Colorado is an unrivaled center for technology and information. Technology and information support business activities in all other sectors of the economy and include companies that may develop, produce, or provide software, hardware, telecommunications, electronics, data management, Internet-based services, and other information services. The industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy. Colorado ranked third for the tech industry’s contribution to the state’s economy, or 11.5 percent of the total state gross state product. In 2015, the technology and information industry captured 75 percent of the venture capital invested across all industries in the state. Computers and electronic products are Colorado’s major export, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all exports in 2015.
Colorado serves as a major employment center for both large and small technology and information companies. Companies with major operations in the state include IBM Corp., Hitachi Data Systems, Oracle, Intrado, Arrow Electronics, Level 3, TriZetto, Avago Technologies, Hewlett Packard, CenturyLink, DISH Network, and others. Comcast has its second-largest employment presence in Colorado outside of Philadelphia and Centennial is Zillow’s second-biggest employment hub outside of Seattle. Further, Google broke ground on a new 4.3-acre campus in Boulder for up to 1,500 employees.
Colorado’s transportation, communications and energy infrastructure helps technology and information companies reach markets across the world quickly. The state’s network of highways, railways and air carriers make it easy to move people and products to destinations worldwide. Colorado’s location in the Mountain Time Zone makes it possible to have same-day, real-time connections around the globe. Numerous providers offer landline and wireless phone services and high-speed Internet service across the state, and an extensive fiber optic network allows the flow of voice and data traffic at lower prices. Colorado has a five-year strategic plan to enable statewide broadband connectivity by partnering with the private sector to assure availability to all Coloradans. More than 55 Colorado cities and counties have approved municipal broadband and have the authority to build their own broadband networks. The state’s technology and information industry is further supported by the Colorado Technology Association and the Colorado Innovation Network (COIN).
Colorado attracts and retains high-quality technology and information professionals and technical talent. The state is home to 151,300 technology and information workers, employing 4.3 percent of the state’s total employment base. Colorado ranked among the top 10 for the largest employment base in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, software publishing, and telecommunications services. Colorado ranked among four U.S. regions that are quickly becoming major tech hubs and three Colorado metropolitan areas—Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs—ranked among the top 15 best places for tech jobs. Technology and information workers earned an average wage of $110,690 in 2015, double the average private-sector worker in Colorado.
Colorado is home to first-class educational resources to engage students and prepare the future technology and information workforce. The state was selected among 21 regions by the Obama Administration as pilot areas for improving technology workforce development through the TechHire program. Galvanize partnered with IBM and Glassbreakers to offer educational opportunities to women in technology and information fields. Silicon STEM Academy provides hands-on training and experience for middle and high school students in computer programming, engineering, and digital media. Colorado is also home to a growing number of coding schools, coding bootcamps, and programs to train software developers, including General Assembly, the DaVinci Institute, and SeedPaths.
