Technology Overview
Biomedical research. Digital design. Advanced software development. These are just a few of the terms that define Winston-Salem's ongoing and aggressive transition to a technology-centered economy.
This bold new direction didn't happen by chance. The groundwork was done in the early 90s when community leaders - led by the Chamber - began focusing on our city's potential both to develop and to attract high-technology-based businesses.
Research in biotechnology and pharmacology was already well underway at Wake Forest University, the WFU School of Medicine, and Winston-Salem State University. These initiatives provided the springboard for a feasibility study commissioned by the Chamber which evolved into a strategic plan for technology development.
In 1997, the plan became Forsyth Countys official Blueprint for Technology.
To help actualize and coordinate the Blueprint's components, the Chamber subsequently created the Technology Council now the largest group in the Triad dedicated to developing our high-tech business base.
The Tech Council has been instrumental in organizing the Winston-Salem Robot Run, part of the FIRST LEGO® League, which is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds designed to get them excited about science and technology - and teach them valuable employment and life skills. This Winston-Salem FIRST LEGO® League is supporting the formation of seventeen public middle school teams across Winston-Salem. Each team of approximately 10 students will program an autonomous robot to score points on a thematic playing surface, as well as create an innovative solution to a problem as part of their research project.
Learn more and get involved.
The Technology Council also has a blog,
Winston-TECH-Salem. This was designed to help keep the public informed about the happenings in the local technology community.
If you are interested in joining the Tech Council, or receiving updates on future events, please contact Kelly Bright,
kbright@winstonsalem.com, 336-728-9243.
To learn more about the Cook Medical Innovation Award, please
read more here.
TECHNOLOGY PUBLICATIONS AND VIDEOSTechnology Roadmap Overview
In 2008, the Tech Council released its Technology Roadmap, a detailed plan that outlines what our community must do in the forthcoming years to further strengthen our technology-based economy. This document provides an overview of that plan and its strategies. You may download it here.
Education Today for Tomorrow’s Careers
Updated annually and created by the Tech Council’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Committee, this document is designed to give educators, counselors, parents, students, and others a brief overview of employment trends and career opportunities in
Forsyth County and the Piedmont Triad and what skills are needed for students to succeed in those positions.
Download the report here.
Technology Experts ListThe Tech Council of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce has released a compendium titled “A List of Area Technology Experts.” A tool primarily for media representatives and journalists, the document is designed to provide background and contact information for local professionals, along with their area(s) of expertise.
View the full list.
View a brief video that highlights how the National Center for Biotechnology Workforce, based at Forsyth Tech, is helping Winston-Salem's workforce acquire skills needed to succeed in our technology-based economy.