This Month's Latest Tech News in Laredo, TX - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Laredo stands at a pivotal moment in Texas's tech evolution, observing both dynamic statewide growth and persistent local disparities. While cities like Plano, Austin, and Frisco lead Texas in innovation, boasting top-10 national rankings for tech ecosystems, livability, and internet quality, Laredo remains near the bottom in areas like internet access and tech job opportunities according to the 2025 Cloudwards Top Tech Cities report.

As Texas saw an impressive 440% investment growth from 2019 to 2024 - far outpacing California and New York -

“with impressive growth in areas that used to fly under the radar.”

notes Adam Nasli of BrokerChooser, highlighting the state's surge in cybersecurity, defense tech, and robotics funding as detailed in CultureMap Houston's review.

To close these gaps, experts recommend infrastructure investments, public-private partnerships, and education tailored to digital needs, as explored in this industry analysis - a roadmap Laredo can use to foster homegrown innovation and sustainable green growth.

A groundbreaking anti-drug initiative called "Unfinished Legacies" is leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver powerful messages from fentanyl overdose victims, aiming to deter youth from experimenting with dangerous substances.

The campaign digitally reconstructs victims' voices and likenesses, bringing their cautionary tales directly to the public through social media and billboard placements in Kansas City and beyond.

As overdose deaths involving counterfeit pills surged from 2% in 2019 to 4.7% in 2021 according to CDC data, the urgency of this message is underscored by emotional video testimonies, such as Jordan Coburn's, who warned,

"What I didn't know, no one knew, is that there was fentanyl in it. Now I'm gone because I didn't know."

His mother, Juanita Coburn, adds,

"Get a prescription that you need for yourself."

These digital remembrances offer a unique, deeply personal approach to fentanyl awareness, with the hope that hearing directly from lost loved ones will resonate more powerfully with teens and young adults.

For more on how these efforts humanize statistics and drive overdose prevention, read the detailed overview of Unfinished Legacies' innovative use of AI.

Meet some of the campaign's featured voices, explore the data behind this urgent public health issue, and see official reactions in this in-depth analysis of fentanyl awareness strategies.

For visual stories and community impact, watch the campaign coverage from a local broadcast showcasing how AI revives overdose victims' warnings.

Laredo-based Albert Transport is stepping into the national spotlight as one of 13 fleets selected to participate in the North American Council for Freight Efficiency's (NACFE) Run on Less – Messy Middle, a real-world demonstration focused on evaluating current powertrain technologies in long-haul trucking.

Operating a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia with a Detroit DD15 diesel engine, Albert Transport exemplifies how owner-operators can maximize fuel efficiency through innovative solutions like aerodynamic trailer skirts, trailer tails, and solar-assisted HVAC systems - all while competing alongside industry giants running on diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.

As explained by Mike Roeth, NACFE's executive director,

“The ‘Messy Middle' is a time when fleets can choose from a variety of powertrain solutions and other efficiency-enhancing technologies… These four powertrain solutions represent currently available options for fleets today.”

All fleet performance data will be collected and streamed in real-time during the three-week event starting September 8, 2025, shining a light on operational outcomes from diverse commercial carriers across North America.

For a full overview of participating fleets and vehicle powertrains, see the summary below:

Fleet	Location	Tractor Model	Engine/System	Fuel/Powertrain
Albert Transport	Laredo, Texas	Freightliner Cascadia (2022)	Detroit DD15	Diesel
Frito-Lay	Topeka, Kansas	Volvo VNL	Optimus Technologies	B99 Biodiesel
Kleysen Group Ltd.	Edmonton, Alberta	Kenworth T680	Cummins X15N	Natural Gas
Saia	Stockton, California	Tesla Semi	-	Battery Electric
Pilot Travel Centers	Bloomington, California	Hyundai XCIENT	Hydrogen Fuel Cell	Hydrogen Fuel Cell

NACFE will publish detailed participant profiles in August, with live truck data and stories streaming throughout September; catch the latest event updates and analysis on Fleet Equipment Magazine's Run on Less coverage, comprehensive participant lists at NACFE's official event announcement, and ongoing real-world trial progress at CleanTrucking.com's 2025 preview.

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is advancing the future of sustainable trucking with its upcoming "Run on Less – Messy Middle" initiative, beginning September 8, 2025.

This three-week demonstration features 13 fleets, including Laredo's own Albert Transport, each operating vehicles powered by diesel, natural gas, battery electric, or hydrogen fuel cells to capture real-world data across various long-haul scenarios.

The “Messy Middle” highlights the current transition between traditional diesel and emerging clean powertrains, with fleets evaluating solutions based on efficiency, infrastructure, and cost.

As NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth explains,

“I'm thrilled with the participation... We have the different technologies they're running; they're hauling different loads; we have mega fleets all the way down to an owner-operator.”

Participant data will be streamed in real time and analyzed for insights on performance and emissions.

Educational bootcamp sessions accompany the run, providing deep dives into each technology - diesel, natural gas, battery electric, and hydrogen. This variety is reflected in the table below, showcasing the participating fleets and their chosen powertrains:

Powertrain	Fleets (Sample)	Location	Vehicle
Diesel (incl. renewable/biodiesel)	Albert Transport, Frito-Lay, Mesilla Valley Transportation	Laredo, TX; Topeka, KS; Las Cruces, NM	Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNL, International LT
Natural Gas	UPS, Kleysen Group, Wegmans	Salt Lake City, UT; Edmonton, AB; Rochester, NY	Kenworth T680, Peterbilt 567/360
Battery Electric	Saia, 4Gen, JoyRide Logistics	Stockton, CA; Rialto, CA; Phoenix, AZ	Tesla Semi, Volvo VNR, Windrose
Hydrogen Fuel Cell	Penske Logistics, Pilot Travel Centers	Katy, TX; Bloomington, CA	Hyundai XCIENT

This cross-section of real-world deployments aims to clarify the confusing landscape of freight technology and provide actionable data for fleets on the road to lower emissions.

For details on participating fleets and event mechanics, visit FleetOwner's official coverage of NACFE's Messy Middle, follow in-depth analysis at the official Run on Less website, and explore industry perspectives via NACFE's latest executive insights.

Laredo continues to lag behind in internet access and tech innovation, ranking among the lowest-connected cities in the nation. According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Laredo placed 7th worst in the U.S. for broadband access, with a significant portion of households lacking reliable internet - similar to other Texas border cities like Brownsville.

This lack of connectivity has far-reaching consequences, limiting educational opportunities, telemedicine, and economic development, particularly for Latino and low-income families; one 2021 study highlighted that 37% of Latino households in Laredo and Brownsville lacked broadband or relied solely on mobile phones for access.

Federal interventions, such as over $10.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds, are making headway in bridging the gap by providing hotspots and digital devices for Laredo's K-12 students, although local leaders stress that further investment is needed to close the digital divide.

As outlined in a comprehensive analysis of Texas' digital infrastructure, barriers remain - from inadequate mapping and infrastructure costs to lack of market incentives for service providers.

Despite an estimated $3.3 billion in new state funding and a push for “digital equity” grants in 2025, substantial hurdles persist.

Metric	Laredo Status
% of households lacking broadband (2016)	Top 10 in U.S. for worst access
Federal emergency funding (2022)	$10.3M for K-12 devices & hotspots
Latino households w/o broadband (2021)	37%

As Rep.

Henry Cuellar stated,

“The pandemic highlighted that Internet access is essential for modern day education. Yet, too many children don't have the Internet access at home that they require for nightly school work.”

For a deeper look at the challenges and federal funding solutions, see how Laredo districts are using ARP funds for improved student connectivity, learn about statewide digital divide efforts in Texas' Digital Divide: Rural and Urban Connectivity Gaps, and explore national context with Ookla's latest report on U.S. broadband speeds and digital barriers.

Plano, Austin, and Frisco have secured their positions as Texas' leading tech powerhouses, ranking in the top 10 U.S. cities ideal for tech professionals in 2024 and 2025.

According to a Cloudwards study on Texas tech cities in 2024, Plano stands out with the highest internet coverage, more than 1,000 tech companies, a median household income above $100,000, and a strong remote work culture, making it Texas' best city for tech workers.

While Austin's tech sector remains strong - home to over 5,700 tech firms and renowned for high-tech concentration - it is facing mounting challenges including housing affordability and slowed short-term job growth, as reported in the Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities index report.

Frisco's meteoric rise is driven by robust job creation, top-rated schools, and safety, with IT professionals making up 12% of its workforce and the city now ranked #1 nationwide for livability among top tech hubs, per Cloudwards' rankings on best tech cities.

Here's a snapshot comparing key indicators for these cities in 2025:

City	National Tech Ranking	Major Employers	Tech Companies	Median IT Salary	Internet Coverage
Plano	4	McAfee, CompuCom, Toyota	1,000+	$95,733	96%
Austin	7	IBM, Dell, Amazon	5,775+	Competitive	High
Frisco	10	IBM, Oracle, Amazon	517+	$95,516	High

"Plano offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban, and it's a great place to live, start a family or retire," says the report author.

Tech talent, livability, growing business ecosystems, and high connectivity reinforce Texas' position as a formidable hub for innovation, offering lessons for Laredo and beyond.

Laredo's tech community continues to face considerable challenges in fostering startups and innovation, trailing well behind Texas peers like Plano, Austin, and Frisco.

According to a detailed ranking of the top 100 U.S. tech cities for 2025, Laredo sits near the bottom for startups and innovation, ranked #99 out of 100, with limited tech job openings, few established startup companies, and only sparse participation in tech events.

By contrast, cities such as San Francisco and New York City lead with dozens of tech unicorns and vibrant innovation ecosystems, as shown in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

To address these gaps, regional initiatives like the StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator, based in Brownsville, are opening doors for Rio Grande Valley entrepreneurs - including those from Laredo - to access expert mentorship, resources, and investor connections during a 12-15 week accelerator program kicking off in January 2025.

Key program details are outlined below for interested founders and local leaders:

Event	Date
Application Deadline	January 18, 2025
Qualified Startups Notified	January 20, 2025
Program Length	January 28 – May 1, 2025
Demo Day	May 1, 2025 (RGV Startup Week)

By leveraging such collaborative programs and connecting with regional support structures, Laredo entrepreneurs can start closing the innovation gap and build momentum for future tech-driven economic development.

Explore accelerator opportunities at the StartUp Texas Accelerator Program.

Texas continues to position itself as a key innovator in clean trucking with rapid advancements and investments in hydrogen fuel cell technology. With Penske Logistics operating Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell trucks out of Katy, and TALKE USA rolling out zero-emission trucks funded by the state's THIVE grant, the region is actively replacing diesel units and reducing emissions.

The statewide push is further bolstered by Hyroad Energy, which will deploy 28 hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks over the next 24 months, making hydrogen vehicles accessible via a maintenance-included, pay-per-mile model that requires no upfront capital from fleets.

NACFE's "Run on Less" event showcases these Texas-based fleets alongside other innovative powertrains.

As challenges around vehicle weight and infrastructure persist, state-backed initiatives leverage Texas's deeply skilled energy workforce and aim to solidify its place in the global hydrogen economy.

“Our goal is to continuously reduce our CO₂ emissions by investing in cutting-edge technologies and efficient processes. This grant brings us one step closer to our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, while maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect.” - Alexander Boehm, COO, TALKE USA

Read more about TALKE USA's THIVE-funded hydrogen trucks and the state's vision for clean fleets.

For details on the 28-truck project and statewide partnerships, visit Hyroad Energy's hydrogen initiative.

Here's a snapshot of the fleets leading the way:

Fleet	Location	Tractor Model	Powertrain
Penske Logistics	Katy, TX	Hyundai XCIENT	Hydrogen Fuel Cell
TALKE USA	Houston, TX	Zero-Emission Truck	Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Hyroad Energy	Texas-wide	Class 8 FCEVs	Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency's (NACFE) "Run on Less – Messy Middle" Bootcamp series is making a significant impact by demystifying the transition to cleaner long-haul freight technologies.

Kicking off in September 2025, this hands-on demonstration features 13 diverse fleets - including Laredo's Albert Transport - operating Class 8 trucks with powertrains spanning diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cells.

The educational Bootcamp preceding the Run delivers a deep dive into current decarbonization options, aligning truck technology with real-world duty cycles and infrastructure realities.

According to NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth,

“The Messy Middle is a time when fleets can choose from a variety of powertrain solutions and other efficiency enhancing technologies. These four powertrain solutions represent currently available options for fleets today.”

Data from the event - collected by Geotab telematics and shared via the Run on Less official website - will offer transparency into each technology's performance under freight conditions.

For a closer look at participating fleets and their chosen powertrains, refer to the table below. The Bootcamp's series of expert-led sessions not only prepares fleets for adoption but also supports Laredo's green freight ambitions by catalyzing informed transitions.

Read more about the event's scope and local impact in ACT News' in-depth coverage of Messy Middle fleets, and explore how the program fits into the broader push for emissions reduction at FleetOwner's analysis on decarbonizing long-haul trucking.

Fleet	Location	Powertrain	Vehicle
Albert Transport	Laredo, TX	Diesel	2022 Freightliner Cascadia
Frito-Lay	Topeka, KS	B99 Biodiesel	Volvo VNL
Kleysen Group Ltd.	Edmonton, AB	Natural Gas	Kenworth T880
Saia	Stockton, CA	Battery Electric	Tesla Semi
Pilot Travel Centers	Bloomington, CA	Hydrogen Fuel Cell	Hyundai XCIENT

While Texas continues to set records with more than 20,000 new jobs in February 2025 and an annual job growth rate slightly above the national average, tech sector gains remain uneven - and Laredo lags significantly behind the state's tech leaders.

Most new tech jobs and higher wages concentrate in metros like Austin and Dallas, which together account for 76% of Texas tech employment, fueling the state's broader economic expansion and impressive $19.2 billion impact attributed to the Texas Tech University System.

Yet, even amid tech layoffs and plateauing growth - evident by a statewide tech unemployment uptick to 3.5% and ongoing economic uncertainty - tech hubs such as Austin recorded a 7% month-over-month increase in job postings, while Texas as a whole saw a 3% lift.

In contrast, Laredo's labor market is more subdued: the city's unemployment rate (4.6%) exceeds key Texas metros, and available data shows a smaller portion of graduates swiftly finding tech-related employment.

As noted in the recent Texas Tech Industry Employment analysis, only 9% of Texas' total workforce is in tech, and nearly all recent job growth bypasses border regions.

A deeper look at Laredo's employment figures from the Texas Workforce Commission confirms that, for Laredo, unemployment has only modestly improved year over year - trailing opportunities found in Austin and Dallas.

Despite top employers' demand for AI and security skills elsewhere, as highlighted in the Dice Tech Jobs Report, Laredo still faces challenges in attracting or retaining tech employers, innovation, and talent.

Laredo's tech landscape faces distinct hurdles in cultivating local tech talent and hosting high-profile industry events, especially when compared with Texas hubs like Austin.

Regional employment is growing - with Laredo's MSA labor force reaching 122,145 and employment up by 3,308 jobs since last year - but the unemployment rate remains higher than the state average at 4.5% versus Texas's 3.7% Laredo MSA Sees Positive Employment Growth.

This imbalance partly reflects a tech talent shortage that challenges businesses nationwide, as 74% of technology leaders are hiring for growth but 87% report difficulty finding qualified applicants; 76% acknowledge critical skills gaps in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure Shortage of Tech Skills Hindering Growth.

The following table highlights where tech skill gaps are most evident:

Area	Percentage Reporting Gap
AI, Machine Learning, Data Science	44%
IT Operations & Support	39%
Cybersecurity & Privacy	30%
Process Automation	25%
Software & Web Dev	22%
Cloud Architecture	20%

Meanwhile, Austin's SXSW Conference exemplifies the bustling event calendar and talent magnetism of Texas's tech capitals, featuring conference tracks on cutting-edge topics like cybersecurity, advanced software, and robotics, alongside global networking opportunities for professionals and students Tech Industry Track at SXSW Conference.

To close the gap, Laredo's employers and educators can embrace upskilling, partnerships with tech bootcamps, and curriculum co-design, as seen in broader industry solutions.

As one regional workforce leader stated,

"We remain committed to connecting our regional workforce with employment opportunities that lead to family-sustaining wages and long-term career success."

Building stronger local talent pathways and fostering innovation-focused events are essential steps toward unlocking Laredo's full tech potential.

Despite significant advances on the regional stage - such as the $7.1 billion construction loan fueling a hyperscale AI data center project and the acceleration of green hydrogen technologies through the Texas Hydrogen Alliance - Laredo faces local challenges in matching this tech momentum.

The recent defeat of the city's $417 million bond package, which aimed to upgrade infrastructure and services, highlights ongoing resource constraints. City leadership stressed their commitment to pursue "alternative funding options, phased planning strategies, and potential partnerships" to address these unmet needs, adding:

“While the bond propositions were not approved by voters, the City acknowledges that the challenges outlined in the bond...continue to affect our community. The needs remain, and so does our commitment to finding solutions.”

Meanwhile, targeted federal funding, like the $20 million secured for critical water infrastructure upgrades, signals incremental progress and supports Laredo's resilience despite broad budget limitations.

On the innovation front, Texas as a whole is investing heavily in the clean energy transition, as exemplified by NewHydrogen's ThermoLoop™ joining the Texas Hydrogen Alliance to bring scalable, low-cost green hydrogen to the market - an approach designed to position Texas as a national energy leader through public-private collaboration.

As Laredo explores new pathways to bridge infrastructure and innovation divides, the commitment to transparent governance and leveraging state-wide technological advances offers a blueprint for a more connected and competitive future.

For further insight into the transformative scope of AI-driven development and how it shapes workforce opportunities regionally, explore the extensive Abilene data center initiative reshaping the Texas tech landscape.