Dear Connecticut Tech Community,

February is in full swing, and CT Tech Hub continues to bring opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. From no-cost Tech Ready training to hands-on workshops and industry events, there are many ways to engage with Connecticut’s tech ecosystem this month.

In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights on the launch of the #JustLikeMe campaign, upcoming workshops on neurodiversity and AI, and new opportunities to support career exploration in tech. Thank you for being part of this growing community—your involvement helps drive innovation and collaboration across the region.

Best,
Patricia Meyer
Director, Good Jobs Challenge Grant

INTRODUCING THE #JUSTLIKEME CAMPAIGN: EXPANDING AWARENESS OF TECH CAREERS

We’re excited to showcase the launch of the #JustLikeMe campaign, a new initiative aimed at helping high school graduates explore the wide array of in-demand tech careers. In partnership with The WorkPlace, the Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub is raising awareness of tech career opportunities in the region. Through an interactive career-matching tool and digital resources, students can learn about fields like software engineering, data analytics, networking and systems, and cybersecurity, helping them identify career paths that align with their skills and interests.

In addition to online resources, the campaign includes the Tech Careers Kit—a free resource designed for high school counselors and nonprofit partners to connect students with opportunities in Connecticut’s growing tech industry. A virtual career exploration event is also in development for March 2025.

If you're interested in being a part of this initiative to help students explore pathways into the tech industry, please contact patricia@stamfordpartnership.org.

CT TECH HUB LAUNCHES CAREERS PAGE—SPOTLIGHT YOUR COMPANY’S TECH ROLES

The CT Tech Hub Careers Page is now live, featuring job opportunities from select tech-enabled companies across the region. At launch, we’re excited to highlight openings from Analytic-Aware LLC, Benchmark IT - Technology Talent, Charles IT, Evocorp, NeoLumin, and Scala Computing. This platform is designed to connect top tech talent with innovative businesses in Connecticut.

If your company is hiring for tech roles in the region, fill out the form on the page to be featured. We’re looking to expand our listings and showcase more great opportunities for Connecticut’s growing tech workforce.

EVENT RECAP: TECH ON TAP KICKOFF BRINGS TOGETHER FAIRFIELD COUNTY'S TECH COMMUNITY

The first Tech on Tap event, hosted by CT Tech Hub in collaboration with CBIA and sponsored by Charles IT, brought together over 50 professionals at Elicit Brewing Co. in Fairfield. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, expand their networks, and engage in conversations about the region’s growing tech ecosystem. The casual setting provided a great atmosphere for fostering new relationships and strengthening the local tech community.

CT Tech Hub is dedicated to creating opportunities for professionals to collaborate and support the region’s innovation economy. Stay tuned for details on the next Tech on Tap, and check out other upcoming events on our events page. Special thanks to Daniel Miller, Stacey Vendetta, Joe Dias, Sal Marino, and Jennifer Bogus for helping make the night a success!

WORKSHOP SERIES: NEURODIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Today, February 14, join us online for the next session in the Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub Workshop Series. Led by Karen Bellnier from Mitchell College's Hub for Digital Innovation and Educational Excellence, this introductory session will dive into the concepts and language of neurodiversity, helping you build awareness and engage with neuroequity initiatives in your organization. Learn how fostering neuroequity can enhance morale, productivity, and communication in the workplace.

If you can’t make this session, the next workshop is on March 14 at HAYVN Coworking in Darien. Led by Danica Tarin, founder of NeoLumin LLC, ChatGPT and Data Analytics will provide insights into how businesses can leverage AI to drive growth and innovation.

STRENGTHENING CONNECTICUT'S TECH ECOSYSTEM – MICHAEL BENDIT, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

In our latest Tech Hub Spotlight, Michael Bendit, Managing Director at Software Development Resources (SDR), shares how CT Tech Hub connects him with key players in Connecticut’s tech sector. As a firm specializing in custom digital solutions, SDR leverages these connections to better support clients while contributing to the growth of a vibrant local tech community.

By fostering collaboration and providing access to valuable industry networks, CT Tech Hub helps businesses like SDR thrive while strengthening Connecticut’s expanding tech ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing, the initiative empowers companies to innovate, grow, and drive economic development across the region.

NO-COST TECH TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN CONNECTICUT

Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub, in partnership with The WorkPlace, offers no-cost Tech Ready training to equip individuals with essential skills for high-demand tech careers. Participants can earn certifications in areas such as CompTIA A+, AWS Cloud, and Generative AI, opening doors to opportunities with top regional employers.

We encourage you to share this initiative within your network to help us reach potential candidates. The next Tech Ready Career Training Info Session is scheduled for February 20, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. If you miss this session, another one is planned for March 20. These brief virtual sessions are the perfect first step to explore the program, learn about certifications and job placement support, and determine if it’s the right fit for you or someone you know.

IN THE NEWS: CONNECTICUT TECH & INDUSTRY UPDATES

From Tech to Sustainability: Why the Industrial Sector is Calling on Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Published by the World Economic Forum
As industries evolve, companies are turning to Gen Z and Gen Alpha to fill roles in tech-driven and sustainable fields, emphasizing digital skills and environmental awareness for the future workforce.

Preparing Connecticut for an AI Future: Bold Cross-Sector Partnerships Needed
Op-Ed by Senator James Maroney & Lisa Gevelber, Hartford Courant
AI is rapidly transforming the economy, and Connecticut must act now. This op-ed highlights the need for collaboration between government, education, and business to ensure the state is ready for an AI-driven future.

Tech Hub in the News: Southwest CT Tech Hub Helps Students Explore Tech Careers
Published by Westfair Online
The Southwest CT Tech Hub is helping students discover careers in technology and innovation, connecting young talent with industry professionals and real-world opportunities.

FULL EVENTS CALENDAR

Workshop Series: Neurodiversity in the Workplace
February 14, 2025, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Virtual

Tech Ready Career Training Info Session
February 20, 2025, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Virtual

ABCT & WIB Networking Night
March 13, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Serendipity Labs, Stamford, CT

Workshop Series: ChatGPT and Data Analytics
March 14, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
HAYVN Coworking, Darien, CT

The MET Zone at Engage & Grow Expo
March 20, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Total Mortgage Arena, Bridgeport, CT

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Thank you to the following organizations for supporting the Southwest CT Tech Hub:

Advance CT · Airbornway Corporation · Analytic-Aware LLC · Bank of America · Benchmark IT · Blueprint Business Consulting · Business-Higher Education Forum · Charles IT · Charter Oak State College · City of Stamford · Deloitte · GE Appliances · George Comfort & Sons · Havyn Coworking · IBM · Indeed · Interactive Brokers · Janus Associates · KJM Textiles · McKinsey · Merrill · Neolumin · NBC Sports · Nuvance· Office of Workforce Strategy · PreRound · Priceline · Renquiry · Scala Computing · SDG Corp · Silicon Valley in Your Pocket · Social Venture Partners · Software Development Resources  · Southern Connecticut State University · Sparks Policy Group · Stamford Health · Synchrony · The Workplace · Thorney Advisors · UCONN 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ED22HDQ3070186, awarded to the State of Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy by the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration.