The Valley is known for growing things. But lately some of the region’s most notable crops haven’t been grown on a farm, they’ve been grown in front of a laptop, or an iPad – new and growing software companies. Now local technology leaders in both Kern and Fresno Counties are talking about how to strategically grow the local software industry to the next level. So how can tech jobs power the future economy of the valley? We spoke to three local tech experts about where the local industry is going:
Guests:
Imra Olgiun: Co-founder of Fresno’s Bitwise Industries. The company has created a 50,000 square foot facility that houses over 100 local tech companies, classroom and co-working space for local technology professionals. Company officials claim that within five years, they will expand to 2.5 million square feet of space and will house tech companies employing 250,000 workers.
Scott Burton: Co-founder of Mesh, a co-working space for Bakersfield area technology professionals located above Dagny’s Coffee in Downtown Bakersfield.
Alyssa Haerle: Founder and director of the group Kern Innovation and Technology Community (or KIT), which promotes the local tech industry. KIT hopes to become a non-profit group soon and is sponsoring events like an upcoming hackathon to support wildfire victims.
