This Month's Latest Tech News in Winston Salem, NC - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

April has marked a pivotal shift in Winston-Salem's tech landscape as artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives take center stage. The N.C. Department of Information Technology has appointed I-Sah Hsieh as its first AI governance and policy executive to spearhead responsible AI adoption statewide, integrating ethical frameworks while bolstering collaboration with policymakers, private businesses, and agencies.

As NCDIT Secretary Teena Piccione explains,

“I-Sah's appointment marks a significant step forward in North Carolina's commitment to harnessing the power of AI for the benefit and protection of our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Local momentum is further energized by collaborative events like Techstars Startup Weekend AI & Life Sciences, which brought together 60+ participants and industry mentors to Innovation Quarter, fostering new ventures and networking opportunities in AI and biotech sectors (Techstars Startup Weekend AI & Life Sciences event in Winston-Salem).

Meanwhile, the Founders' Journey 2025 event by PTRME guided scientists and founders through the entrepreneurial path from ideation to venture-backed startup, reflecting increased support for AI-powered entrepreneurship (PTRME's Founders' Journey 2025 for biotech startups).

For those inspired to join the growing AI and tech workforce, Nucamp's flexible coding bootcamps and financing options offer accessible upskilling routes (Nucamp coding bootcamp financing and scholarships).

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union in Winston-Salem has appointed Robert Payne as its new chief technology officer, reflecting a strategic shift toward accelerated AI adoption and digital innovation.

Payne, who brings over 30 years of technology experience - including more than a decade as SVP of IT for PACU - will spearhead efforts to bolster cybersecurity, streamline operations, and enhance digital member experiences.

Plans include significant investments in automation and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and empower staff to focus on members' financial well-being, aligning closely with emerging industry trends and regulatory guidance.

Dion Williams, President and CEO at PACU, emphasized,

“Robert has a clear vision for how technology can enable innovation and preserve the human connections that make our credit union so unique… As CTO, he will continue to guide us toward a more secure, efficient and people-focused future.”

Payne's leadership comes as the National Credit Union Administration's 2025 Annual Performance Plan encourages robust oversight in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and financial technology, underscoring the importance for credit unions to modernize and address emerging digital challenges.

For more on this strategic leadership change and its implications for PACU's technology priorities, visit the official announcement on Robert Payne's CTO appointment.

Additional insights on Payne's AI-centered priorities and PACU's broader technology vision can be found in the detailed coverage at ATM Marketplace: PACU appoints CTO.

Bank of America is advancing its global digital transformation with a $4 billion investment in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in 2025, representing nearly a third of its total technology budget.

The bank's AI-driven initiatives span customer-facing solutions and internal operations, highlighted by the Erica® virtual assistant, which has facilitated more than 2.5 billion interactions with 20 million active clients and now supports over 90% of the company's 213,000 employees through the internal "Erica for Employees" platform.

This AI integration has cut IT service desk calls by over 50% and delivered tangible efficiency gains, including a 20% increase in software developer productivity and tens of thousands of employee hours saved annually in client meeting preparation.

Additional AI solutions, such as askMerrill and askPrivate Bank, and the Academy's AI-powered training simulators - used for more than 1 million practice sessions in the last year - bolster both client engagement and employee proficiency.

As Aditya Bhasin, Chief Technology & Information Officer, affirms:

“AI is having a transformative effect on employee efficiency and operational excellence… Our use of AI at scale and around the world enables us to further enhance our capabilities, improve employee productivity and client service, and drive business growth.”

Bank of America's robust intellectual property portfolio includes nearly 7,400 patents and pending applications, more than 1,200 of which center on AI and machine learning, reflecting the institution's sustained innovation.

For a closer look at the bank's AI journey and its impact on workforce efficiency and client experience, explore insights from The Financial Technology Report's detailed analysis of Bank of America AI integration, and see how these efforts are shaping the future of banking as detailed in PYMNTS' comprehensive report on Bank of America's 2025 technology investments.

Durham-based BotBuilt is making waves in Winston-Salem's tech scene by harnessing AI-powered robots to tackle the affordable housing crisis and modernize home construction.

BotBuilt's innovative system builds framing panels for homes using reprogrammable robotic arms that adapt to a variety of custom designs, achieving precision and speed while reducing costs and reliance on scarce skilled labor.

The company's robots produce framing off-site, allowing panels to be delivered and assembled in hours rather than days, with the process now competitive with, and likely to soon undercut, traditional stick-built methods as highlighted by Triangle Business Journal.

Backed by $12.4 million in funding from industry leaders like Owens Corning, BotBuilt aims to expand its team and capacity, scaling up for higher output and broader impact according to BuiltWorlds' investment report.

Not only does their approach minimize construction waste and improve jobsite safety, but it also delivers efficiency gains to builders and affordability to homebuyers.

CEO Brent Wadas underscores the societal value of their mission:

“It all comes down to having a home, having some form of stability, having a roof over your head and an address to put on your resume, a place where your kids can feel safe, whatever that is to you. That's what housing is.”

Data points reveal that BotBuilt's factory systems cost approximately $1 per hour to run, have already delivered panels for over a dozen homes, and currently serve a pipeline of builders representing over 2,000 future housing units as reported by TechCrunch.

The company's rapid progress and flexible robotics mark a significant advancement for both construction tech and community development in North Carolina.

AI and data analytics are rapidly transforming internal audits and risk management, enabling deeper insights, improved efficiency, and enhanced fraud detection across the sector.

According to KPMG's latest AI Quarterly Pulse Survey by KPMG, 93% of leaders say generative AI investments have improved their organizations' long-term strategic performance, with planned investments surging to $114 million for the coming year.

AI-driven solutions like KPMG Clara now automate tasks such as data analysis and disclosure checklist completion, allowing auditors to focus on higher-risk areas while maintaining strict human oversight.

As highlighted in a recent analysis on AI and data analytics in internal audits, these technologies facilitate continuous auditing, enhanced risk assessment, and more proactive risk response, although they raise challenges in data privacy and governance.

The rapid rise in productivity tool use (jumping from 22% to 58% daily) and pilot programs illustrates the technology's momentum. Furthermore, competitors like EY are likewise upgrading AI tools, focusing on automation, standard gap analysis, and responsible AI practices - underscoring an industry-wide evolution (Accounting Today report on EY and KPMG AI upgrades).

As Scott Flynn, US Vice Chair - Audit at KPMG, emphasizes,

“We're building sophisticated AI agents to help auditors respond more effectively to risks and deliver deeper insights. We maintain professional skepticism and upskill our professionals to build trust in capital markets.”

Explore key industry metrics in the table below for a snapshot of this ongoing transformation:

Metric	2024/25 Value
Generative AI investment	$114M planned
Organizations piloting AI agents	65% (up from 37%)
Daily AI productivity tool usage	58% (up from 22%)
Reported measurable profitability from GenAI	97%

Bill Gates is spotlighting artificial intelligence as a solution to long-standing shortages in healthcare and education, two fields historically insulated from automation.

Citing a projected U.S. shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036 and widespread difficulty hiring K-12 teachers - 86% of schools reported hiring struggles in 2023 - Gates predicts that AI will deliver “great medical advice, great tutoring” freely and at scale within the next decade.

As summarized in Business Insider's analysis of Bill Gates' interviews on AI addressing job shortages in healthcare and education, Gates foresees AI not just assisting but potentially replacing experts for many routine tasks in medicine and education, with startups like Suki and Zephyr AI already automating medical billing, diagnostics, and treatment identification.

Meanwhile, schools are experimenting with AI tutors, as piloted by David Game College in the UK. Gates also acknowledges the irreplaceable value of human empathy and judgment, yet underscores the sweeping potential of “free intelligence” to change working life and alleviate burnout.

As discussed in The Economic Times' coverage on Bill Gates' prediction about AI replacing teachers and doctors, Gates cautions that while this transformation is promising, it also compels “almost a philosophical rethink about, ‘OK, how should time be spent?'”

“AI will come in and provide medical IQ, and there won't be a shortage,” Gates remarked, reflecting on both the pace and implications of this rapid change.

For a deeper exploration of how rapidly advancing AI will affect jobs and local labor markets, see CNBC's detailed report on Bill Gates' vision for the future of work with AI.

Medisafe has unveiled VIA, its new AI-powered Voice Intelligent Agent, to transform patient engagement by addressing the pharmaceutical industry's $5 billion gap in support program participation.

Operating across voice, SMS, and web channels, VIA uses natural, proactive outreach to assist patients with onboarding, medication adherence, and benefits access - without the need for extra app downloads or portal logins.

According to Yahoo Finance's detailed report on Medisafe's VIA launch, only 3% of patients currently utilize pharma support services, and VIA aims to substantially boost this figure by integrating seamlessly into existing CRM systems and providing multilingual assistance for complex care needs.

Early results from voice-enabled healthcare solutions have shown significant promise: for example, Mayo Clinic reported a 40% drop in readmissions using remote monitoring tools, as noted by TrendHunter's in-depth industry insight on AI-powered voice assistants.

VIA also offers advanced solutions like automated benefits investigation and real-time shipment tracking, fostering a transparent and supportive patient experience as detailed on Medisafe's official Access & Coordination information page.

As patient stories highlight - the ability to manage multiple prescriptions with ease not only empowers patients but reduces overwhelming burdens on caregivers, exemplifying how voice AI brings healthcare support closer to those who need it most.

The upcoming CarolinaCISO ORBIE Awards, scheduled for September 2025 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle, shine a spotlight on chief information security officers (CISOs) who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership across the region.

As part of a tradition that honors strategic innovation and security stewardship, the ORBIE Awards are peer-adjudicated and designed to recognize technology executives for their pivotal roles in organizational transformation.

Finalists for the Carolina awards will be announced in June, further building anticipation in the local tech and security community, and the program follows a consistent structure that has elevated leaders nationwide.

At last week's HoustonCISO ORBIE Awards, for instance, CISOs from leading entities like Chevron and ENGIE North America were recognized, highlighting award categories such as Super Global, Global, Large Enterprise, Enterprise, Corporate, and Leadership.

The Houston event drew over 200 executives and was praised for its emphasis on collaboration and the business value of enterprise security, with HoustonCISO Chair Tony Souza noting,

“Great CISOs recognize that the power of collaboration lies in trusted relationships. The HoustonCISO ORBIE® Awards embody this by inspiring, connecting, and honoring CISOs for their leadership and the value they bring to Houston businesses through enterprise security.”

For more details on finalists and past winners, the official Carolina ORBIE Awards finalists page serves as a resource, and this peer-driven recognition platform continues to inspire CISO excellence across sectors.

Learn more about the event's legacy by visiting the ORBIE Awards overview.

Steve Malik, renowned for leading Medfusion in the tech sector, has successfully transitioned to sports entrepreneurship as the owner of North Carolina FC and the NC Courage, championing the growth of women's soccer in the region.

His pursuit of a new downtown Raleigh stadium remains central to his vision, aimed at bolstering both local sports and urban development, even as shifting city priorities and funding obstacles present ongoing challenges (Malik's Raleigh stadium ambitions).

Malik's journey is not only about athletic and business growth but also reflects his broader commitment to innovation, as he continues to leverage his background in technology and explores the role of AI within North Carolina's business and sports ecosystems (Inside Malik's transition from tech to sports).

Public-private partnership discussions are ongoing, with support from public officials and recent investments such as the naming partnership with First Horizon Bank for the team's current Cary stadium serving as crucial steps in advancing Malik's vision (First Horizon Bank and NC Courage partnership).

As Malik's plans evolve, his innovative approach places him at the intersection of technology, business, and sports, driving both economic development and community pride in Winston-Salem and the broader region.

Credit unions across the Winston-Salem region and nationwide are accelerating digital transformation initiatives to enhance member experiences and maintain their competitive edge.

Institutions like Afena Federal Credit Union, supported by MDT, have implemented robust solutions - ranging from modern digital banking platforms, remote deposit capabilities, and credit score monitoring, to complete website overhauls - while preserving their core mission of financial access and empowerment for all members.

As CEO Karen Madry emphasized,

“At Afena, we believe that the best partnerships are built on trust, collaboration and a shared vision for success – and that is exactly what we have found in MDT. Their flexibility, expertise and client-first approach have played an integral role in supporting our tech advancements, allowing us to enhance member experiences while staying true to our mission.”

Meanwhile, credit unions nationwide are leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to personalize services, automate operations, and fortify fraud prevention, as detailed in this analysis of AI-driven digital acceleration.

Even smaller credit unions are taking incremental steps such as automating manual processes, enhancing cyber security, and maximizing fintech partnerships to optimize operations, as recommended by Main Street's digital transformation guide.

Industry leaders like PenFed, EFCU Financial, and Texas Trust Credit Union are heavily investing in AI-enabled predictive banking, streamlined lending, and new digital payment services to attract younger members and spur growth, as highlighted in The Financial Brand's strategic roundup.

The table below summarizes several key digital enhancements being implemented:

Credit Union	Key Digital Initiatives
Afena Federal Credit Union	Banno platform, remote deposit, online lending, website overhaul
PenFed	AI-driven predictive banking, digital self-service
EFCU Financial	New account opening, mortgage systems, core system upgrade
Texas Trust	Streamlined onboarding, Zest AI loan automation, Zelle P2P payments

AI-driven innovation is transforming education across both the UK and the US, with an array of pilots and programs demonstrating tangible benefits for students and educators alike.

In the UK, the LearnWise platform has been piloted at twelve universities and colleges, offering customizable AI assistants that streamline student support, answer queries on topics like course enrollment and induction, and even enhance staff development.

Notably, 8 out of 12 institutions are continuing or exploring its use post-pilot thanks to its ease of integration, accurate responses, and accessible analytics (LearnWise AI pilot report detailing comprehensive impact).

Meanwhile, hands-on AI training is being embedded in curricula, with initiatives like Imperial College Business School's collaboration with The Brandtech Group and Unilever exposing marketing students to cutting-edge generative AI campaign tools, culminating in LinkedIn-accredited skills recognized by employers (Imperial College Business School pilots real-world AI marketing tools).

Stateside, Connecticut's public schools are piloting AI - including tools like the Brisk Chrome extension - to individualize instruction, especially supporting special education and ESL learners; the positive early results are echoed in feedback from educators and government leaders.

As Governor Ned Lamont observed,

“Whether you're in physics, whether you're in biology, whether you're in manufacturing, AI can be a compliment or minor to what your major is because it could be part of everything we do.”

(Connecticut AI education pilot highlighted at summit).

These coordinated efforts underscore the rise of AI in education, promising more personalized, efficient, and inclusive learning experiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Winston-Salem is solidifying its place in the AI revolution as local universities, state agencies, and community leaders invest in both educational initiatives and strategic technology partnerships.

Notably, North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner launched a 12-week pilot with OpenAI to test AI's impact on public services like unclaimed property management and government audits, emphasizing that,

“The big issue with AI in state government... is how do you ensure data privacy for non-public data... That's a big, thorny, complicated question, but we wanted to see if we could get tremendous productivity out of this tool by applying it only in the divisions where we don't use private data.”

The region's academic strength is evident with Winston-Salem State University's continued research grants and hands-on STEM experiences, and with Dr. Debzani Deb of WSSU presenting at the 2025 Data Science Leadership Summit, which focused on advancing AI education and fostering trust in data science.

Meanwhile, the NCShare partnership, now including N.C. A&T, expands access to scalable, GPU-powered AI resources, supporting high-impact projects in deepfake detection and cybersecurity research - an effort detailed by Dr. Kaushik Roy:

“NCShare is creating a very powerful cluster of interconnected GPU machines that is scalable... It's a great opportunity for our faculty and students.”

This collaborative momentum is complemented by Wake Forest's faculty-led exploration of AI in teaching, convening over 150 educators to discuss opportunities and ethical challenges, as highlighted on their Center for the Advancement of Teaching site.

With these multi-faceted efforts - from government and industry pilots to academic innovation - Winston-Salem is poised to both lead and inspire in AI's expanding role across the state.

Learn more about how NCShare is transforming AI research infrastructure at N.C. A&T in this official partnership announcement.