In the heartland of America, a tech revolution is brewing, far from the silicon valleys and bustling metropolises that typically steal the innovation spotlight. Rural communities, often overlooked and underappreciated, are proving that groundbreaking tech ecosystems can thrive anywhere, given the right ingredients. This shift is not just about technology; it’s about storytelling, community engagement, and a deep understanding of regional strengths.
At the Technical.ly 2025 Builders Conference, leaders from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines and the US Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs programs shared their strategies for building tech ecosystems in some of the most unexpected places. Their stories challenge the conventional wisdom that innovation is the sole domain of urban tech hubs.
In North Dakota, Hollie Mackey, CEO of the North Dakota iAgriculture Technology Engine, is rewriting the narrative of agricultural innovation. She emphasizes the importance of centering Indigenous communities and fostering cross-cultural understanding. “Our story has never been polarization. It’s never been silos. It’s always been cooperation,” Mackey asserted. By leveraging the deep agricultural knowledge embedded in these communities, North Dakota is poised to lead in cutting-edge agtech research. Mackey’s approach is clear: start with the community, understand their problems, and then apply technological solutions. This grassroots strategy ensures that innovation is relevant and impactful.
Meanwhile, in Montana, Tim VanReken of the Headwaters Tech Hub is capitalizing on the state’s rugged, frontier spirit. Montana’s vast, open spaces and resilient population make it an ideal testing ground for new technologies. “Folks roll up their sleeves and solve problems; they make things work,” VanReken said. The challenge lies in balancing the old Montana with the new, ensuring that rapid growth doesn’t leave long-time residents behind. Consistent engagement and a commitment to local voices are key to navigating this tension.
In southeast Missouri, Kwame Awuah-Offei faces a different set of challenges. The Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub must contend with the historic baggage of mining, a industry often associated with broken promises. Awuah-Offei’s strategy involves honest engagement with local communities, acknowledging the risks, and highlighting the potential for new jobs. “Mining over here is not a bad word,” he said, reflecting a resident’s perspective. The goal is to build a narrative that acknowledges the past while looking towards a sustainable future.
Each of these leaders is crafting a unique story, embedding innovation in the fabric of their communities. They are making the case for local relevance, showing that their regions bring something unique to the table. This approach is not just about attracting investors and talent; it’s about building inclusive narratives that resonate with everyone in the community.
As these tech hubs grow, their stories must evolve. They must balance competing voices, address internal conflicts, and ensure that the benefits of innovation are shared widely. Awuah-Offei highlighted the tension within his 14-county tech hub, where communities worry about resources being concentrated in university towns. Despite these challenges, there is a shared goal: to tell a story that showcases the region’s potential and opportunity.
The development of these rural tech hubs could reshape the mining industry in significant ways. For instance, Missouri’s focus on critical minerals could lead to advancements in sustainable mining practices, driven by local innovation and community engagement. Similarly, Montana’s sensing technologies could revolutionize environmental monitoring in mining operations, ensuring that they are both efficient and eco-friendly. North Dakota’s agtech innovations could also find applications in mining, such as precision agriculture techniques that optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact.
Moreover, these hubs could serve as models for other resource-rich regions, demonstrating how to build tech ecosystems that are deeply rooted in local communities. This approach could lead to more sustainable and inclusive mining practices, where the benefits are shared widely and the environmental impact is minimized.
The stories from these rural tech hubs are a call to action for the mining industry. They challenge the industry to think beyond the traditional tech hubs and to engage more deeply with local communities. By doing so, the mining industry can drive innovation that is not only technologically advanced but also socially and environmentally responsible. The future of mining could very well be shaped in the heartland of America, where innovation is not just about technology, but about community, cooperation, and a deep understanding of place.