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

Reno is experiencing record-breaking tech-driven growth, fueled by a wave of massive data center investments from giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Switch, transforming the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center into one of the world's largest digital infrastructure hubs.

As billions pour into construction and expansion - 13 million square feet are underway - the region faces mounting challenges in energy and water supply, with projections showing data centers could consume up to 20% of Nevada's electricity by 2030 and billions of gallons of water annually MIT Technology Review article on Nevada data center water and energy impact.

Public debate has intensified, as reflected in city meetings and environmental appeals urging new regulations and a moratorium to assess sustainability and infrastructure costs, with concerns that unchecked growth may impact residents' utility rates and the environment This is Reno coverage of data center moratorium discussions.

As one Sierra Club leader put it,

“Becoming overly reliant on AI and other power-hungry processing tools has a significant impact on our ability to move away from greenhouse gases.”

Yet, strong tax incentives, a pro-business climate, and ongoing efforts to diversify Reno's economy continue to attract operators.

The scale of the transformation is visible in these key metrics:

Data Point	Value
Under Construction (TRI)	13 million sq ft
Annual Data Center Water Use	860M–5.7B gallons (direct)
Estimated Power Demand Growth	Up to 6 GW; may quadruple grid

For more on the environmental and economic balancing act, see Sierra Nevada Ally's analysis on data centers' economic and environmental impact.

The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) east of Reno has become one of the world's fastest growing data center hubs, hosting tech giants like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Switch amid a wave of construction equivalent to laying nearly five Empire State Buildings flat.

While Northern Nevada's strategic location - offering abundant land, fast permitting, and robust fiber and renewable energy - is cementing Reno's status as the world's No.

5 emerging data center market, rapid expansion is fueling environmental concerns, particularly around water use. Data centers consume billions of gallons annually for cooling and power generation in the nation's driest state, intensifying scrutiny from tribal communities and environmental advocates who worry about drought and reduced flows to Pyramid Lake, a site vital to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and home to endangered fish species.

As summarized by Kris Thompson, former TRI project manager,

“The last number I heard was 13 million square feet under construction right now, which is massive.”

Efforts to mitigate ecological impact include innovative cooling technologies - such as Microsoft's closed-loop systems and Novva's water-free air cooling - and the use of recycled water, but the overall strain on local resources remains significant, especially as direct water consumption by 12 data centers could reach 5.7 billion gallons annually, with up to 15.5 billion gallons indirectly used by power plants.

The table below highlights key figures from the data center boom in Reno:

Data Point	Value
Data center construction area in TRI	13 million sq ft
Requested electricity capacity (next decade)	~6 gigawatts
Estimated direct water use (annually)	860 million to 5.7 billion gallons
Estimated indirect water use via power plants	Up to 15.5 billion gallons
Tax abatements offered	Up to 75% on property taxes (10-20 years)

For a deeper dive into Reno's rise as a global digital infrastructure pillar, explore the MIT Technology Review analysis of the data center boom and its environmental impact, Reno's global ranking among data center markets, and a full breakdown of Nevada's data center surge and the region's delicate water balance.

The Nevada Legislature is advancing sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) legislation with Senate Bill 199 (SB199), regarded as one of the most ambitious regulatory frameworks in the nation.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dina Neal, mandates that AI companies register with the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection and develop protocols to address bias, hate speech, fraud, and misinformation, referencing principles from the OECD and recent Colorado legislation.

SB199 also introduces sector-specific restrictions, such as prohibiting health insurers from using patient data to train AI without explicit consent and banning the use of nonpublic data for AI-driven rent pricing - provisions stemming from national controversies over algorithmic rent inflation.

The bill reflects a broad legislative push, as over a dozen AI-related bills are under review in Nevada, including measures on campaign ad transparency, emergency response, and the use of AI in education.

A notable quote from the legislative hearings illustrates the urgency:

“AI does not provide that emotional intelligence that we need for mental health care,” remarked Assm. Jovan Jackson, reflecting growing concerns over the use of AI in sensitive domains.

Critics, including major business groups, warn the regulations could hamper technology sector growth, but proponents argue that strong guardrails and accountability are essential to prevent misuse and unexpected harms.

The following table highlights key provisions and impacts of SB199:

Provision	Details
Registration & Oversight	AI companies must register and report with Attorney General
Sector Restrictions	Bans AI-based rent pricing (nonpublic data), restricts health insurer data use, mandates legal review of AI documents
Education & Labor	Creates working groups on AI in schools; DETR must report on AI-related job impacts

For a comprehensive breakdown, see the official SB199 bill overview, a detailed analysis of AI legislation in Nevada, and an in-depth report on accountability in state AI regulation.

Microsoft has officially acquired 300 acres within Fernley's 4,300-acre Victory Logistics District, marking a significant leap for data center and cloud infrastructure development in Northern Nevada.

The $70.5 million purchase, confirmed by public records, positions Microsoft to construct a hyperscale data center campus - a move that is likely to spark further investment and job creation in the region.

The Victory Logistics District, developed by Mark IV Capital, stands out for its robust infrastructure, strategic proximity to major transportation corridors, and access to renewable energy, making it an ideal site for tech giants seeking scalable, reliable data center space.

As Evan Slavik, President and CEO of Mark IV Capital, stated,

“We are thrilled to welcome this world-class technology company to Victory Logistics District. This transaction is a testament to Victory's unique combination of scalability, infrastructure, and strategic location. We see this as a major step toward many data center developments at Victory, and we look forward to continuing to attract industry-leading enterprises that will drive economic growth to the region.”

The new facility is expected to set off a “land rush” reminiscent of the Tesla Gigafactory effect, attracting further tech development to Fernley.

For a broader overview of this landmark acquisition and its implications for regional growth, review the detailed reporting from Northern Nevada Business Weekly's coverage of Microsoft's Fernley land acquisition, read Mark IV Capital's project milestones on the Victory Logistics District News page, and explore additional transaction insights in the Orange County Business Journal's report on the Nevada land sale.

Travel Nevada has taken a significant leap into next-generation tourism by partnering with AI innovator Mindtrip to deliver real-time, hyper-personalized trip planning for visitors statewide.

This collaboration equips Nevada's official tourism website with Mindtrip's AI engine, instantly transforming inspirational content into interactive itineraries tailored to travelers' unique interests - from ghost town tours to child-friendly Lake Tahoe adventures and guided stargazing near Tonopah.

The new platform enhances convenience through features like live updates, interactive maps, and optimized route suggestions that reduce travel time, while also offering seamless conversational AI and the ability to share plans socially.

As Mindtrip co-founder and CEO Andy Moss stated,

“By partnering with Travel Nevada and integrating our AI solution into their website, we are making it easy for travelers to discover, plan, and book personalized, memorable getaways.”

Mindtrip's rapid rise - highlighted by $19 million in Series A funding and recognition on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list - demonstrates its growing influence, joining forces with leading destination marketers like Visit California and Discover Puerto Rico.

For a detailed look at this digital transformation and its key features, read the full announcement on Travel Nevada taps Mindtrip for personalized trip planning, explore how Mindtrip is reshaping AI-powered travel planning, and see why this partnership marks Nevada's bold digital tourism makeover.

An innovative University at Buffalo-led study in partnership with local educators is introducing AI-powered handwriting analysis as a groundbreaking tool for early dyslexia and dysgraphia screening among Reno's elementary students.

By analyzing writing samples collected from kindergarten through fifth grade, artificial intelligence detects visual, motor, and cognitive indicators - such as letter formation, spelling errors, writing organization, and motor skill challenges - enabling rapid identification that traditional screenings, often costly and time-consuming, can miss.

This approach leverages the Dysgraphia and Dyslexia Behavioral Indicator Checklist (DDBIC), focusing on 17 behavioral cues before, during, and after writing, and directly addresses the nation's shortage of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists.

The research highlights exceptional early detection rates and underscores broad benefits, particularly for underserved communities:

"Our ultimate goal is to streamline and improve early screening for dyslexia and dysgraphia, and make these tools more widely available, especially in underserved areas." - Venu Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor

For educators, therapists, and parents, the technology promises faster, more equitable access to interventions crucial for children's academic and socio-emotional growth.

Explore in-depth findings in the University at Buffalo's AI handwriting analysis study, review coverage on AI's role in revolutionizing screening methods for dyslexia and dysgraphia, and access the peer-reviewed AI-Enhanced Child Handwriting Analysis framework article for technical detail.

The streamlined process, underpinned by multi-disciplinary collaboration, is positioned to transform screening practices in Reno and beyond.

Savvy Wealth, a technology-driven wealth management firm with over $1.5 billion in assets and more than 50 advisors - including new additions in Reno - continues to enhance the city's reputation as a hub for financial innovation.

The firm stands out by leveraging a proprietary dashboard to offer real-time account tracking, personalized planning, and a broad suite of services ranging from tax optimization to ESG investing, all securely custodied with established institutions like Charles Schwab and Fidelity.

As AI-powered banking and embedded finance gain momentum, 2025 is witnessing a surge in advanced digital solutions, from AI-driven financial recommendations to cross-border payments optimized by real-time analytics and fraud detection, making finance faster, more secure, and seamlessly integrated into daily life, as highlighted in the 2025 Fintech Trends Overview.

Among this wave of change, Savvy's tailored, fiduciary approach is setting a new standard, a sentiment echoed by clients:

“Savvy provides the ability to customize an investment portfolio to our needs. Other institutions we have worked with were too 'cookie cutter' and put us in defined plans/portfolios.” - Bill O., Wilmington, N.C.

The sector's rapid evolution is backed by a global fintech market expected to leap from $218.8 billion in 2024 to $828.4 billion by 2033, with AI reaching new levels of maturity in fraud prevention and customer service, according to key fintech research.

Reno's growth in this sector is further validated by the recent expansion of Savvy Advisors and other notable wealth management movements detailed in April's Financial Advisor Moves, underscoring the region's emergence as a destination for the latest in AI-powered financial services.

American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) is advancing Nevada's profile as a hub for battery recycling innovation by selling its legacy 12-acre property in Fernley for $6.75 million, with the transaction expected to close by July 10, 2025.

This strategic move will help fund the commercialization of next-phase advanced recycling technologies at ABTC's flagship Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center facility in McCarran, which employs cutting-edge de-manufacturing and selective hydrometallurgical methods to process lithium-ion batteries of any size, shape, or chemistry.

As CEO Ryan Melsert notes,

“The acquisition of our industrial recycling facility at TRIC substantially accelerated the implementation of our first integrated, commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling operations. The sale of one of our legacy Fernley assets will provide additional resources to continue to execute the second phase of our advanced recycling technologies, strengthening our ability to foster the development of one of North America's first closed-loop battery material supply chains.”

The proceeds will bolster ABTC's efforts to refine materials into valuable battery-grade outputs such as nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate, and lithium hydroxide, supporting domestic supply chains vital for EVs and clean energy storage.

For a comprehensive overview, including financial data and market strategy, see the detailed coverage by Investing.com's analysis of ABTC's property sale and recycling operations.

Additional insights on the sale's role in the company's expanding innovation roadmap are available through Recycling Today's industry summary, while read more about ABTC's growth trajectory at ABTC's official press release.

Property	Size	Sale Price	Expected Close
395 Logan Lane, Fernley	12 acres	$6.75 million	By July 10, 2025

Reno-based Crucial Data Solutions has set a new industry benchmark by launching TrialKit as the first native macOS eClinical app, expanding its reach beyond web and mobile devices to provide a seamless experience for research professionals.

Unlike traditional browser-based platforms, the macOS app delivers enhanced security, powerful native functionality, and allows users to build, manage, and review clinical trials with greater speed and efficiency.

As CEO Jim Bob Ward notes,

“At Crucial Data Solutions, we're committed to challenging the status quo and providing research professionals with the tools they need to succeed in today's fast-paced, tech-driven environment. Bringing TrialKit to Mac was the natural next step in our journey to make clinical trial technology more accessible, flexible, and capable.”

The TrialKit platform now offers a comprehensive suite for the full research lifecycle, including Electronic Data Capture (EDC), eSource, eConsent, ePRO, real-time analytics powered by AI, and a unified interface for remote patient monitoring and medical image management.

The company's recently introduced subscription pricing model simplifies contracting, starting at $1,350 per month and scaling to $90,000 for unlimited studies, helping over 40,000 users streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.

For in-depth details on this breakthrough, see Crucial Data Solutions' official announcement of TrialKit's macOS release, further insights into the subscription-based pricing model, and a feature overview on the TrialKit App Store listing.

This innovation positions Reno as a hub for digital health transformation, delivering accessible, modern clinical technology to sponsors, CROs, and researchers worldwide.

Wienerschnitzel is marking its return to Reno with a new location inside Walmart, set to open by autumn 2025, and bringing with it the latest in AI-powered drive-thru technology.

The hot dog franchise has partnered with Presto Phoenix, a leader in restaurant Voice AI solutions, to introduce voice-based ordering at its new location - part of a broader rollout across more than 350 corporate and franchise drive-thru sites nationwide.

This collaboration underscores the brand's commitment to operational efficiency and customer service. As noted by Rusty Bills, COO at Galardi Group,

“We are delighted to be an early adopter of AI with Presto and have conviction in the ROI we see across upsell revenue, labour cost, and the consistency of the customer experience.”

Presto's technology, which already powers over 35 Wienerschnitzel locations, promises to increase revenue, lower labor costs, and streamline the order process.

For more details about the Reno expansion and nationwide rollout, see Wienerschnitzel to open inside a Reno Walmart in 2025.

Insights into the AI partnership and Presto's nationwide ambitions can be found in the official Presto press release on their expansion with Galardi Group, while a deeper look at how Presto's enterprise-grade Voice AI streamlines quick-service operations is available from Verdict Foodservice's report on Presto Phoenix's Voice AI suite.

This move places Reno at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in quick-service dining, enhancing both convenience and efficiency for consumers.

Amid Reno's accelerating tech growth and the resulting pressure on housing, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada is taking bold steps to expand affordable housing in partnership with the city and local nonprofits.

The Village on Sage Street, a modular community initially built in 2019, recently increased its capacity by nearly 50%, adding 96 single-occupancy units for low-income residents, bringing the total to over 300 units - a testament to collaborative funding from sources like the Wells Fargo Foundation and public grants.

Rent remains accessible at $555 per month, a stark contrast to the $1,218 average studio rate in Reno-Sparks (Q4 2024), and the project has served over 500 individuals, helping many transition to permanent housing according to Reno Gazette Journal's in-depth coverage of Village on Sage Street.

Expansion efforts are complemented by recent local government initiatives: Reno City Council approved both a rapid rehousing pilot and the purchase of 27 acres for further affordable and workforce housing development, as reported by This Is Reno's summary of city council actions.

In another major announcement, Reno Housing Authority broke ground on a 199-unit complex targeting area median incomes between 20-80%, marking the largest development in its history.

“RHA's dedication to provide safe, stable, permanently affordable housing continues with this groundbreaking,” said Board Chair Kathleen Taylor, as covered in the official RHA release.

Project	New Units Added	Total Units	Monthly Rent
Village on Sage Street	96	312	$555
RHA Tripp Drive Development	199	199	Variable (20-80% AMI)

Reno's tech ecosystem looks set for sustained momentum as 2025 draws to a close, driven by robust job growth, major infrastructure investments, and national recognition as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub.

Over 1,500 new jobs were created in the past year, with more than 100 projects ongoing, according to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada's latest update (EDAWN's State of the Economy in Northern Nevada).

The $21.5 million in federal tech hub funding - supplemented by $8.5 million in local matches - powers workforce development and cutting-edge lithium and AI initiatives, guided by leaders like Dr. Frederick Steinmann at UNR, and helps bolster an inclusive start-up ecosystem highlighted by local SaaS innovators and AI infrastructure providers (Nevada's Startup Ecosystem in 2025: Key Players, Trends, and Opportunities).

Legislative efforts in Carson City, such as new business license fee reductions and transparency for small business regulations, reflect focused government support for diversification and entrepreneurship while ongoing debates around renewable energy, data center developments, and AI policy signal the region's ambition to balance growth with sustainability.

Community events like the NCET Tech Awards continue to spotlight local achievements - such as Full Tilt Logistics and Redwood Materials earning top honors this year - and serve as a “catalyst for growth, recognition, and new opportunities for both individuals and organizations within Northern Nevada's tech landscape.”

“This year's winners have made a significant impact on our local business and entrepreneurship landscape, and we are incredibly honored to celebrate them this year,”

noted Sarah Johns, CEO of NCET (2025 NCET Tech Awards to Honor Top Talent in Northern Nevada).

Reno's mix of collaborative leadership, strategic public investment, and a uniquely entrepreneurial spirit position its technology sector for a dynamic and resilient future.