Atlanta has been called the “Silicon Valley of the South” emerging as a powerhouse in the global technology landscape. Forbes Magazine ranked the metro area as one of the world’s elite tech towns. Let’s explore the many reasons why Atlanta’s technology ecosystem is truly exceptional.
Corporate Innovation and Tech Hot Spots
- Tech Square houses over 30 Corporate Innovation Centers and attracts large companies like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, AT&T, and Honeywell.
- Midtown Atlanta is home to Technology Square and Innovation Hub featuring 15 corporate innovation centers, numerous tech incubators, and over 150 startups.
- Buckhead holds Atlanta Tech Village and stands out as a tech epicenter recognized as the fourth-largest tech space in the nation.
- Alpharetta was dubbed “The Technology City of the South” and hosts 700 technology companies.
- Peachtree Corners has Atlanta Tech Park with space for 100+ companies.
Technology Education Initiatives
- Georgia’s high schools actively prepare students for careers in technology through programs like the Georgia Career Pathways with cloud computing courses.
- Atlanta’s Colleges and Universities include: Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse College, Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia, and Gwinnett Technical College
Diverse Talent Pool
- Atlanta’s top universities like Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and HBCUs like Spelman and Morehouse help foster a diverse talent pool.
- Georgia State University is committed to racial diversity and social mobility, which enriches the Atlanta workforce even further.
Thriving Tech Sectors
- Cybersecurity: Atlanta is home to 75 cybersecurity companies generating over $2.6 billion annually ranking in the top five states for cybersecurity.
- Fintech: Atlanta’s “Transaction Alley” is a fintech hub thriving in the financial technology industry.
- Digital Media: Atlanta’s 165 digital media companies make it a talented powerhouse.
- Software: The software development and engineering sector in Atlanta is creating cutting-edge solutions and a growing need for IT professionals.
Recognized Achievements
- #1 Growing Metro Tech Hub (Business Facilities, 2020-2021)
- Top Tech Markets in North America with 13% job growth (CBRE’s Tech-30 Report, 2022)
- #5 City for Fintech Startup Ecosystem in the US (StartupBlink, 2022)
- #5 Metro Cyber City (Business Facilities, 2022)
- #1 Best City for Diversity in Tech Workforce (Beyond HQ, 2022)
- #7 City for Gamers & Developer Opportunities (WalletHub, 2021)
- #11 Market for Tech Talent (CBRE, 2022)
As Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens, recently said, Atlanta’s appeal lies in its culture, business productivity, easy travel, and low cost of living compared to other tech hubs. The city’s natural pipeline for talent, anchored by prestigious institutions like Georgia Tech and historically Black colleges attracts companies seeking access to a rich pool of skilled professionals.
