In the late 1990s, a visionary goal was conceived by a group of business and academic leaders in Washington state: to cultivate a flourishing landscape of thriving, innovation-driven enterprises within the expanding economy of Washington.
At that point, the Washington state economy was based on manufacturing (primarily airplanes), agriculture (wheat, cherries, apples), and was grappling with the repercussions of the endangered species designation for the spotted owl, which had led to the decline of the timber and fishing industries.
At the same time, it wasn’t quite as obvious as it is in hindsight that innovation-based businesses would come to occupy their current position in the national/international economy. While Microsoft had gained considerable recognition and introduced Windows 95, which facilitated widespread adoption of email, Amazon had only recently emerged and was primarily selling books. Google was not yet a company and Mark Zuckerberg was still in middle school. Terms like “climate tech” and “clean tech” were a decade away from entering common parlance, and the life sciences industry was in its early stages of development, with Immunex marketing their blockbuster Enbrel and the Hutch serving as a renowned cancer research center.
The mission of the Technology Alliance is to foster and sustain Washington State as a hub of a vibrant innovation economy that benefits all residents. This mission involves nurturing a robust educational system from kindergarten to graduate school, providing support for research initiatives, and cultivating a strong entrepreneurial climate.
To achieve these objectives, the Technology Alliance employs several approaches. They engage in advocacy and outreach efforts aimed at elected officials, primarily at the state legislative level. This proactive involvement allows the Technology Alliance to influence policy decisions and promote initiatives that support innovation and economic growth. The alliance played a key role in shaping legislation related to workforce development, education, research funding, and infrastructure investment.
The Technology Alliance also produces high-quality benchmarking reports that highlight areas where Washington excels compared to other regions, while also identifying areas that require improvement.
They also identify gaps, whether in programming or resources, that they can design effective programs to address. Notably, the Technology Alliance takes pride in its role in creating, incubating, and spinning out initiatives like the Alliance of Angels and Ada Developer’s Academy.
The Alliance of Angels serves as an important platform for connecting entrepreneurs with experienced angel investors, facilitating funding for early-stage companies and promoting their growth. This initiative plays a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining the innovation ecosystem within Washington State.
Similarly, Ada Developer’s Academy has emerged as a transformative program aimed at increasing diversity in the technology industry. By providing tuition-free, intensive coding education to women, gender-diverse individuals, and other underrepresented groups, Ada Developer’s Academy equips its graduates with the skills and support needed to thrive in the tech sector. This program not only addresses the gender gap in the industry but also contributes to the overall growth and dynamism of Washington’s innovation economy.
A current example is the Enterprise Capital Alliance, and particularly the Corporate Venture Connections Series, which works to bring more enterprise level venture capital into the state by facilitating connections between national enterprises, corporate venture capital or strategic investors to connect with Washington State entrepreneurs. The series is designed for making connections that benefit both the founders and the investors beyond deal flow.
Through its multifaceted efforts, the Technology Alliance has become a vital catalyst for the development and expansion of Washington’s innovation ecosystem. By advocating for policies that foster a favorable business environment, supporting educational institutions at all levels, and identifying and addressing gaps in resources, the Technology Alliance has played a significant role in driving the state’s economic transformation.
Looking forward, the Technology Alliance continues to adapt and evolve to meet the changing landscape of the innovation economy. It remains committed to nurturing an ecosystem that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. By promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and government, the Technology Alliance aims to ensure that Washington State remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to provide opportunities for the prosperity and well-being of all its residents.
The Technology Alliance continues to build upon its legacy, advocating for policies that support the growth of the technology industry, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and promoting Washington State as a center for innovation across every sector. With its strong network, industry expertise, and commitment to advancing technology-based innovation, the Washington State Technology Alliance remains a driving force behind the growth and success of the technology sector in Washington State.
