The Northern Kentucky tech industry is one of the fastest-growing IT sectors in the country. For five years, starting in 2019, IT employment in Northern Kentucky grew at a rate that was twice the national average. And employment in the industry is expected to continue to grow by nearly 30% into 2025.
The growth of information technology in Northern Kentucky is supported by
- industry diversity
- a knowledgeable workforce
- technological innovations
and - strong public/private support
Information technology companies in Northern Kentucky provide a range of solutions and services:
- IT operations
- manufacturing
- software development
- traditional IT services
- health informatics
- logistics technologies
Their innovation and experience crosses industries. This creates a diversity of knowledge and solutions that is particularly unique to this region. That diversity fosters creative problem-solving, develops innovations, and helps facilitate business-smart partnerships.
In this article, we’ll look at how all of that has contributed to the growth of Northern Kentucky’s tech industry.
The Growth of Information Technology in Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky did not become a successful tech hub overnight. The region slowly developed its IT profile by looking to the past and planning for the future.
An innovative history
The Northern Kentucky region has long been a center of innovation. A number of medicines and medical procedures and processes were developed here. The Northern Kentucky tech industry is building on that history as they develop new IT tools and systems, supported by institutions like NKU’s College of Informatics, Thomas More University, and Gateway, each offering a variety of programs to advance technology and innovation.
A strong infrastructure
Information technology in Northern Kentucky is supported by a robust utility infrastructure.
- The region utilizes fiber optic cables to such an extent that it has been named “one of the most wired communities in the world.”
- Once a computer system is connected to the cables, it can be affordably run. At 7.41 cents per kWh, Kentucky’s electrical costs are among the lowest in the U.S.
Startup support
Technology startups in Northern Kentucky have access to different types of support. These help fuel innovation and growth. Some of these programs include:
The Kentucky Innovation Hub @ Northern Kentucky: This state initiative brings together universities and established companies with entrepreneurs and business accelerators. In Northern Kentucky, this happens through the Blue North regional program.
The Kentucky Enterprise Fund: The state established this VC (venture capital) fund to help companies increase their capabilities around technology innovations.
The Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative (KSBCI) 2.0: Tech startups can utilize this program to apply for loans or equity investments.
eGateway Capital: This investment firm provides support for tech companies to “shape the future of digital commerce.” Madeline McIntyre, head of Investor Relations, explained “We believe this is the best place in the world to scale a company.”
Connetic Ventures: This venture capital firm uses data-driven analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to invest in early-stage startups, with a focus on software, data, fintech, and consumer industries.
Regional Advantages for the Northern Kentucky Tech Industry
The Northern Kentucky IT industry benefits from:
- a skilled tech workforce
- access to innovation
- strong training and education programs
- geographical location
Each of these unique advantages creates opportunities for companies to succeed.
The tech workforce in Northern Kentucky
The region is home to 1.5M potential workers. Just under 24,000 are currently employed in the IT field. It’s a large workforce with invaluable industry experience.
Training and education
Northern Kentucky is home to:
- 25 four-year colleges and universities
- 11 community and technical colleges
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is home to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students who enroll “take ownership of their future through innovation and entrepreneurial activities both inside and outside the classroom.”
Students can obtain a certificate or degree from the Computer and Information Technology program at Gateway Community & Technical College.
Code: You offers students classes in the software and programs that are the front-end of IT services.
Location
There is an established IT infrastructure in Kentucky. This means that companies can enter the region with the confidence that their business needs will be supported.
Northern Kentucky is one of the most wired places in the country. This makes it easy to jump on a video call or work remotely. But when you do need to meet with a client in person to install a service or review data, 54% of the population of the U.S. is within a single day’s drive from the region.
Leaders of Northern Kentucky’s Tech Industry
The tech workforce in Northern Kentucky is nearly 24,000 people strong. Together, they are helping to develop solutions and support materials at the just under 100 companies working in information technology in Northern Kentucky. Those companies include:
- large, multinational corporations that provide a wide range of services.
- smaller companies that offer single-task solutions.
That broad range of IT-focused, Northern Kentucky tech companies include:
Balluff – A “sensor and automation specialist.” Balluff is a global company with U.S. corporate headquarters in Independence, KY. They focus on developing innovative IT solutions, like the linear transducers manufactured here.
C-Forward – They provide managed IT solutions. These include cyber security, cloud services, virtualization, and disaster recovery. In 2021, they made a $2.3M investment in the region with the expansion of their headquarters in Covington, KY. Among the advancements made was the installation of a solar array.
HBC-Radiomatic – From the interior of a warehouse to wide open forest space, HBC-Radiomatic has a solution to make the job easier. They have innovated radio-controlled technologies that make tasks more efficient. And safer.
Vivitec – They offer cybersecurity and technology services from their headquarters in Crestview Hills, KY. Vivitec also brings IT innovation to Northern Kentucky. The team at Vivitec works to stay ahead of what’s next so companies can focus on what’s happening now.
Willdan – A leader in the IT space for utility-focused technology solutions. They have developed a number of software packages. One of those is LoadSEER which merges “econometric, geospatial, and engineering analysis.” Willdan is working to create solutions that can lead to a lower carbon output.
Innovation brings success
Supporting every company in the region is STEP. STEP’s 5G Innovation Lab in downtown Covington is a space where they develop “hybrid networking, security, and AI/ML technologies.”
The currently under construction SparkHaus will be a 48,000 sq. ft. space. This $16m building will be the “home of entrepreneurship in Northern Kentucky.”
Future Trends and Opportunities
- AI
- virtual reality (VR)
- augmented reality (AR)
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
Those are just some of the technology innovations that make this an exciting time for the tech workforce in Northern Kentucky. They have an opportunity to not just be on the forefront of new technologies but to develop IT solutions that utilize them.
The Internet of Things is intended to make a workplace more connected. This connectivity will enable a company greater control from a singular location. It also increases the need for a strong cybersecurity net. The University of Cincinnati has a cybersecurity program where innovative solutions to protect the IoT can be developed. NKU’s College of Informatics complements this with programs that integrate technology, media, and data analytics to prepare students for careers in the digital age.
Virtual Reality used to be relegated to video games. Today it’s being used in everything from real estate to construction sites. Companies like Prism VR are exploring how VR can be used to enhance business offerings.
Many companies are looking at how AI can be used to streamline their workflows. The results are often around data collection or “chat-bots.” Ulimi is a technology startup that is building innovative software solutions to transform how businesses work.
Information Technology Strengthens Northern Kentucky
The Northern Kentucky tech industry is diverse and dynamic. From technology startups in Northern Kentucky to established IT companies, the region is home to companies that work within the understanding of what IT is today. At the same time, they are considering what IT will become.
All of those companies benefit from a skilled tech workforce in Northern Kentucky of just under 24,000 people. And when any of those workers want to re-skill, there are a number of educational opportunities to do that.
Information technology in Northern Kentucky is critical for the success of the entire region. To learn how your company can benefit from the success of Northern Kentucky’s technology innovations, contact BE NKY Growth Partnership.
