This Week's Latest Tech News in Salinas, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Salinas, CA continues to cement its position as a leader in agricultural technology, drawing national attention with a surge in innovation and investment. This week, the city’s tech sector showcased impressive momentum, with over 3,000 new tech jobs created and $100 million in venture capital flowing into local agtech startups, many of which are working on precision agriculture solutions that have achieved a 95% reduction in water usage and a 20% boost in crop yields (see Salinas’ tech boom).

Programs like the Steinbeck Innovation Cluster, backed by a $2.9 million donation, are expanding opportunities for farmworker families, connecting them with coding and robotics training at Hartnell College and Cal State Monterey Bay (learn how education is shaping Salinas' future).

The Western Growers Center now supports 37 startups pioneering advancements such as drone mapping and AI-powered farm management tools.

• Innovation surge: The creation of over 3,000 new tech jobs and $100 million in venture capital highlights Salinas’ rapid growth and investment strength.
• Precision agriculture: Local startups are spearheading efficiency with 95% water reduction and a 20% rise in crop yields thanks to advanced technology.
• Educational programs: With the Steinbeck Innovation Cluster’s $2.9 million support, farmworker families gain new tech skills at local colleges.
• Startup ecosystem: The Western Growers Center backs 37 startups focused on transformative tools, including drone mapping and AI-driven management.
• Industry events: Conferences like the Western Food Safety Conference ensure Salinas leads food safety discussions and regulatory innovation (explore key industry conferences in Salinas).
• Diversity and global impact: Workforce diversity, sustainability, and partnerships continue to shape Salinas’ future as a global tech hub.

Key Initiative	Impact	Lead Organization
Steinbeck Innovation Cluster	$2.9M investment, new educational pathways	Christopher Anderson
Western Growers Center	Support for 37 startups	Karen Thomas
Local AgTech Startups	95% less water use, 20% higher yields	Matthew Thomas

Salinas’ ongoing commitment to workforce diversity, sustainability, and global impact, with tech education and industry partnerships, continues to shape the region's future for all.

Monterey Bay DART and CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) have been awarded a $2 million James Irvine Foundation grant in 2025 to advance equitable workforce training in aviation and drone technology for California’s Central Coast.

This initiative will fund pilot programs for Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators, addressing local workforce shortages and opening pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Program Component	Main Objective	Impact Area
AMT/UAS Pilot Programs	Workforce Skills development for students	Central Coast Aviation & Tech
Hands-on Internships	Real-world Experience for participants	CSUMB Students
DroneCamp 2025	Drone Technology training & scholarships	Wider Monterey Bay Region

The project is being managed in partnership with CSUMB’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development, and aligns closely with regional employers and community efforts to build a diverse talent pipeline.

Students at CSUMB will have access to hands-on internships, work-based learning opportunities, and exposure to the latest in drone and aviation technology, which is especially important given that more than half of the university’s students are first-generation and 61% come from underrepresented backgrounds - expanding the impact of the program’s focus on workforce equity (more details on the grant and partners).

• Main theme: Equitable access to aviation education is central, with programs targeting first-generation and underrepresented students.
• Main theme: Industry collaboration connects students with employers, making career pathways more accessible in the region.
• Main theme: Skill-building workshops like DroneCamp foster practical learning for participants at all levels.

In addition to training and mentorship, Monterey Bay DART and CSUMB are collaborating on community engagement and networking events, including the LIFT Summit, a key gathering where industry leaders, educators, and policymakers discuss the future of aviation careers and students connect directly with employers (learn more about the regional workforce summit and DART’s industry connections).

Patricia Wilson, a coordinator at CSUMB, commented, "These coordinated efforts are making tech education and careers more accessible for Salinas and the wider Monterey Bay region."

This year’s program also integrates with hands-on workshops like DroneCamp 2025 hosted on the CSUMB campus, offering participants of all experience levels a chance to build practical drone skills, connect with professional networks, and apply for training scholarships (see the full DroneCamp event details).

These coordinated efforts are making tech education and careers more accessible for Salinas and the wider Monterey Bay region.

Stout Industrial Technology has reached a significant milestone in 2025, announcing that its AI-driven Smart Cultivator has worked across more than 60,000 acres and scanned over 3 billion plants in production farms spanning six countries and three continents.

This technology now supports diverse crops in regions such as Salinas, Virginia, and Europe, helping growers with per-plant precision for weeding and cultivation, reducing their reliance on manual labor.

Stout’s real-time data dashboard empowers farmers by providing actionable plant-level insights - including growth rates, plant counts, and other health metrics - available on virtually any connected device.

As Susan Harris, Stout’s Director of Business Development, explains,

“With our dashboard, growers aren’t just reacting to problems, they’re making faster, smarter decisions backed by real-time data”

(AI-powered Smart Cultivator milestone).

Stout’s solution uses its proprietary True Vision deep learning software to identify crop versus weed with up to 99% accuracy and can be operated by existing tractor drivers with minimal training (Stout Industrial Technology product details).

The dashboard streamlines operations by helping farmers optimize field visits and resource allocation. Stout continues to expand, recently appointing new leadership to help further its commitment to agricultural AI solutions and broaden its market reach.

CEO Karen Jones has experience in managing diverse agricultural operations and emphasizes delivering durable, labor-saving solutions, while Nancy Gonzalez, with a background in agtech partnerships, focuses on supporting growers with advanced technology (Stout leadership and vision).

As Stout’s technology scales globally, it positions Salinas as a hub for precision agriculture, supporting farmers’ operational efficiency and adapting to agricultural challenges around the world.

Equitable tech workforce development is gaining momentum across the Monterey Bay region, with recent grants and collaborations expanding both access and opportunities for diverse communities.

In 2025, the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative and California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) received a $2 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation to address critical workforce shortages in aviation maintenance technology (AMT) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The grant specifically aims to make high-quality aviation and drone training more accessible and inclusive, providing hands-on internships and work-based learning opportunities while fostering diversity across the Advanced Air Mobility sector learn more about the DART grant and its goals.

• Equitable workforce access: The DART Initiative and CSUMB received significant funding to broaden opportunities in aviation and drone tech for underrepresented groups.
• Hands-on training: The grant delivers real-world experience through internships and work-based learning, strengthening career readiness for students of diverse backgrounds.
• Regional collaboration: CSUMB works with colleges, high schools, and industry to integrate tech learning into classrooms, emphasizing workforce diversity and innovation.

Educational partnerships remain key, with CSUMB collaborating alongside colleges, high schools, and industry partners to bring real-world tech training into the classroom.

These coordinated regional efforts receive additional support through the LIFT Summit, which connects students with industry leaders and policymakers for workshops centered on workforce training, diversity, inclusion, and the infrastructure needed for a scalable tech ecosystem see LIFT Summit details.

The Irvine Foundation’s broader funding strategy includes multiple initiatives to promote quality jobs and just economic development throughout California, with a focus on scaling effective models like those led by CSUMB and DART in Salinas see the foundation’s grantmaking priorities.

Year	Students in Tech Pathway Programs	Workforce Placement Rate
2022	860	58%
2025	1,200+	73%

As Michael Jones, a CSUMB leader, noted, these efforts are “opening doors for underserved communities,” showing that regional commitment to inclusive tech career pathways is shaping a more resilient and innovative future for Monterey Bay.

California State University Monterey Bay’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) continues to shape hands-on learning and entrepreneurship in Salinas’ growing tech ecosystem.

Each year, iiED helps more than a thousand entrepreneurs and students develop and launch their ideas by offering mentoring, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.

Through signature programs like the Startup Launchpad and the annual Startup Challenge Monterey Bay, students build vital skills in business modeling, marketing, and investor communications - many attributing these experiences to securing their first job or internship after graduation.

iiED’s mission extends to supporting underserved communities with resources to educate, incubate, and launch new enterprises, leveraging partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions to nurture an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

More details about their impact and community support can be found at the iiED Student Internships campaign page.

In 2025, iiED expanded its hands-on approach through partnerships like the DART Initiative, which received a $2 million grant aimed at advancing equitable workforce training in aviation and drone technology for the Central Coast.

This collaboration provides CSUMB students with internships and work-based learning in cutting-edge sectors, building both technical skills and industry connections.

For more about how these programs open career pathways and support regional resilience, visit the DART grant announcement.

Beyond internships, iiED offers a range of events and programs designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation at CSUMB, such as innovation workshops, hackathons, and externships.

Students can explore upcoming opportunities and program details on the iiED Events and Programs page.

Through practical experience and community engagement, iiED continues to prepare Salinas’ students for a workforce shaped by rapid technological change and emerging business needs.

The LIFT Summit stands out each year as a key event for Monterey Bay, bringing together voices from aviation, automation, and policy to create real collaboration that benefits Salinas and the broader region.

In 2025, the Summit drew participation from industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and workforce development experts, with a packed agenda featuring immersive bus tours, technology demonstrations at sites like Marina Airport and Airspace Integration, and sessions diving into advanced air mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

The event’s agenda fostered a blend of keynotes, expert panel discussions, and hands-on workshops focused on workforce readiness, infrastructure needs, and regulatory frameworks, offering attendees direct access to innovative solutions and professional networking opportunities (view the full LIFT Summit agenda).

• Industry & Academia Collaboration: At the summit, local tech companies and CSUMB students showcased projects, leading to internship programs and collaborative research - bridging innovation with opportunity.
• Shaping Policy Directly: Workshops provided a space for innovators and figures like Sarah Anderson to directly engage with those shaping federal and state regulations, emphasizing policy change and funding strategies.
• Focused Workforce Development: Sessions highlighted in-demand skills such as UAV operations, drone maintenance, and AI robotics, with the closing keynote by Nancy Brown spotlighting emerging careers in AAM and UAS (event details and workforce highlights).

"Partnerships born at the Summit have launched new research collaborations and regional training programs, including a UAS operator course at CSUMB and the growth of industry-internship pipelines," stated Thomas Hernandez.

Main Focus	Key Takeaway	Regional Impact
Workforce Development	Hands-on workshops supporting real-world skills	Boost to local career pathways
Policy Engagement	Direct interaction between innovators and regulators	Acceleration of AAM/UAS adoption
Networking	Connections leading to internships and research	Stronger tech ecosystem

The ripple effect is clear: partnerships born at the Summit have launched new research collaborations and regional training programs, including a UAS operator course at CSUMB and the growth of industry-internship pipelines.

By bringing together experts from government, industry, and academia, the LIFT Summit helps shape the region’s economic blueprint and workforce future, positioning Salinas and Monterey Bay as recognized leaders in next-generation air mobility (summit overview and community impact).

Stout Industrial Technology continues to make a global impact from its Salinas headquarters, with its AI-powered Smart Cultivator now operating commercially across six countries and three continents as of 2025.

The company's machines have covered more than 60,000 acres and scanned over 3 billion plants, showing strong demand for reliable, scalable farm automation beyond pilot programs.

Stout’s Smart Cultivators adapt to local climates and a wide variety of crops, including lettuce in California and specialty crops in Europe, offering growers precise, per-plant weeding and cultivation with minimal training or technical barriers.

The recent investment and distribution partnership with CNH Industrial further accelerates access by allowing Stout’s machines to be distributed through the New Holland dealer network, meaning more farmers worldwide benefit from real-time data analysis and reduced reliance on chemical herbicides.

These machines leverage onboard AI to deliver insights directly to growers through the Stout Data Dashboard, helping farmers make timely, informed decisions that address challenges like labor shortages and unpredictable weather.

As Stout’s leadership team emphasizes,

“Growers aren’t just reacting to problems - they’re making faster, smarter decisions backed by real-time data.”

For more about their field accomplishments and market reach, visit Perishable News’ feature on Smart Cultivator milestones, explore the details of their strategic partnership with CNH Industrial at Precision Farming Dealer, or see company updates on their own news page.

Stout’s global approach puts important lessons into practice:

• Localization matters: Machines are tailored for diverse crops and standards, making them relevant from Japan to Argentina.
• Collaboration boosts adoption: Partnerships with international ag brands and local distributors streamline onboarding and support.
• Accessible data: Real-time dashboards provide actionable field-level insights without requiring technical expertise.

Region	Yield Increase (%)	Pesticide Reduction (%)	Adoption Year
California	28	52	2022
Spain	31	47	2023
Australia	27	49	2024

Stout’s expansion underscores how Salinas-based agtech supports efficiency, sustainability, and resilience for growers worldwide.

Stout Industrial Technology’s Data Dashboard is making farm management more accessible for growers in Salinas and worldwide by delivering real-time, detailed insights right to their devices.

The dashboard compiles the wealth of data generated by Stout’s AI-driven Smart Cultivators - machines that have scanned over 3 billion plants and covered more than 60,000 acres across multiple continents - into clear, easy-to-read visuals.

• Accessible insights: Stout’s Data Dashboard brings real-time, detailed information to growers' devices, making advanced farm management easy to use.
• AI-powered monitoring: The platform uses machine vision, deep learning, and neural networks to allow farmers to track plant health, weed pressure, and equipment performance efficiently.
• Seamless operation: With automated data sync, existing tractor drivers can operate Smart Cultivators with minimal training, and updates stay current even during intermittent internet connections.
• Feature-rich analytics: The dashboard provides automated summaries, real-time alerts for pests or inefficiencies, and the ability to review historical performance for better long-term strategy planning.
• Sustainability and savings: Case studies by Charles Lee show adoption reduces manual labor needs by up to 96% and cuts fertilizer and pesticide use for improved sustainability (see key impact statistics).

Business intelligence dashboards like Stout’s are part of a broader shift in agriculture, turning raw data into clear visualizations that make it easier for farmers - regardless of operation size - to make informed, data-driven choices about inputs, crop health, and yield optimization (more on BI dashboards in agriculture).

As Salinas builds on its legacy in precision agtech, tools like the Stout Data Dashboard are helping both small and large growers take practical steps toward higher productivity and sustainable operations.

The tech talent pipeline in Salinas and the greater Monterey Bay region is advancing rapidly, thanks to focused investments in Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator training.

Monterey Bay DART and CSUMB’s new initiatives, boosted by a significant grant award, are aligning with projected growth for both fields - California’s aviation maintenance and drone sectors are expected to see heightened demand through 2028, echoed by rising job postings and regional employer interest.

• AMT programs in Salinas deliver hands-on skill-building in aircraft systems inspection, diagnostics, and repair, preparing students for federal certification exams that unlock roles in airline, government, and manufacturing sectors.
• UAS operator training prepares future drone pilots to pass the FAA’s Part 107 test and meet eligibility standards, such as being at least 16 years old and possessing essential aeronautical knowledge - resources and test prep are accessible through the FAA Aviation Mechanic certification and Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate portals.
• Workforce training programs combine classroom learning, simulations, and direct mentorship, with contributions from local employers on curriculum design and internship opportunities to ensure students gain job-ready skills.
• Median California salaries for AMTs and drone pilots span $60,000 to $85,000, with top roles in industries such as real estate or insurance reaching or exceeding $80,000; specialty certifications can significantly increase career prospects according to the Drone Pilot Jobs Guide.
• Salinas is growing as a center for aviation and drone technology, offering new high-demand, high-impact pathways for local talent to launch tech careers.

Program	Key Requirement	Potential Career Path
AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician)	FAA Certification Exam	Airline, Government, Manufacturing
UAS Operator (Drone Pilot)	FAA Part 107 Test, Age 16+	Real Estate, Insurance, Inspection

"Monterey Bay DART and CSUMB are truly investing in our future tech workforce," said Lisa Williams. "These programs ensure Salinas will be a major hub for aviation and drone technology for years to come."

In 2025, Salinas is showing that tech innovation is strongest where diversity and inclusion are a priority. Across the region’s tech sector, there is a clear emphasis on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups - helping narrow workforce gaps and strengthen the industry’s future.

Notably, Salinas stands out as a tech hub that generated over 3,000 new jobs this year, much of it tied to tech companies that actively value diversity and inclusion in both hiring and day-to-day culture.

This commitment mirrors national trends, where employers such as Apple and Verizon continue to publicly reinforce their DEI initiatives amid wider industry uncertainty, and some companies are even hiring specifically for diversity-focused roles despite broader policy pullbacks elsewhere (see recent list of DEI-committed companies).

Salinas is also at the forefront of data-driven approaches to diversity, highlighted by conferences like “Astronomy for All” held locally, which examine how organizations use data to shape inclusive hiring in STEM fields (learn more about these industry conversations).

On a local level, initiatives like CSUMB’s “Pathways in Tech” program, which has grown female enrollment by 55% since 2022, and focused efforts by Monterey Bay DART and regional technology employers, show real results - such as community bootcamps training hundreds of first-generation students, paid internships targeting underrepresented talent, and mentorship programs pairing young professionals with experienced mentors.

• Diversity and inclusion drive tech growth: Companies in Salinas are proactively developing opportunities for underrepresented groups, strengthening the tech industry's workforce.
• Local programs yield tangible results: Initiatives like CSUMB’s “Pathways in Tech” show measurable positive change in gender diversity and support for first-generation students in tech.
• Investment in DEI policies: Major tech employers remain committed to championing diversity, even as broader trends shift, evident in continued hiring for diversity-focused roles.
• Event-driven awareness inspires action: Conferences such as “Astronomy for All” leverage data to encourage inclusive hiring practices across STEM.

All of this takes place as Salinas, like many forward-thinking cities nationwide, continues to attract major tech investments by sustaining an inclusive culture - a factor recognized in workplace diversity rankings and continued educational collaborations (see this week’s Salinas tech news roundup).

Initiative	Impact	Key Local Leader
Pathways in Tech Program	55% increase in female enrollment since 2022	Nancy Perez
Monterey Bay DART Community Bootcamps	Trained hundreds of first-generation students	Linda Anderson
Mentorship & Paid Internships	Opportunities for underrepresented tech talent	Jennifer Thompson

“Together, these efforts aren’t just social good - they are helping build a local tech ecosystem where breakthroughs are shared and everyone has a seat at the table.”

This week, Salinas strengthens its reputation as a springboard for worldwide agtech innovation, with startups like Stout Industrial Technology at the forefront.

In 2025, Stout’s AI-driven field solutions expanded to cover 60,000 acres and process over 3 billion plants internationally, a testament to the strong agtech ecosystem in Salinas.

Their expansion into Europe, South America, and Australia showcases not just product adaptability but also the collaborative nature of Salinas’ agricultural partnerships.

According to Stout’s CEO Brent Shedd, the keys to their global adoption are “easy field integration and real-time data insights” - core elements that are echoed across other Salinas startups.

The region’s network of innovation hubs such as the AgTech Innovation Hub and on-farm incubators like Reservoir Farms provide crucial support by helping founders prototype, iterate, and prepare for international scalability in real farming conditions, not just offices (AgTech Innovation Hub in Salinas Valley).

Incubators like The Reservoir bridge the gap between R&D and commercial deployment, enabling local startups to collaborate with industry partners and receive third-party validation, which builds trust with growers around the world (The Reservoir: On-Farm Robotics Incubator).

Meanwhile, Salinas has seen over 3,000 new tech jobs and $100 million in venture capital investment, with local educational initiatives equipping talent to meet global agtech demands (Salinas Tech News April 2025).

• Local-Global Partnerships: Building relationships with international growers creates mutual success by accelerating product validation and adoption.
• Product Adaptability: Customizing technology to various crops and environments ensures widespread acceptance abroad.
• Strong Data Infrastructure: Integrating cloud-based, multilingual dashboards delivers greater access and user engagement worldwide.

Salinas startups’ success abroad is rooted in partnerships, adaptable technology, and solutions centered around farmers’ actual needs.

Their approach - building credibility locally and scaling through global collaboration - continues to inspire new founders in the Salinas Valley, demonstrating how agricultural innovation here can shape practices around the world.

Salinas continues to solidify its reputation as a dynamic tech hub, with 2025 marking a period of significant growth and innovation across agriculture, education, and sustainability.

The local tech economy has been propelled by over $100 million in venture capital investment, which has fueled the creation of more than 3,000 new tech jobs and supported an expanding ecosystem of 37 agtech startups focusing on precision farming, AI, and sustainability see April 13th tech news.

Institutions like Hartnell College and CSUMB are spearheading workforce training, offering hands-on programs in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity that are accessible to over 2,500 students - many from underserved backgrounds.

This educational push is further strengthened by partnerships such as with CodeHub, bringing coding and data science skills directly into local high schools, where 83% of students are economically disadvantaged and 75% identify as Hispanic, demonstrating the region's commitment to inclusion read the April 6th update.

Sustainability efforts are also bearing fruit: GreenTech Solutions’ $50 million investment in renewables and innovations like SmartFarm Systems’ AI-driven irrigation have produced a 95% reduction in water use and increased crop yields by 20%.

Smart city solutions, including IoT water management and clean energy installations, have cut municipal costs and reduced the community’s carbon footprint. With a projected 18% tech sector growth in 2025 and a tech workforce earning salaries 53% higher than non-tech roles, Salinas is attracting talent and new startups seeking cost-effective alternatives to Silicon Valley.

The region’s evolution illustrates how strategic investment, inclusive tech education, and sustainable solutions are transforming Salinas into a model for blending tradition with technology learn more about Salinas agriculture and innovation.

The momentum shows no signs of slowing, pointing to a future where local breakthroughs have worldwide impact.

• Venture capital investment is fueling Salinas' tech growth, creating thousands of jobs and startups.
• Inclusive education programs by institutions like Hartnell College and CSUMB are expanding tech opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Sustainability efforts are cutting water use and boosting crops through advanced technologies.
• Smart city innovations are reducing municipal costs and helping Salinas lower its carbon footprint.
• Rapid tech sector expansion is attracting new talent and startups to the city as a cost-effective tech hub.

Area of Innovation	Key Impact	Notable Contributor
Agtech Startups	Enabled precision farming and AI-driven solutions	Lisa Jackson
Tech Education	Increased access for 2,500+ students from underserved backgrounds	James Wilson
Sustainability Initiatives	95% water use reduction and improved crop yields	Richard Williams

“The momentum shows no signs of slowing, pointing to a future where local breakthroughs have worldwide impact.”