DC weekly roundup: A local tech timeline; 2024 Technical.ly Awards; FTC takes on Microsoft

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A timeline of DC tech’s 2024

The DMV had some lofty accomplishments in 2024, like the district scoring $100 million for broadband access and a historic unionization at a regional gaming giant.

It also hit some hurdles: A global company ended a DC-based accelerator and a nonprofit offering free digital literacy classes shut down after nearly 30 years. 

We listed these and other defining 2024 developments for DC tech as part of our annual State of the Tech Economy reports, full versions of which drop later month (more on that below). 

➡️ Check out the region’s top moments in an interactive timeline

Meet your Technical.ly Award winners

Our newsroom developed six brand new categories this year, including best product, educator of the year and the top leadership move. 

Northern Virginia’s KnoNap won product of the year for its portable device that detects 12 drugs often placed in alcoholic drinks to prevent drink spiking. 

“I firmly believe that what we have accomplished is merely the beginning, and I look forward to witnessing how our efforts will continue to create a lasting, positive impact on communities around the globe,” KnoNap CEO Danya Sherman told me. 

➡️ See who won in each category and what they had to say here 

News Incubator: What else to know

• DC’s FiscalNote may lose its spot on the New York Stock Exchange if it can’t boost the price of its shares, which surged today. [Washington Biz Journal]

• Redeveloping Union Station will take about 13 years and cost an estimated $8.8 billion. The steep price tag isn’t the only aspect that makes the project unique: Developers also need to appease both local and federal officials over the next decade or so. [Axios]

• The FTC launched an antitrust investigation into several of Microsoft’s corporate divisions, including its AI and cybersecurity products. [New York Times]

•  Empower, a Virginia-based rideshare service self-advertising as cheaper for riders and better for drivers, was ordered to cease operations in DC. This follows an ongoing legal battle between the company and the city. [WTOP/Technical.ly]

• DC Council members advanced a first vote to dedicate $515 million in public funds to renovate Capital One Arena. They also passed legislation to dedicate revenue to maintain Nationals Park. [Washington Post] 

• DC-based communications and policy firm Varnum Street Strategies is celebrating its one-year anniversary. The company primarily works with tech and AI firms. [Varnum Street Strategies]

A year’s worth of insights in 45 mins

Technical.ly’s annual State of the Tech Economy reports drop next week, but you don’t have to navigate the jam-packed downloads yourself — let Chris Wink walk you through them! That’s what’ll happen at the webinar he’s got lined up for next week.

Tune in on LinkedIn Live as industry leaders from across the Mid-Atlantic join Chris to break down trends from the past year and look forward to 2025. What does the new federal administration mean for the local innovation landscape? Which communities are thriving and which are in danger of being left behind? What’s the best way to tell your region’s success stories?

➡️ RSVP for the virtual event at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Partner Event: Meet with fellow technologists and learn about new local innovations at DC Tech Week from Dec. 4 to 13. There will be happy hours, panels, workshops and a film screening. [Details here]

• Review the DMV’s year at DC Tech Meetup’s last event of 2024 on Dec. 4. [Details here]

• Learn about the latest innovations and policies in climate tech at the Startup Bazaar: Climate Tech 2024 on Dec. 4.  [Details here]

• Check out the latest innovations from Techstars portfolio companies at the organization’s DC demo day on Dec. 5. [Details here]

• Discover highlights and trends from 2024 — and learn about what this year’s news could mean for 2025 — at a Technical.ly webinar on Dec. 11. [Details here]