This Month's Latest Tech News in San Antonio, TX - Thursday July 31st 2025 Edition

San Antonio's AI and tech landscape is rapidly evolving, demonstrated by innovative initiatives at institutions like UTSA, where researchers are leveraging AI to customize digital literacy training for small business owners, helping bridge the critical digital divide highlighted in their recent study Using AI, Researchers Customize Digital Literacy Training for Small Business Owners.

UTSA also actively promotes AI education among younger generations through programs like the “AI For Everyone!” summer camp that introduces middle school students to practical and ethical aspects of AI, fostering early engagement in technology in the article The Perfect Snack and Lessons in AI: Teaching Tech at UTSA Camp.

As the region becomes a growing hub for AI innovation, educational opportunities abound, including Nucamp's bootcamps tailored to various skill levels - from foundational AI essentials for workplace productivity to entrepreneurial-focused courses designed to help launch AI startups globally.

For residents seeking to upskill, Nucamp offers flexible options with financing plans and scholarships, addressing accessibility concerns detailed in the AI Essentials for Work Bootcamp.

Together, these advancements signify San Antonio's rising stature as a leader in responsible AI integration, digital literacy, and tech workforce development.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) recently led a pivotal study revealing significant cybersecurity risks in AI-assisted software development caused by "package hallucinations," where large language models (LLMs) generate or recommend nonexistent third-party software packages.

This phenomenon exposes developers to "slopsquatting" attacks, where malicious actors can create and upload harmful packages under these fabricated names to repositories like PyPI or npm, tricking users who trust AI-generated code.

The comprehensive study, involving 16 LLMs and analyzing over 2.23 million Python and JavaScript code samples, found that open-source LLMs hallucinate packages at a rate of 21.7%, four times higher than commercial GPT-series models at 5.2%.

JavaScript code exhibited more susceptibility to these hallucinations compared to Python. Lead researcher Joe Spracklen emphasized the ease of exploitation, stating,

“It doesn't take a convoluted set of circumstances or some obscure thing to happen. It's just typing in one command most people type every day. That's all it takes. It's very direct and very simple.”

To mitigate these threats, UTSA recommends cross-referencing AI-generated package names with verified repositories and urges foundational improvements in LLM training to reduce hallucinations.

Their findings, published for the USENIX Security Symposium 2025, have already been shared with major AI providers including OpenAI and Meta to prompt industry-wide responses.

For detailed insights, explore the full UTSA study on UTSA Today's report on AI cybersecurity threats, the comprehensive analysis in the USENIX Security Symposium 2025 proceedings, and research highlights from ScienceDaily's coverage of AI package hallucinations.

San Antonio's St. Mary's University has secured a $340,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to advance pioneering research in defending AI-driven cyber-physical systems against evolving threats.

Under the leadership of Professor Wenbin Luo from the Computer Engineering Department, the project leverages drones, robots, and miniature autonomous vehicles to build real-time AI-based intrusion detection and response systems aimed at preventing cyberattacks that could cause real-world harm.

Unlike traditional cybersecurity threats, these cyber-physical attacks risk manipulating data in autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure, potentially resulting in catastrophic physical consequences.

As Professor Luo emphasized,

“The goal of the attacker is not only to steal the data, but also cause a physical harm.”

St. Mary's research not only seeks to detect such attacks promptly but also to enable the systems to autonomously mitigate them, enhancing safety for infrastructures such as hospitals and roads.

The initiative also includes mentorship and active participation of students like electrical engineering work-study Joshua Rogers, further fostering local STEM talent.

This effort places St. Mary's University at the forefront of innovation in securing next-generation AI systems, with impactful real-world implications. For more details on this vital project, visit the KENS5 coverage of St. Mary's University AI research, the St. Mary's University news portal, and learn about similar defense AI initiatives in the U.S. Army's AI strategy.

Waste Management (WM) has opened the $72 million Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility in New Braunfels, Texas, marking a significant advancement in recycling infrastructure for one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S. This state-of-the-art 110,000 sq.

ft. facility leverages over 16 optical sorters equipped with AI-powered cameras and lasers to identify and accurately sort materials, enabling processing of up to 144,000 tons annually.

The advanced technology enhances material recovery including plastics, paper, aluminum, and glass, with features like conveyor systems and eddy currents ensuring higher purity and quality of recyclables.

WM's Texas Oklahoma area vice president, Domenica Farmer, emphasized the facility's role in expanding recycling access and promoting circularity in the region.

As part of WM's broader $3 billion sustainability strategy through 2026, this facility is one of 39 new or upgraded recycling sites employing AI and automation to boost material reuse and reduce waste contamination - a challenge AI integration is addressing nationwide by improving sorting efficiency and lowering landfill reliance.

WM Chief Sustainability Officer Tara Hemmer stated,

“Technology and innovation underpin our sustainability strategy, and we are adding optical sorters, intelligent sorting equipment and more at our recycling sites to help capture more material, including in areas that lack recycling access today.”

The Mesquite Creek facility also includes an education center to foster community awareness about recycling.

This investment aligns with WM's goal of increasing recycling capacity by over 2.8 million tons annually and positions the company as a leader in sustainable waste management in Central Texas and beyond.

For more details, read WM's official announcement on WM's modernized recycling facilities, local coverage from SBG San Antonio, and community insights from Community Impact's New Braunfels edition.

Meta Platforms, Inc. has solidified its commitment to sustainable energy by signing a long-term power purchase agreement with Enbridge Inc. for 100% of the electricity generated by the Clear Fork Solar Project, a $900 million, 600-megawatt utility-scale solar facility currently under construction near San Antonio, Texas.

Expected to commence operations in summer 2027, this large-scale project will supply clean, renewable power exclusively for Meta's expanding data center operations in the region, supporting the company's goal of operating on 100% renewable energy.

Enbridge, traditionally focused on natural gas infrastructure, is diversifying its portfolio with this project, leveraging its financial strength and construction expertise to meet the rising demand for green power from technology firms.

The Clear Fork solar farm complements Meta's broader renewable initiatives, including recent agreements for solar projects across Texas and Kansas totaling 650MW with AES Corporation and others.

Texas remains an ideal hub for renewable energy developments due to its abundant land, favorable policies, and high solar irradiance, making it a critical location for powering the data centers that underpin emerging AI and cloud workloads.

As noted by Urvi Parekh, Meta's Head of Global Energy,

“We are thrilled to partner with Enbridge to bring new renewable energy to Texas and help support our operations with 100% clean energy.”

Below is a summary of key project details:

Topic	Details
Project Name	Clear Fork Solar Project
Location	Near San Antonio, Texas
Capacity	600 MW
Estimated Cost	$900 million
Expected Service Start	Summer 2027
Meta's Role	Offtake 100% renewable output
Enbridge's Role	Owner and operator

For further details on the project and its impact on clean energy and data center sustainability, visit Enbridge's official announcement at Enbridge Announces 600-Megawatt Solar Project, Meta's renewable energy strategy coverage at How Will Meta Turn to Solar in Texas, and the comprehensive energy industry analysis at Meta Leans on $900M Enbridge Solar Investment.

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are pioneering a novel approach to prevent falls in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias by combining ancient tai chi movements with cutting-edge AI technology.

Tai chi, known for its slow, deliberate forms that enhance balance, coordination, and cognitive function, is being adapted into a personalized mobile app powered by AI that tailors exercise plans based on individual health data, dementia progression, and physical capabilities.

This AI-driven intervention is designed to improve dynamic balance - a critical factor in fall prevention - by recommending optimized tai chi forms supported by motion-capture analysis.

Falls pose a significant health risk for those with dementia, who are up to three times more likely to fall than others, and cost Texas's healthcare system $2.4 billion annually.

The research, led by Dr. Wei Liu and supported by the San Antonio Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, leverages biomechanical modeling to refine tai chi exercises specifically for people with early cognitive decline, aiming to reduce mobility-related injuries.

This innovative method exemplifies the integration of non-pharmacological therapies with AI-enabled personalized care, promising cost-effective, accessible fall prevention strategies.

For more on AI in elder care and fall risk prediction, explore the ongoing nationwide rollout of AI tools predicting falls with 97% accuracy and advances in AI-powered senior care platforms offering comprehensive fall risk assessments and interventions, such as those detailed by UT Health San Antonio's senior care innovations and the OK2StandUP fall prevention program.

On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 149, known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), which will take effect January 1, 2026.

TRAIGA establishes a statewide regulatory framework aimed at promoting responsible AI use while protecting consumer rights, placing primary compliance obligations on government entities but also impacting private companies deploying AI in Texas.

Key provisions include prohibitions against developing AI intended to discriminate unlawfully against protected classes, bans on AI systems that manipulate behavior to incite harm or criminal activity, and strict transparency requirements requiring state agencies and healthcare providers to notify consumers when interacting with AI-powered systems.

The law also introduces biometric data protections, restricting government use of biometric identifiers without consent, and creates a regulatory sandbox allowing controlled AI system testing for up to 36 months.

Enforcement authority resides solely with the Texas Attorney General, who may impose civil penalties and seek injunctive relief, but private lawsuits are not permitted.

Additionally, TRAIGA establishes a seven-member Texas Artificial Intelligence Council to oversee ethical AI use and training for public officials. While the law encourages innovation with safe harbors and limited burdens on private sector entities, it aligns Texas with states like Colorado and California in addressing AI risks.

However, there is potential federal legislation that may impose a 10-year moratorium on new state AI laws, possibly affecting TRAIGA's future enforcement. For businesses and government agencies, careful review and adaptation of AI policies are advised ahead of the January 2026 enforcement date.

For more details on the legislation and its implications, see the Nelson Mullins comprehensive overview of House Bill 149 regarding AI regulation in Texas, Holland & Knight's detailed analysis of Texas AI governance laws, and the Inside Tech Law clear summary of the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA).

San Antonio-based Wytec International is spearheading advanced public safety efforts with the launch of a groundbreaking AI-powered gunshot and drug detection pilot across more than 170 U.S. cities, 50 counties, and 40+ special districts through the TXShare Cooperative Purchasing Program.

This initiative introduces a phased AI technology approach leveraging a private, secure wireless connection via the FCC's Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) to ensure interference-free and rapid threat detection, particularly in sensitive environments like Texas school districts.

Wytec's system integrates AI/machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, and sophisticated smart sensors developed in partnership with Nextivity Inc. (known for in-building cellular solutions) and Lemko Corporation (providers of secure private LTE networks).

Backed by over 75 global patents and recent AI patent awards from the USPTO, the platform offers real-time detection with reported accuracy rates up to 95%, aiming to prevent gun violence and identify drug threats such as THC. To encourage adoption, Wytec is offering a 30-day no-cost pilot to TXShare members, coupled with an upcoming public safety technology seminar in San Antonio.

Following a successful live pilot at the Sons of Liberty Gun Range in May 2025, Wytec plans to scale the solution nationwide and uplist to Nasdaq by year-end.

For more details on this innovative public safety technology and pilot program, visit Wytec's official Business Wire announcement, explore the Yahoo Finance coverage of the pilot launch, or review the Nasdaq press release detailing the sales initiative.

San Antonio native Jaime Teevan '98 has been elected as an alumni fellow to Yale's Board of Trustees, known as the Yale Corporation, beginning her six-year term on July 1, 2025.

Teevan, currently Chief Scientist and Technical Fellow at Microsoft, is renowned for her pioneering work in artificial intelligence, including her leadership in developing M365 Copilot and the first personalized search algorithm for Bing.

A Yale computer science graduate who completed her Ph.D. at MIT, she holds 61 patents and has authored over 280 publications with more than 21,000 citations. Yale President Maurie McInnis praised Teevan as “one of the longtime leaders in artificial intelligence” and highlighted her commitment to putting people at the center of technology innovation.

Reflecting on her education, Teevan said,

“To be a good scientist, you need to see things in new ways, and you need to understand the past, and you need to be able to communicate clearly. And this is at the heart of a Yale education, regardless of your discipline.”

Beyond Microsoft, she serves on Yale's School of Engineering & Applied Science Leadership Council and various boards including Shutterstock and the Computing Research Association, and was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in AI in 2023.

Teevan's election underscores the growing influence of San Antonio-born leaders in advancing AI and technology innovation on a global stage. Learn more from Yale News on Jaime Teevan's Election, Yale Daily News Profile of Jaime Teevan, and her detailed Alumni Fellow Election Biography of Jaime Teevan.

Emily Royall, Senior IT Manager of San Antonio's Emerging Technology Division and Smart City Administrator, is spearheading innovative and ethical smart city initiatives that prioritize community engagement and transparent data governance.

Under her leadership, the city's SmartSA partnership, consisting of major local stakeholders like CPS Energy and VIA, focuses on people-centered technology solutions that improve public services and quality of life without pursuing technology for its own sake.

Royall's background in neuroscience and urban planning informs her approach to integrating AI and emerging tech responsibly, advocating for public oversight through her role in the GovAI Coalition representing over 250 governments.

Through programs like the SmartSA Sandbox - engaging 500+ residents annually alongside 25+ STEM partners - she fosters a culture of experimentation to test technologies before large-scale adoption, mitigating risks of “black box” solutions and ensuring equity and inclusion.

San Antonio's smart city roadmap, guided by Royall, emphasizes collaboration, open data principles, and a rapid prototyping framework embedded within city procurement and IT workflows, enabling smarter, safer public infrastructure and enhanced community services.

Her leadership earned national recognition as one of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers of 2025. As Royall stresses,

City governments need to set the bar higher in accountability for deployed technologies,

reminding that AI should augment human potential and serve residents transparently.

For more on San Antonio's forward-thinking smart city vision and Royall's impact, visit the detailed profile on Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, the city's official Smart Cities Team page, and the comprehensive Government Technology feature on smart city evolution.

Yellow Tail Tech is making significant strides in helping individuals without prior tech experience or degrees break into high-paying IT careers through its comprehensive, hands-on training programs.

Their flagship "Lnx For Jobs" course, starting its next cohort on September 9, 2025, focuses on Linux system administration and DevOps, providing learners with practical skills like user management, scripting, and server configuration, all tailored at an accessible pace to ensure deep understanding.

Students can progress to industry-recognized certifications such as the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and CompTIA Security+, with apprenticeship opportunities bridging the gap to real-world job readiness.

Yellow Tail's commitment extends beyond training, offering up to 18 months of career support, including resume building and interview preparation, and boasts impressive success metrics, including a 73% job placement rate within 12 months.

Their programs emphasize inclusivity, with 71% of their students identifying as non-white, and equip learners to enter roles such as Linux System Administrator, DevOps Engineer, and Network Administrator, often enabling remote work opportunities.

For more about Yellow Tail Tech's career-launching Linux training and support services, visit their Lnx For Jobs comprehensive Linux training course page, learn about their Zero to Job-Ready Blueprint career advancement plan, or explore how they help career changers transition into IT jobs during the AI frenzy.

San Antonio continues to emerge as a significant hub for AI innovation and responsible technology development, highlighted by local venture firm Active Capital closing a $28 million fund to back pre-seed enterprise AI and cloud infrastructure startups.

This commitment to nurturing early-stage AI ventures complements groundbreaking efforts like Helios, which recently secured $4 million in seed funding to build Proxi, the first AI-native operating system for public policy professionals aiming to transform regulatory and compliance workflows.

Additionally, homegrown companies such as Forward Edge AI - a seed-stage AI training and software firm - underscore San Antonio's growing tech footprint, especially as they partner on national security projects.

The city's ecosystem benefits from such dynamic startups, plus a supportive network fostering ethical AI and workforce development, including educational paths like Nucamp's AI Essentials and Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur bootcamps, which equip learners with practical skills for entering the AI-driven workforce or launching their own ventures.

Together, these elements position San Antonio not just as a growing AI innovation center, but as a model for responsible AI adoption and inclusive economic opportunity.

For more information on Helios and its AI-native OS, visit the Helios official website. To explore Active Capital's investment focus, see the Active Capital $28M fund announcement.