Kansas City, Missouri, October 8, 2025
KC Tech Council
The KC Tech Council is a leading industry organization representing nearly 200 member companies dedicated to fostering growth and workforce development within the Kansas City tech ecosystem. Established to support the advancement of technology innovation and collaboration, the council plays a pivotal role in connecting local tech businesses, policymakers, educators, and civic leaders. Throughout its history, the KC Tech Council has initiated strategic programs like KC Techbridge to address workforce gaps and promote talent pipelines, aiming to strengthen the region’s position as a cost-effective and competitive hub for technology companies. Their committed advocacy and partnerships have contributed significantly to Kansas City’s emergence as a prominent tech center with a $12.4 billion contribution to the regional economy.
News Summary
The KC Tech Council reported that Kansas City’s tech sector is set for significant growth, despite facing several challenges in workforce development. The KC Tech Specs report highlights a $12.4 billion contribution from the local tech industry to the economy, with over 4,000 jobs currently open. Insufficient computer science graduates suggest a looming talent gap, prompting initiatives like KC Techbridge to create local talent pipelines. The region remains an attractive market for tech firms due to its cost-effectiveness, though strategic actions are needed to meet ongoing demand for skilled professionals.
Kansas City, MO – The KC Tech Council has released a new report indicating that Kansas City is poised for significant growth in its tech sector, though challenges remain. Presented by Kara Lowe, the president and CEO of the KC Tech Council, the report was unveiled at the 2025 Back2KC program in September, hosted at Safety Culture’s U.S. headquarters in the city’s Crossroads area.
The report, titled KC Tech Specs, provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the local tech industry, aimed at informing business leaders, policymakers, educators, civic leaders, and students. It underscores that the tech industries in Kansas and Missouri contribute a combined $12.4 billion to a larger economic impact of $35.5 billion in the region.
According to the report, the Kansas City metro area is ranked as the second-most cost-effective market for technology employment, highlighting its appeal to tech companies looking to establish or expand their operations. While there are currently over 4,000 open tech jobs in the Greater Kansas City region, the total number of tech jobs has decreased from May 2024 to May 2025, reflecting a nationwide trend of employment decline across sectors.
The report identified a critical need for exploring nontraditional talent sourcing strategies. Approximately 60-70% of the metro area’s tech workforce consists of young or mid-tier professionals, but the number of students graduating with computer science degrees in 2023 was just 8,800 from local colleges and universities. This indicates a potential talent gap that could affect the future of the tech sector in Kansas City.
To address these challenges, the KC Tech Council has partnered with RSM US LLP and utilized data from CompTIA and JobsEQ to develop the report. One of the initiatives that emerged is KC Techbridge, which aims to close the talent gap by focusing on employer-led local talent pipelines. This project is designed to create clear pathways between high school, postsecondary education, and workforce training to enhance job readiness and skill acquisition.
The tech workforce development initiatives recommended in the report are intended to serve not only tech-focused companies but also businesses outside of the tech industry. In 2023, more than 17,000 open tech jobs were posted, despite being a “soft year” for hiring, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled tech professionals. Employers are encouraged to utilize digital tools and strategies to meet the increased demand for tech jobs, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and data analytics.
The KC Tech Council represents nearly 200 member companies, advocating for growth and workforce development in the tech industry and emphasizing the importance of collaboration and trust among stakeholders.
Summary of Key Findings
- Kansas City tech companies are nearing a growth phase.
- The region’s tech industry contributes $12.4 billion to the economy.
- Over 4,000 open tech jobs exist, but job numbers decreased from May 2024 to May 2025.
- Only 8,800 students graduated with computer science degrees in 2023.
- KC Techbridge initiative works to close the talent gap.
- Over 17,000 open tech jobs were posted in 2023.
Conclusion
The KC Tech Specs report highlights both the potential growth of the Kansas City tech ecosystem and the pressing challenges it faces in workforce development. Strategic initiatives like KC Techbridge aim to create a robust pipeline of talent that can meet the demands of the evolving tech landscape.
FAQ
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What is the KC Tech Specs report?
The KC Tech Specs report is a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the Kansas City tech industry aimed at informing business leaders, policymakers, educators, civic leaders, and students.
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How much do Kansas and Missouri’s tech industry contribute to the economy?
The tech industry in Kansas and Missouri contributes approximately $12.4 billion to a combined economic impact of $35.5 billion.
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How many tech jobs are currently open in Greater Kansas City?
There are more than 4,000 open tech jobs in the Greater Kansas City region.
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What is being done to address the talent gap in the tech sector?
The KC Techbridge initiative aims to close the talent gap by creating local talent pipelines and improving job readiness and skill acquisition.
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What types of jobs are particularly in demand?
Employers are increasingly seeking skills in cybersecurity and data analytics to meet the demand for tech jobs.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Data/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Contribution to economy | $12.4 billion |
| Cost-effectiveness rank | Second-most cost-effective market for tech employment |
| Open tech jobs | 4,000+ |
| Graduates in 2023 | 8,800 |
| Posted tech jobs in 2023 | 17,000+ |
| Young/mid-tier professionals | 60-70% |
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Additional Resources
- Startland News: KC Tech Specs Report
- Kansas City Star: KC Tech Industry News
- Comcast News: Tech Training Expansion
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
