The Technology Alliance (Tech Alliance) is a statewide, non-partisan, not for profit organization that brings together leaders from Washington’s high tech businesses and research institutions to advance the vision of a vibrant, technology-based innovation economy that benefits all of our state’s citizens. The Tech Alliance engages in a variety of activities to support the drivers of our long-term economic success: an educated, competitive workforce; strong research capacity; and a robust entrepreneurial environment.
Since its founding in 1996, the Tech Alliance has effectively advocated for policies that improve Washington’s competitiveness and has implemented programs that advance innovation in our state.
Legacy Programs
Research to the Marketplace: Showcasing a more connected innovation community to turn research into results
Research to the Marketplace was a day-long event that bridged the gap between research and commercialization by highlighting promising technologies and industries to an audience of investors, entrepreneurs, commercialization experts, and other innovators. The emerging technologies and industries highlighted were chosen because of their strong potential to be both high impact and high growth. We showcased industries and sectors that had the ability to significantly enrich the economy of Washington state and improve the state’s competitive advantage globally.
In March 2015, the Tech Alliance partnered with UW Computer Science & Engineering to present a day-long event on Big Data, “From Insight to Impact”. In 2014, the Tech Alliance partnered with the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) to stage a half-day event highlighting investment opportunities at the intersection of health care and information technology.
Youth Apps Challenge: Engaging Washington’s students in hands-on computer science
The Youth Apps Challenge provided students with an opportunity to gain computer science and entrepreneurship skills through app development. The Tech Alliance offered curriculum, training and resources that enabled teachers to lead students through the process of app development as part of an in-school course or an after-school or summer program. More than 500 students across the state submitted a total of 154 projects to our Youth Apps Challenge contest in the spring of 2015, the second year of the program.
Over 150 educators from 35 schools have been trained in the apps curriculum, and more trainings are planned. The Youth Apps Challenge was supported by Amazon.
TA Affiliates: Connecting regional organizations to advance the drivers of our economy
The Technology Alliance continues to connect regional organizations from around the state that focus on technology-based economic development. The TA Affiliates share best practices, forge new collaborations, and provide regional perspectives on the Tech Alliance’s statewide initiatives and policy activities. Participants include the Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance; Greater Spokane Inc; the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington; the Tri Cities Research District; and the West Sound Technology Association.
Other Programs of Note
Ada Developers Academy
Ada is an intensive software developer training school for women that addresses the gender imbalance within the software industry while helping to meet the talent needs of Washington's tech employers.
Ada combines classroom instruction in cutting-edge web technologies with internships at Puget Sound-area technology companies. Through the support of sponsor companies, the program is tuition-free and offers a living stipend to students.
To learn more, visit the Ada website.
Alliance of Angels
Alliance of Angels is an entrepreneurial investment group established by the TA to support Northwest-based startups. The alliance quickly established itself as the most active angel investment group in the Pacific Northwest, directing millions of dollars toward early-stage companies in the region.
To learn more, visit the Alliance of Angels website.
Smart Tools Academy
In partnership with the University of Washington, the Technology Alliance launched the Smart Tools Academy, an education program designed to enhance the effective use of technology in the state K-12 system. The program trained thousands of principals, superintendents, and private school leaders in the tools and skills necessary to utilize technology in the classroom. This valuable program was made possible through the substantial support of Bill and Melinda Gates.