partnerships between academia and industry.

Forsyth Tech's extensive program offerings, spanning 66 certificate programs and 26 diploma programs, served over 20,618 students in 2022.

These initiatives have contributed to Winston-Salem's emergence as a significant tech hub, with tech job openings increasing by 52% and average salaries reaching $118,933 in 2025.

The collaboration between educational institutions and local tech companies has created a robust pipeline of talent, with particular emphasis on emerging fields like data analytics and cloud computing.

Through these strategic programs and partnerships, Winston-Salem's educational institutions are actively shaping the region's tech landscape.

Their initiatives have established the city as a prime location for tech companies and startups, with a focus on practical, workforce-ready education that meets the demands of the evolving tech industry.

The success of these programs is evident in the growing number of tech professionals choosing Winston-Salem as their career destination, drawn by the combination of educational excellence and expanding job opportunities.

Winston-Salem's government has strategically positioned the city for tech growth through focused initiatives and partnerships. According to recent data, tech job growth is up 18% since 2023, with average salaries reaching $118,933, reflecting the success of these efforts.

The city's 2030 Vision plan, outlined by Greater Winston-Salem Inc, emphasizes infrastructure improvements, education advancement, and workforce development as key priorities.

A notable achievement is the Innovation Quarter, now spanning 2 million square feet as a dedicated tech hub.

The local government's commitment to digital equity is demonstrated through comprehensive initiatives addressing digital infrastructure and community access, with significant investments in digital literacy programs and public computing facilities.

Recent developments include the allocation of $2 million for digital skills training and the establishment of new learning labs at community centers.

The city's strengthened position in biotech innovation, attracting substantial investment and fostering partnerships between government agencies and research institutions, represents a significant coordinated approach.

This coordinated approach has yielded measurable results, with tech's contribution to North Carolina's GDP increasing by 22%.

The government's focus on creating an inclusive tech ecosystem has earned Winston-Salem recognition, ranking #2 for women in tech according to Magnify Money.

These initiatives, combined with strategic public-private partnerships and educational alignment, have created a foundation for sustainable tech growth that continues to attract both companies and talent to the region.

• Winston-Salem's tech growth is propelled by government strategies and partnerships, increasing job opportunities.
• Infrastructure improvements and educational advancements are prioritized in the city's 2030 Vision plan.
• Innovation Quarter serves as a major tech hub, contributing to the city's tech-centric transformation.
• Digital equity commitments ensure community access to tech through various initiatives and investments.
• Biotech innovation attracts investments and strengthens research partnerships within the city.
• Inclusive tech ecosystem boosts the city's rank for women in tech, reflecting diversity and growth.

In conclusion, through strategic initiatives and comprehensive planning, Winston-Salem continues to fuel its tech industry's growth, supporting both economic expansion and community well-being.

Winston-Salem's tech ecosystem has transformed into a dynamic hub by 2025, with tech job growth up 52% and average salaries reaching $118,933.

The Innovation Quarter, now generating an economic impact of $1.66 billion with 8,310 jobs, stands as a testament to the city's tech evolution.

The area has become particularly attractive for emerging professionals, with ranking as the #1 city for small business growth and #2 for women in tech.

The landscape includes 115 companies spread across 2.1 million square feet of innovation space, creating a vibrant ecosystem for tech advancement.

Local success stories like Swipeby and NVOLVE demonstrate the potential for startups to thrive in this environment, while established players like Inmar Intelligence and Novant Health continue to drive healthcare tech innovation.

With average entry-level tech salaries starting at $71,700 and experienced professionals earning up to $86,300, Winston-Salem offers competitive compensation while maintaining lower living costs compared to traditional tech hubs.

The city's focus on healthcare tech, data analytics, and emerging technologies, combined with strong educational partnerships and innovative programs, positions it perfectly for sustained growth.

The Innovation Quarter's planned expansion of 2.7 million square feet of mixed-use space, including labs and offices, signals confidence in the region's tech future.

This growth is supported by a robust network of local meetups, coding bootcamps, and professional development resources, making Winston-Salem an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals seeking opportunity and community.