Editor’s Picks
Explainer
Does using ChatGPT really take 10x more energy than Googling?
True story: Every digital action contributes to data centers’ growing footprint.
Civic Tech, Policy & Government
Entrepreneurship & Business
Workforce & Jobs of the Future
Data Centers
Spanberger inherits a data center boom. What will she do about it?
Virginia’s energy grid is under pressure as data centers multiply. The governor-elect says she’ll lean into solar and consider extending tax breaks.
Speak now: Pennsylvania commission is reviewing how data centers impact energy costs
The PUC drafted a plan for how large electricity users pay for power and interact with the grid. Public comments are open through late December.
Small modular reactors to power Delaware? Nuclear task force begins talks on feasibility
Plus, Project Washington developers sign union deal, global ag sciences firm Chestnut Run is moving to Wilmington and more local moves.
Will data centers be useful infrastructure — or tomorrow’s stranded boxes?
AI’s engine rooms are spreading to rural counties. The question isn’t whether to build them, but how to make them serve communities and regions.
Profiles: ‘how i got here’
Visit technical.ly/startups to track companies in your region.
NSF Engines
$15M project aims to turn Upstate New York into a US ‘battery capital’
The US depends on China for most of its batteries. With funding from the National Science Foundation, this initiative wants to change that.
For North Carolina, regenerative medicine is both a health and economic imperative
The hard-to-commercialize and life-saving tech garners federal and VC investment as a part of a National Science Foundation Engine in the state.
How scientists in the Southwest are tackling the growing water scarcity crisis
Las Vegas-based startup WAVR, a part of the local National Science Foundation Engines program, is developing tech that harvests water from the air.
From our partners
Builders by chris wink
Americans are starting more high-growth businesses than ever before (again)
August 2025 marked the second-highest month on record — but how we refer to these companies is changing. Here’s why that matters.
REALIST HONOREES
Power Moves
Philadelphia partners with FSH Tech to update autofill tech and build small business tax help
Plus, a new program to help nonprofits learn tech tools, Pennsylvania announces an AI partnership with Penn and more Philly power moves.
DMV serial entrepreneur leaves retirement to start AI company DigitalNet.ai
Plus, cloud FinOps company Kion hires a new CEO and other Maryland power moves.
Defense tech companies are opening HQs in DC to be physically closer to customers
Plus, Hupside’s founder is teaching AI in Rome, Booz Allen Hamilton is getting more into quantum and more DMV power moves.
Autonomous vehicle company Seegrid names seasoned automation leader as CEO
Plus, J.P. Morgan gets a new regional lead, Pitt celebrates the legacy of local business leader Joseph M. Katz and more Pittsburgh power moves.