Quad Cities Crowned as Tech Hub of the Year | PRIMENEWSNOW

Quad Cities Honored as Leading Tech Hub in Iowa

In a remarkable achievement, the Quad Cities has been recognized as the Technology Community of the Year by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) during the 20th Annual Prometheus Awards. The event took place on Thursday, November 6, in Des Moines.

Celebrating Innovation and Leadership

Accepting the prestigious award were Peter Tokar III, president and CEO of Grow Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, alongside Brian Irby, COO of the same organizations. They were joined by Kyle Gripp, Alderman-at-Large for Davenport, and Andy Zimmerman, Ph.D., CTO of Grace Technologies. The award was presented by Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Advancements in Technology and Infrastructure

Over recent years, the Quad Cities has emerged as a leader in technological innovation. The region boasts a comprehensive fiber-optic network, ensuring high-speed internet access for all homes and businesses. The Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center in Davenport, employing over 2,000 individuals and operating 4,000 robots, highlights the area’s commitment to tech-driven growth. Additionally, the John Deere Tech Innovation Center is pioneering advancements in agriculture with over 500,000 connected machines. Local innovators like Grace Technologies are also making waves, with their Wearable Voltage Detector earning national acclaim for enhancing workplace safety.

Community Collaboration and Educational Partnerships

“This accolade underscores the remarkable collaboration within the Quad Cities,” remarked Tokar. “From global corporations to local startups, our tech ecosystem is flourishing. We are partnering with educational institutions like Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute to cultivate a robust technology foundation that fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth. We extend our gratitude to Debi Durham, the Technology Association of Iowa, and all who spotlight innovation in our state. Congratulations to all the exceptional companies and communities recognized this year.”

Prometheus Awards: Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation

For 20 years, the Prometheus Awards have honored excellence in Iowa’s technology and innovation sectors. This annual gathering brings together tech innovators, industry leaders, educators, and public officials from across the state to celebrate achievements that bolster Iowa’s innovation landscape. This year saw a record number of nominations across 15 categories, with winners selected by a panel of esteemed technology leaders from Iowa.

Quad Cities: A Beacon of Technological Progress

“Being named Technology Community of the Year places the Quad Cities among a distinguished group of Iowa communities recognized for their contributions to innovation and the tech economy,” stated Irby. “From launching new tech startups to investing in digital infrastructure and talent development, our region is at the forefront of building a future-ready economy.”