Information Technology
Innovation in Action
Critical Infrastructure and Dynamic Business Driver
Most companies know information technology (IT) as critical infrastructure – the software and hardware, data security and internet applications that literally make business possible. It is one of the most dynamic areas of the American – and Northern Kentucky – economy. Between 2019 and 2024, local IT employment grew by 8%.
IT intersects frequently with other major NKY industry sectors. Far from being merely a back-of-the-house function, IT – and technologies such as AI – serve as a core function in the operations of other industries with applications that include:
- AI and machine learning
- Robotics and automation
- IoT, connected systems
- Digital twins, AR/VR
- Real-time data
- Predictive maintenance
“We considered multiple states and many locations within those states while we were looking for a new headquarters location. We draw on talent locally and the community, culture, and vibe of Covington are what we wanted for our growing team.”
Ed Walton, CEO, STEP
Information Technology in Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky is home to many information technology companies, with concentrations in key areas including software development, data processing, computer systems design and financial services.
Education
Historically, information technology talent has been in short supply nationally, and regions like ours with educational institutions that can deliver a sustained pipeline of new workers with advanced skills have an advantage.
The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) College of Informatics (COI) is one of just a handful of such colleges nationally. Enrollment in COI has grown steadily and also boasts a top-ranked Cyber Defense Team. The college has added several new degrees, including an applied software engineering degree focused on software security and user experience design in addition to a BS and MS in cybersecurity. COI is also partnering with some of the region’s largest and most important companies, including Macy’s and Kroger. Computer informatics technology and computer science are the number one and number three enrolled majors at NKU, with 50% of IT graduates specializing in cybersecurity or network security.
Gateway Community & Technical College also offers training to build IT talent, enabling students to earn associate degrees across a spectrum of information technology fields, from cloud computing and information security to network administration and programming. The college also offers transfer pathways to NKU.
Throughout the Cincinnati region, Xavier University, Miami University, and the University of Cincinnati all add information technology talent to the pipeline. In a 2021 report from San Francisco-based CodeSignal, Miami was ranked No. 2 among U.S. colleges for coding assessments, ahead of Carnegie Mellon and Columbia University.
IT Resources
SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s new 51,000-square-foot entrepreneurial hub includes co-working, office, meeting and event spaces and is available to technology entrepreneurs and companies looking for a soft-landing in the Northern Kentucky region. SparkHaus is also home to many venture capital firms, including eGateway Capital. NKY-headquartered technology industry startups have raised more than $90 million in VC funding since 2020.
The Cincinnati Innovation District is anchored by the University of Cincinnati, a Carnegie Level 1 research institution, and The 1819 Innovation Hub, located in the district, is a 130,000-square-foot building that includes a 12,000-square-foot makerspace, and a full range of support for entrepreneurs, corporate partners and tech transfer. Fast Company and Inc. named the Cincinnati Innovation District the “Midwest’s #1 hub for entrepreneurs.”
Major Companies
IT Operations Centers
Electronics Manufacturing
CONNECT
WITHÂ KIMBERLY
Kimberly Rossetti
VP of Economic Development
