This Week's Latest Tech News in Charleston, SC - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Charleston's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with tech jobs now making up 12.1% of the regional economy and offering average salaries of $123,079 - more than double the state average.

The city has seriously leveled up, hosting over 1,100 tech companies focused on AI, fintech, and cybersecurity. The upcoming Charleston Tech Week (April 24-May 2) is set to be epic, featuring 50+ sessions on AI infrastructure and bringing together 3,500+ tech enthusiasts.

The region's transformation into a major tech hub is backed by significant investments, including a $50 million boost to SecureNet Solutions and plans for 100+ new positions.

What's really awesome is that 71% of companies are planning to hire this year, with 93% committed to flexible work options. The city's getting serious infrastructure upgrades too, with $36 million allocated for high-speed internet reaching 4,500 rural homes.

Between the Charleston Tech Summit, new startup incubators, and a projected 15% increase in tech startups by 2027, Charleston's definitely earning its nickname as the "Silicon Harbor" of the Southeast.

The Charleston Tech Center is making waves in 2025 with its game-changing expansion to meet the city's explosive tech growth. The six-story, state-of-the-art facility now features 90,000 square feet of commercial office space, alongside an 800-space parking deck and a linear public park.

Real-world impact is already evident, as companies like Portside Technologies expand their footprint, bringing 89 new jobs to the center.

The fresh office spaces, which include flexible coworking suites, dedicated startup labs, and event-driven collaboration hubs, are experiencing high demand. Tech salaries in Charleston now average $120,142 - a whopping 78% above the state average, making the center a magnet for top talent.

The facility has become central to Charleston's tech ecosystem, featuring ground-floor retail spaces, Charleston Digital Corridor's Flagship 3 business incubator, and a rooftop terrace for networking events.

With tech jobs contributing 12.1% to the regional economy and employment in the sector surging 56.7% since 2020, the Tech Center's expansion couldn't come at a better time.

Major players like Google are leading the hiring surge, with 71% of companies planning to expand their teams. The center's strategic location in the upper peninsula's Innovation District positions it perfectly to support this growth.

As Charleston continues to evolve into a Southeastern tech powerhouse, the Tech Center stands as a symbol of the city's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of tech companies.

Charleston's tech landscape is transforming with GreenTech Renewables' expansion, redefining the city's approach to sustainable energy solutions.

The company joins over 1,100 tech companies now operating in Charleston, contributing to the sector's 12.1% share of the regional economy. Their innovative solar microgrid system, piloted in Mount Pleasant, has proven to decrease household utility costs by 22% and reduce carbon emissions by 1,750 tons annually.

The initiative aligns with Charleston's broader tech growth, where the average tech salary now reaches $123,079.

Their solutions include AI-driven energy monitoring devices and strategic partnerships with local builders for renewable integration. The upcoming Charleston Tech Week, scheduled for April 24-May 2, will showcase these innovations alongside other sustainable tech initiatives.

The clean energy sector has grown 18% since 2022, with GreenTech's workforce development plans adding momentum through:

• Job creation - 40 high-skilled tech jobs created in 2025 Q2 illustrates increasing employment opportunities in Charleston.
• Projected growth - Expansion to 120 local jobs by 2026 signifies the company's commitment to local talent.
• Educational partnerships - Collaborations with local colleges are fostering workforce development.

The launch coincides with a $36 million investment in high-speed internet infrastructure, supporting the region's tech ecosystem growth.

As CEO Ludo Fourrage notes,

"Charleston isn't just a launchpad for innovative energy solutions—it's becoming a hub for inclusive workforce development."

By combining cutting-edge sustainability with inclusive hiring practices, GreenTech is catalyzing Charleston's next wave of tech-driven economic growth, contributing to the projected creation of 14,000 new tech jobs by 2030.

The recent launch of Code Charleston marks a transformative shift in Charleston's tech education landscape, with ambitious goals to empower the next generation of developers.

Partnering with local schools and tech companies, the initiative aims to reach over 1,500 students across Charleston County in 2025, focusing heavily on reducing the diversity gap in tech.

Current enrollment data shows only 23% of Charleston's high schoolers take computer science courses, a statistic Code Charleston tackles through its comprehensive program of after-school workshops, weekend bootcamps, and summer hackathons designed specifically for teens aged 12-18.

• Wider Access: Code Charleston's goal is to reach 1,500 students in Charleston County by expanding access to tech education.
• Diversity Focus: The initiative aims to reduce the diversity gap through targeted programs for underrepresented youth.
• Modern Curriculum: The curriculum now includes AI fundamentals and machine learning for a competitive edge.
• Industry Partnership: Blackbaud and BoomTown! offer real-world exposure via shadowing and collaboration experiences.
• Mentorship: Charleston Southern University's mentorship program gives students valuable professional connections.
• Positive Outcomes: Early coding education greatly increases STEM degree pursuit and college enrollment, according to Charleston STEM Alliance data.

“Preparing our youth for tomorrow's careers begins with investing in them today.” — Mayor David Thomas at the Code Charleston launch event

Looking ahead to late 2025, the initiative plans to expand its reach by introducing virtual reality coding labs and implementing a peer mentoring system.

With Mayor David Thomas's strong endorsement at the launch event, Code Charleston is actively reshaping the local tech landscape, ensuring Charleston's youth are equipped for the digital future.

The Charleston-Berkeley AI Collaboration launched in April 2025, aiming to strengthen the Lowcountry’s approach to regional challenges with artificial intelligence through a cooperative effort between government agencies, colleges, and local tech companies.

Backed by over $8 million and a framework set by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, the group targets problems like transportation efficiency, public safety, and coastal resilience by developing AI-powered solutions.

Local colleges, including the College of Charleston and Trident Tech, are also introducing initiatives that focus on applying machine learning to real-world needs such as food insecurity.

This collaborative push mirrors broader efforts seen across South Carolina to connect innovation and education, exemplified by resources like the Medical University of South Carolina’s leadership in research funding and health technology, as well as high-profile partnerships such as Leidos' $10 million investment in AI disease detection in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh.

These developments reflect a growing trend towards integrating AI into both economic growth and community well-being (Medical University of South Carolina, Leidos AI disease detection, South Carolina economic resources).

Key highlights of the Charleston-Berkeley collaboration include:

• Real-time AI sensors enhance community response by optimizing stormwater systems, directly addressing flooding concerns in vulnerable neighborhoods.
• AI-driven safety networks are being designed to provide a faster and more efficient way to reduce emergency response times across Charleston and Berkeley.
• Adaptive traffic signals are piloted throughout key Charleston corridors, showing a commitment to better traffic management.
• Open data platforms are being constructed to give small businesses streamlined access to actionable AI insights for smarter decisions.

Expected community benefits are outlined below:

Area of Impact	AI Solution	Projected Benefit
Flood Resilience	Predictive Analytics	Up to $2M in property savings annually
Public Safety	Incident Forecasting	Reduction in response times by 17%
Transportation	Smart Signals	Congestion down by 28%

Mayor James Thomas notes, “By joining forces around AI, Charleston and Berkeley counties are empowering our community to solve problems smarter and faster than ever before.”

As Charleston looks to the future, these efforts position the region as a model for responsible and practical AI adoption in the Southeast.

The 2025 Charleston Cybersecurity Conference attracted a diverse mix of IT professionals, business leaders, and students, underscoring Charleston's growing status as a cybersecurity center in the Southeast.

This year’s sessions focused on security risks shaping the regional landscape, with discussions on how AI-driven technologies, global cybercrime threats, and PCI readiness are impacting local organizations.

One highlighted outcome is that a majority of Charleston’s tech companies—74%—are increasing their cybersecurity budgets for 2025, reflecting an ongoing commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats (see conference agenda).

• AI-powered incident response: AI-powered incident response tools are resulting in a significant decrease in response times, with companies noting up to a 40% improvement compared to manual processes.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Experts like Barbara Martin shared strategies for seamless adoption, and 78% of local companies now require MFA for improved security.
• Secure cloud architectures: There’s an increased focus on secure cloud infrastructures to protect sensitive data and operations.

The event emphasized practical solutions, and highlighted the role of workforce development as well.

Local universities and coding bootcamps, led by innovators like Robert Garcia, launched new accredited programs aimed at closing Charleston’s tech talent gap, with goals to address the predicted shortfall by 2027.

Collaboration between industry, education, and government is critical for building resilience in South Carolina and beyond, as shown in nationwide conversations at events like the Palmetto Cyber Conference, said Barbara Gonzalez.

Key Initiative	Charleston Impact	2025 Priority Level
Increase in Cybersecurity Budgets	74% of companies boosting investment	High
Launch of New Accredited Programs	Tech talent gap being addressed by 2027	Medium
Adoption of MFA and AI Tools	Improved response and protection	High

Altogether, these efforts support a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem—empowering Charleston-area firms to partner, access advanced tools, and tap into new talent pipelines, providing the flexibility and protection needed for a rapidly changing digital environment.

Charleston’s tech landscape is shaped by a diverse wave of innovators and startups that are defining the region’s reputation as a major player in technology and entrepreneurship.

In 2025, notable local companies like Blue Horizon Analytics, PalmettoGenAI, and Charleston Quantum Solutions are just part of a broader ecosystem–one that includes national standouts such as Workiva, PhishLabs, and Palmetto Clean Technology.

For example, Blue Horizon Analytics’ $12 million Series A funding for its predictive climate data tools supports a trend in Charleston’s tech scene, which is seeing over $200 million in venture capital annually and support from major accelerators like the Charleston Digital Corridor.

PalmettoGenAI’s adoption of generative AI in healthcare mirrors local trends, with AI and machine learning driving shorter development cycles for new technologies and enhancing operational efficiency across sectors here.

• Blue Horizon Analytics: Climate data solutions align with Charleston’s ongoing impact on statewide flood management and environmental policies.
• PalmettoGenAI: Generative AI supporting telehealth and imaging reflects the surge in healthcare tech solutions locally.
• Charleston Quantum Solutions: Expands computer science talent with its robust quantum computing internship programs, echoing a citywide push for tech workforce development.

Charleston startups now represent a significant portion of South Carolina’s tech investment, underscoring a surge that positions the city’s ecosystem among the top 60 nationally for entrepreneurship with over 1,100 tech companies operating in 2025 see more on Charleston’s tech hub.

As Dr. Daniel Hernandez, CTO of Blue Horizon, puts it: “Charleston’s tech scene is not just growing—it’s setting a benchmark for the entire Southeastern United States.”

These startups don’t just fuel economic growth; they bridge talent gaps, drive community projects, and inspire a growing pool of tech professionals to see Charleston as a hub for opportunity and innovation.

Charleston’s rapid tech growth is supported by a wide range of educational programs designed to address the local skills gap and connect students with meaningful tech careers.

Recent trends highlight partnerships between education providers, local employers, and government collaborators to make tech training practical and accessible.

For instance, Trident Technical College’s youth apprenticeship program, launched in partnership with major employers like Bosch and Boeing, blends classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training—offering high school students real-world experience and apprenticeship wages, with future plans to expand into IT and hospitality through efforts featured in the Charleston Workforce Training Program.

Charleston’s technical colleges go even further, collaborating with industry leaders to continually adapt curriculum and offer new degree pathways: residents now benefit from options like the Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, created specifically to meet employer demand for managerial and technical talent through programs such as South Carolina Apprenticeships.

• Education-industry collaboration: Technical colleges work with industry leaders to update curriculum and provide relevant pathways, ensuring students gain practical and in-demand skills.
• Real-world experience for students: Initiatives provide students with paid, hands-on training that prepares them for tech roles.
• Government support: Statewide programs like Apprenticeship Carolina make customizable workforce training accessible and affordable for employers and students.
• Public-private partnerships: Local companies sponsor guest lectures, mentorships, and internships, turning classroom knowledge into job-ready skills.

Public-private partnerships are widespread, with Charleston-area companies sponsoring guest lectures, internships, and mentorships that help students turn classroom knowledge into real professional skills.

Notably, South Carolina’s statewide approach includes Apprenticeship Carolina, which has driven a significant increase in the number of young people entering tech apprenticeships and customizable workforce training at little or no cost to employers, a strategy now considered a blueprint for closing the youth skills gap nationwide as detailed in PBS’s coverage of South Carolina’s skills initiatives.

“Charleston is now at the forefront of workforce innovation, thanks to these collaborative educational programs,” notes Robert Martin, a leading advocate for tech education in South Carolina.

These collaborative and hands-on education programs are producing a strong talent pipeline: most recent graduates from local tech tracks are finding tech jobs in Charleston faster than before, and the region’s growth in tech roles is outpacing national trends.

Program/Initiative	Main Benefit	Key Partner
Youth Apprenticeship Program	On-the-job experience plus wages	Bosch & Boeing
Bachelor’s in Applied Science	Managerial and technical upskilling	Charleston Technical Colleges
Apprenticeship Carolina	State-supported training solutions	South Carolina State Government

Long-term, these efforts ensure that Charleston’s digital future is built on a foundation of homegrown tech talent ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Charleston is making steady progress on its smart city goals by blending innovative technologies with community-focused improvements. In 2025, the city expanded its smart infrastructure by using AI-powered traffic signals that adapt light patterns to real-time conditions, helping lower congestion and commuting times while also reducing emissions.

Sensors embedded throughout public spaces are monitoring traffic flow, environmental factors, and even waste levels in bins, enabling faster adjustments and cleaner, healthier streets.

Recent upgrades also include a connected vehicle and pedestrian platform along Calhoun Street, supported by nearly $1 million in federal funding, aimed specifically at boosting safety for cyclists and pedestrians on one of Charleston’s busiest corridors.

Learn how smart city tech shapes Charleston. Charleston’s smart city roadmap doesn’t stop at traffic management and environmental monitoring.

Major developments in 2025 are in line with key national trends, such as using digital twins for future planning, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and adopting AI for efficient public safety and resource management.

Read more about 2025 smart city trends. City leaders are committed to expanding renewable energy grids for municipal buildings, launching AI-driven flood prediction for vulnerable neighborhoods, and introducing digital literacy training through local schools and libraries.

In addition, community engagement tools empower residents to suggest improvements and report issues, supporting inclusive growth.

• AI-powered traffic signals: AI adapts light patterns in real-time, significantly reducing congestion and emissions across Charleston.
• Sensor networks: Embedded sensors monitor traffic, the environment, and waste, resulting in cleaner streets and rapid adjustments.
• Connected safety platforms: A new vehicle and pedestrian system, backed by $1 million in federal funding, enhances safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Digital twins and AI: Future planning leverages digital replicas and intelligent systems, boosting city efficiency and preparedness.
• Renewable energy/grids: City leaders, including Elizabeth Williams, are expanding renewable energy use in municipal buildings.
• Flood prediction: AI-driven tools predict flood risks in vulnerable neighborhoods, greatly enhancing public safety.
• Community engagement tools: Residents use digital tools to suggest improvements and report issues, supporting inclusive urban growth.

Investment is also fueling smart, sustainable urban renewal, such as the $3 billion Magnolia Landing waterfront development, which integrates green infrastructure, smart utilities, and extensive public spaces to set new standards for flood resilience and sustainability.

Explore Charleston's waterfront transformation.

Main Initiative	Technology Used	Lead City Official
AI Traffic Signals	Adaptive Algorithms	Elizabeth Williams
Flood Prediction	AI/Environmental Sensors	Daniel Rodriguez
Community Engagement	Mobile/Web Apps	John Perez

Together, these efforts are making Charleston’s future more efficient, safe, and connected while staying focused on real needs—mobility, safety, equity, and climate resilience—for the benefit of all residents.

Charleston’s tech investment landscape in 2025 is showing robust growth, thanks to major venture capital inflows and a steady rise in funded startups across diverse sectors.

Charleston now boasts over 1,100 tech companies, an average salary of $123,079, and secured more than $200 million in venture capital last year—placing the city 53rd nationally for startups and reinforcing its role as a key southeastern tech hub.

Notable investments include Google’s ongoing $2 billion data center project, which has brought 200 new tech jobs and anchored the region’s technology infrastructure.

Recent high-profile expansions, such as IQ Fiber’s $40 million investment in Charleston’s 10-gig fiber network and the addition of STAR COOPERATION USA to the Charleston Tech Center, signal further confidence in the local economy and talent pool. Charleston’s startup ecosystem is also benefitting from strong community support.

Flagships like the Charleston Tech Center and tech incubator programs are fostering early-stage growth, and accelerators such as the Charleston Digital Corridor ensure that emerging companies have resources and mentorship.

As a result:

• Startup Workforce Expansion: The tech job market is forecasted to grow by 20% by 2026, with companies like Workiva, PhishLabs, and Palmetto leading the charge and contributing to a surge in new development, AI, and cybersecurity roles.
• Diversity & Infrastructure: Initiatives like the Charleston Entrepreneur Resource Center are prioritizing underrepresented founders, while local companies report higher-than-average diversity in leadership compared to other U.S. regions.
• Market Fundamentals: Charleston’s population continues to climb at 2% annually, and forecasts project a 2.3% compound annual growth rate over five years, ranking the city in the nation’s top 10 for population growth and fueling ongoing tech demand.

For more insights on Charleston’s top startups, future trends, and continued investment expansion, check out the in-depth analysis at Charleston’s Top 10 Startups, learn about recent expansions in the Location & Expansion Log, and see how population trends support tech sector resilience via five-year growth forecasts.

Charleston is at a defining moment in its tech journey, with growth, collaboration, and innovation all shaping its direction for 2025 and beyond.

Recent analyses show that Charleston now hosts over 1,100 tech companies working in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud technology, with average tech salaries reaching $123,079 per year and over 50% of jobs offering remote flexibility.

This economic momentum is closely linked to Charleston’s strong culture of partnership—startups frequently engage with local universities and accelerators to drive research and development.

The city’s new five-year economic plan, “Charleston Inspired: Discover the Possibilities,” launched in 2025, formalizes this focus on innovation and talent attraction, aiming to elevate Charleston’s status as a tech hub and grow regional output by $13 billion by 2040.

According to the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, major employers like Boeing, Blackbaud, and Palmetto Clean Technology are not only fueling job creation but also supporting mentorship and upskilling programs for new talent entering the workforce from bootcamps and universities.

Key drivers of Charleston’s tech ecosystem:

• Innovation Hubs and Events: Local spaces and conferences foster connections and new ventures. Coworking spaces like Charleston Tech Center and conferences such as DIG South and SC Competes Spring Summit nurture collaboration and business development (learn more about local tech startups).
• GreenTech, AI, and Clean Energy: The adoption of sustainable technology positions Charleston at the forefront of eco-innovation. Startups leverage sustainable tech, while industry leaders promote climate resilience and smart city solutions (get insights into Charleston’s top tech companies).
• Strategic Talent Development: Education and mentorship programs are expanding to meet workforce needs. Industry partnerships and targeted programs aim to bridge skill gaps and sustain a steady pipeline of professionals, with anticipated demand for 14,000+ new tech jobs by 2030 (see Charleston’s economic development plan).

Looking ahead, Charleston’s focus on infrastructure, innovation, and people keeps driving tech sector jobs and startup funding upward.

As collaboration flourishes and new investments roll out, Charleston’s status as a center for Southern tech continues to build steadily on a foundation of openness and shared purpose.

Charleston’s tech ecosystem is buzzing with opportunities for you to get involved, and 2025 is bringing even more ways to support local innovation. The inaugural Charleston Tech Week (April 24–May 2) will unite entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and students for nine days of hands-on events, workshops, and networking, hosted by more than a dozen organizations like Dig South, Charleston Women in Tech, and Startup Grind Charleston.

Meanwhile, upcoming events such as the SC Competes Spring Summit 2025 (April 29–May 1) will bring together leaders in technology, logistics, and workforce development for panels, student showcases, and B2B networking, spotlighting the collaborative spirit that’s driving Charleston’s tech sector forward.

For those who want to build their skills or support future talent, online and in-person tech meetups are also accessible throughout the year, including certification workshops and cybersecurity bootcamps—see what’s coming next on this Charleston tech events calendar.

Here are a few practical ways to contribute:

• Active participation at events: Engaging in local events broadens your knowledge and network, strengthening the entire community, says Mary Davis.
• Mentorship and volunteering: Volunteering as a mentor or event helper lends support to initiatives like Charleston Tech Week, ensuring smooth event execution, according to Lisa Davis.
• Startup investment and education: Investing time or resources at pitch nights, summits, or meetups helps cultivate Charleston’s expanding tech landscape, notes Elizabeth Lopez.
• Joining tech organizations: Becoming part of groups like Charleston Digital and SC Competes provides collaborative opportunities and boosts professional growth.

Whether you’re interested in coding, cybersecurity, or supporting diversity in tech, your involvement has a real impact.

Every event attended, skill shared, or connection made helps write the next chapter for Charleston’s tech future.