This Month's Latest Tech News in Reno, NV - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Reno's tech momentum is surging into 2025 as the region becomes a nexus for artificial intelligence innovation, hyperscale data center projects, and trailblazing regulation.

Nevada lawmakers are shaping comprehensive AI guardrails, with major bills tackling everything from police report automation to fair rent algorithms and transparency mandates for AI firms; a full breakdown can be found in this explainer on Nevada's AI legislation.

Meanwhile, a global cloud leader has acquired 300 acres in Fernley's Victory Logistics District, signaling a new era of data center expansion - Mark IV Capital's CEO says,

“We are thrilled to welcome this world-class technology company… [and] see this as a major step toward many data center developments at Victory”

(see the announcement here).

Further energizing the local scene, Reno-based Positron secured $23.5 million to compete with Nvidia by building AI hardware, bolstering Nevada's ambitions to host future chip manufacturing (read about Positron's investment).

This convergence of investment, infrastructure, and oversight positions Reno as a model market for responsible and rapid tech sector growth.

Nevada is taking a pioneering approach to artificial intelligence regulation with Senate Bill 199 (SB199), a comprehensive proposal that seeks to implement robust guardrails for AI companies operating in the state.

Sponsored by State Sen. Dina Neal, SB199 mandates that AI developers register with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, conduct regular self-assessments, and adopt strict protocols to prevent bias, hate speech, misinformation, and fraud - drawing inspiration from OECD principles and recent Colorado legislation.

The bill notably prohibits AI-generated police reports, bans the use of AI for public school lesson planning pending further study, and restricts landlords from employing AI-driven rent pricing to address concerns over price-fixing, as seen in other states.

According to the official SB199 overview from the Nevada Legislature, the bill also enhances consumer privacy protections and empowers agencies to impose civil penalties for noncompliance.

The proposal arrives amidst widespread debate: business leaders worry it may deter tech investment, while supporters argue that transparent, responsible AI usage will protect Nevada consumers and jobs.

As summarized in Nevada Current's detailed coverage of AI legislation, the legislation is among the most expansive in the U.S., reflecting a growing trend toward state-level AI regulation seen in at least 45 states.

Comparative insights from the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2025 AI legislation report show Nevada aligning with broader national efforts to ensure ethical, fair, and accountable AI deployment in education, housing, law enforcement, and financial services.

Microsoft has purchased 300 acres within Fernley's Victory Logistics District, marking one of the largest industrial land deals in Nevada history and further cementing northern Nevada as a burgeoning data center hub.

The $70.5 million acquisition from Mark IV Capital, confirmed by public documents, positions Victory Logistics District - a 4,300-acre master-planned site east of Reno - as an attractive destination for cutting-edge infrastructure due to its scalable land, robust power and fiber connectivity, and proximity to major transportation corridors.

Mark IV's ongoing investments, including a $120 million commitment for mass grading and utility installation, are preparing hundreds of additional acres to accelerate future data center and manufacturing projects.

As President and CEO Evan Slavik stated,

“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 project's significance is highlighted in its transformative scale, with nearly 2 million square feet of Class A distribution space completed and “tens of millions” more planned; anticipated impacts include major job creation and workforce development initiatives for Fernley and Lyon County.

For detailed insights, refer to the Orange County Business Journal's coverage of the Microsoft land deal, see NNBW's analysis of infrastructure upgrades at Victory Logistics District, and read more at the official Victory Logistics District news portal.

The following table summarizes key project metrics:

Metric	Details
Buyer	Microsoft
Acres Purchased	300
Sale Price	$70.5 million
Development Site	Victory Logistics District, Fernley, NV
Total District Size	4,300 acres
Completed Space	~2 million sq ft Class A distribution
Major Infrastructure Work	Ongoing, includes grading, roads, utilities

American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) is amplifying Reno's clean tech momentum with the announced sale of its 12-acre unused Fernley property for $6.75 million, a move poised to accelerate advanced lithium-ion battery recycling at its Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center facility.

The commercial-scale plant, powered by a first-of-its-kind technology framework that merges advanced de-manufacturing and selective hydrometallurgical processes, accepts a wide array of lithium-ion batteries regardless of their size, shape, or chemistry.

This enables the efficient production and recovery of critical materials through two operational phases.

Sale Detail	Operational Facility Location	Phase 1 Outputs	Phase 2 Outputs
12 acres for $6.75M in Fernley, NV	TRIC, McCarran, NV	Copper, Aluminum, Steel, Lithium intermediate, Black mass	Nickel sulfate, Cobalt sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Lithium hydroxide

This strategic asset sale is directly funding the development of battery-grade critical mineral production, supporting a closed-loop battery supply chain.

As CEO Ryan Melsert highlights,

“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.”

For full details on the property sale and its impact on ABTC's operations, read the official American Battery Technology Company press release on legacy property sale.

Coverage of ABTC's production milestones and future plans can be found at Waste Dive's report on ABTC production and land sale, and a broader industry context is provided in Recycling Today's industry analysis of ABTC property sale.

Reno-based Crucial Data Solutions (CDS) is raising the bar for clinical research technology with the launch of their native macOS version of TrialKit, marking an industry first for eClinical platforms supporting web, iOS, Android, and now Mac environments.

This strategic expansion empowers clinical research teams and contract research organizations with unprecedented flexibility, robust data security, and a streamlined user experience - enabling faster study setup, efficient data capture, and advanced analytics all within a unified platform.

Highlighting their commitment to innovation, CDS CEO Jim Bob Ward stated,

“Bringing TrialKit to Mac was the natural next step in our journey to make clinical trial technology more accessible, flexible, and capable. With native apps across web, mobile, and now Mac, we're offering an experience no other platform can match.”

The new macOS app complements recent advancements like the AI-driven reporting and analytics module, TrialKit AI, which offers real-time insights and natural language query capabilities for rapid data interpretation.

Exploring further platform enhancements, CDS recently introduced TrialKit PACS, revolutionizing clinical image management by integrating DICOM image capture and endpoint adjudication directly within the eClinical ecosystem.

This momentum is reflected in CDS's recognition as a “Major Contender” in the 2024 Everest Group PEAK Matrix® for Electronic Data Capture, cementing Reno's position as a hub for digital health innovation.

For additional insight, read the full announcement on the official Crucial Data Solutions press release, learn more about their AI-powered advances with the TrialKit AI module, and explore the evolving landscape of clinical imaging in Clinical Leader's coverage of TrialKit PACS.

AI-powered finance is making waves in Reno, as Savvy Advisors Inc. - a leading tech-forward wealth management firm - continues its national expansion with strategic growth in the local talent pool.

The recent addition of five seasoned professionals, including Reno-based Tyson Lokke, pushes Savvy's team above 50 financial advisors and wealth managers nationwide, helping the company surpass $1.5 billion in assets under management following its latest recruitment wave.

Savvy leverages proprietary AI tools such as the Co-Pilot CRM, digital onboarding, and automated tax-loss harvesting to blend personalized, human-driven advice with automation and efficiency, aiming to serve high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

As part of its strategy to double AUM by the end of 2025, Savvy has also welcomed Reno's Universal Value Advisors team, adding $300 million in client assets, and recently hired a former Carta fintech executive as CTO to further strengthen its AI capabilities as reported by InvestmentNews.

Chief Growth Officer David Weiner emphasized,

“As more advisors join Savvy, it further demonstrates that our belief in tech-forward, digital-first human financial advice is the way of the future. We're honored that Jack, Tyson, Aaron, Jared, and Dustin chose Savvy as their next home.”

For Reno's tech community, this integration of advanced platforms and financial expertise signals a robust pipeline for both AI-driven innovation and local career opportunities.

See the advisor roster and nationwide presence at the official Savvy Wealth site.

Metric	Current Value
Advisors Nationwide	50+
Assets Under Management	$1.5 Billion
Reno Talent Highlight	Tyson Lokke, CFP®

Reno and its neighboring city Fernley are rapidly establishing themselves as America's next major data center corridor, anchored by the ambitious 4,300-acre Victory Logistics District master-planned industrial park.

Recent headlines point to Microsoft's high-profile $70.5 million purchase of 300 acres - poised to be the first major hyperscale data center in the District - which aligns with a wave of investment from global tech giants and marks a pivotal shift for the region's economic landscape.

As Mark IV Capital's President and CEO Evan Slavik states,

“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 District's fast-paced expansion, supported by over $120 million in land development, brings extensive site preparation, robust utility infrastructure, and direct connectivity to rail, interstate highways, and fiber optic networks - essential elements for cloud and AI-driven operations.

Data centers in the region benefit from Nevada's business-friendly policies and access to renewable power, while local partnerships aim to create thousands of jobs and new housing options for a surging workforce.

As reported, Victory's next phase will ready another 600 acres with power upgrades, telecommunications redundancy, and future residential communities, underscoring Fernley's growing status as an industrial and tech innovation hub.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the District's scale and progress, see the table below, and explore further details in this Data Center Dynamics article on large cloud investment, Nevada Appeal's coverage of Microsoft's land deal, and the market outlook shared by HostingAdvice's report on Nevada surpassing Virginia as a data center hotspot.

Project	Size/Scope	Key Features	Major Tenants/Buyers
Victory Logistics District	4,300 acres (industrial park)	Nearly 2M sq ft built, utilities, roads, fiber, renewable energy	Microsoft (300 acres), Battery recycler Redwood Materials, food industry projects
Phase II Expansion	Grading 600 acres; preparing 1,600 acres for future	Mass grading, utility upgrades, transport access	Hyperscale cloud/data center companies (Microsoft, unnamed global leader)
Community Impact	Projected thousands of jobs; new housing and amenities	Workforce training, regional growth focus	Community, local colleges, industrial tenants

Reno's push to address its affordable housing crisis reached a landmark this month with the expansion of The Village on Sage Street, a modular housing community now offering 96 new single-occupancy units - boosting capacity by nearly 50% for low-income adults, students, and minimum-wage workers.

Operated by Volunteers of America and backed by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada with additional funding from public and private partners, The Village provides residents with safe, dorm-style accommodations, onsite amenities like laundry, communal kitchens, and financial counseling for greater stability and savings.

Since opening in 2019, it has housed over 500 individuals and helped nearly 300 residents transition to permanent homes. As Community Foundation CEO Eaton Dunkelberger noted,

"With additional units, we can support even more individuals in their journey to independence, especially those who have been on our waitlist."

Resident data spotlights positive outcomes: 42% of former tenants reduced debt, 21% increased their income, and 59% maintained their earnings through recent economic challenges.

While the model has faced obstacles, including safety concerns raised and ultimately addressed by management and the community, collaborative support remains strong, with a $31,500 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation helping secure the recent expansion.

See the table below for a snapshot of The Village's impact, and read more about this collaborative approach to Reno's housing challenge through the affordable housing community expansion coverage, the official CFNN press release, and an in-depth report on Sage Street's model.

Metric	Value
Original Units	216
New Units Added	96
Total Residents Housed Since 2019	516
Residents Transitioned to Permanent Housing	294
Residents Reporting Debt Reduction	42%
Residents Reporting Income Increase	21%

Reno, Nevada will serve as the host city for a major milestone in the medical imaging community this June, as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) presents its coveted Life Member award to Daniel L. Gonzales, M.S.R.S., R.T.(R), FASRT, of Carlsbad, New Mexico.

A member of ASRT since 1987 and a prominent leader at both state and national levels, Gonzales' three-decade career has included critical roles such as ASRT Board Chair, President, and Chair of New Mexico's Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Advisory Council.

Recognized for outstanding contributions, Gonzales will join an elite group when honored at the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting on June 20 in Reno according to the ASRT's official announcement.

The selection process demands at least 30 years of continuous membership and exceptional service, requiring a three-quarters majority from the Board of Directors as detailed by AuntMinnie.com.

Gonzales' career journey includes a Master's Degree in Radiologic Administration, key academic advisement, mentoring emerging professionals, and advancing legislative efforts for the field.

As Linda K Holden, ASRT Life Member, aptly stated,

“It is my belief that Dan is not just an ASRT Life Member, he is an ASRT anchor member. He has been an anchor to so many of us who have leaned on, learned from and depended on him.”

For further background on the award's significance and the history of professional recognition at the upcoming Reno ceremony, explore the industry coverage on Imaging Technology News.

Artificial intelligence is transforming Reno's classrooms, sparking intense conversation over transparency, ethics, and educational equity. In April, the Nevada Department of Education released its comprehensive AI ethics guidance known as the STELLAR Pathway, which emphasizes core principles such as security, transparency, empowerment, and responsible use for students and teachers.

According to the Department,

“With the Nevada AI Alliance, we are creating ethical guidelines and resources to ensure AI enhances education while maintaining equity, privacy, and the central role of educators.”

Meanwhile, Nevada's adoption of AI-powered funding formulas has become a national flashpoint, with K-12 leaders voicing alarm about fairness and algorithmic bias.

As detailed in Education Week's analysis of AI-driven school funding, the share of students receiving at-risk aid plunged from 60% to 13% after the state's predictive model was revised, raising urgent questions about whether need-based support is being delivered equitably.

Amidst these changes, usage of AI by both students and teachers has surged, generating demand for professional development and clear classroom guidelines, as highlighted in recent educator surveys on AI usage.

As debates continue about algorithmic oversight and student data protection, Nevada becomes a testbed for balancing innovation with ethical guardrails.

Reno-based Crucial Data Solutions is accelerating innovation in the clinical research sector with its AI-powered TrialKit platform, now distinguished by the recent launch of a native macOS app - a first in the industry.

The end-to-end eClinical solution empowers research professionals to manage studies across web, mobile, and Mac environments, combining real-time AI analytics with robust electronic data capture, eConsent, and remote monitoring.

Winner of the 2024 SCDM Innovation in Health Technology Solutions Award, TrialKit AI integrates intuitive natural language processing, enabling clinicians and statisticians to generate advanced insights and actionable trends through simple queries.

As FDA guidelines push for responsible AI adoption and data quality, Crucial Data Solutions has engineered a highly configurable, regulatory-compliant SaaS and PaaS offering with real-time APIs and DaaS features, ensuring secure, bias-mitigated data ready for machine learning.

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 company ranks among the top eClinical software providers, listed 70th of 807 global competitors, with major rivals like Medidata and Verily commanding higher funding stages.

Learn more about the TrialKit native Mac launch, explore AI analytics for clinical trials, or review TrialKit AI's award-winning innovation as Crucial Data Solutions sets a new standard for life sciences technology.

Company	Founded	Status	Total Funding	Tracxn Score
Medidata	1999	Acquired	$21.5M	89/100
Verily	2015	Late Stage	$2.5B	83/100
Crucial Data Solutions	2010	Unfunded	-	43/100

Reno's tech landscape in April 2025 reveals a city at the forefront of AI, innovative legislation, and data infrastructure, with implications that could inspire the broader West.

Major investments - like Positron AI's $23.5 million venture-backed funding - are fostering the growth of next-generation AI hardware and helping Reno attract new tech talent and retain local graduates, as highlighted in Reno's $23.5 million AI tech infusion.

Regulatory action is equally dynamic, as the Nevada Legislature leads the nation with a flurry of AI-related bills covering consumer protection, law enforcement, healthcare, and education - positioning Nevada at the center of policy innovation, as detailed in Nevada's AI legislative advances.

Meanwhile, statewide collaborations like the Nevada AI Alliance are shaping ethical AI integration in K-12, echoing Dr. Steve Canavero's vision:

“With the Nevada AI Alliance, we are creating ethical guidelines and resources to ensure AI enhances education while maintaining equity, privacy, and the central role of educators…”

(Nevada AI Education Ethics).

Simultaneously, Reno's rapid data center expansion and emerging AI manufacturing sector signal a future where local innovation powers national growth, further encouraging residents to pursue careers in technology through accessible programs like Nucamp Bootcamp's flexible tracks in cybersecurity, web, and software engineering.

With its blend of visionary investment, smart regulation, and inclusive training pathways, Reno is rapidly becoming a model for Western tech ecosystems - where opportunity, innovation, and responsible progress converge.