No matter where you live, if you’re building something in tech, whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned executive, you’ve probably heard the term technology council. But what exactly does a tech council do? And why should your company get involved?
Simply put, a technology council exists to connect, support, and advocate for the innovation economy in its region. There are about 100 of them across North America, and more than 60 are part of TECNA: the Technology Councils of North America. TECNA is a network of like-minded organizations working to grow their local ecosystems. One of the most important things they do is lobby in Washington DC for the needs of small and mid-sized tech companies.
From Pittsburgh to Phoenix, Nashville to Kansas City, Ohio to Washington State, there’s a real spark happening right now. These communities are pulling together their entrepreneurs, civic leaders, universities, investors, and industry voices… not just to celebrate their growth, but to actively shape what comes next.
The Austin Technology Council
And that brings us to Austin.
There was a time… in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Austin Technology Council was considered the strongest tech council in the country. We had a fire in the belly. We were tight-knit. Collaborative. A rising alternative to Silicon Valley. And we knew it. Our civic minded leaders showed up at community events and were excited to be active in a community that was on the move.
That moment helped lay the groundwork for the Austin tech boom.
But here’s the thing: at ATC we’re not looking to go back. We’re looking to go forward and create something new, uniquely Austin, and built for the next 30 years. We are excited about the innovation happening in Central Texas and we want to drive it forward.
It won’t happen because of one organization. This is not an article about ATC. It’ll happen when every civic-minded entrepreneur decides to get involved and say, “I care about this place.”
At the Austin Technology Council, we believe the best days of our tech ecosystem are ahead of us. But the future depends on the decisions our leaders make today. A child born right now, who starts a company 30 years from now, she will inherit the ecosystem we choose to build today. It’s up to us to plant seeds that will grow into opportunities for future founders.
That’s why supporting ATC… or any nonprofit working to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking business community matters. You don’t have to pick just one. But pick something. Support something. Be part of something. Put your time and money behind these groups that are working for you to ensure Austin thrives.
Why Join a Tech Council?
So why should your tech company support your local tech council?
1. A Stronger Voice
From workforce issues to AI policy to infrastructure, tech councils advocate for what matters most to tech companies. Your voice is louder when it’s part of a united community.
2. Real Community (Not Just a Slack Channel)
The best connections are still made face-to-face. We host think tanks, summits, and roundtables where actual relationships are formed. No apps, no algorithms. Just humans talking.
3. Talent and Workforce Support
We help strengthen the pipeline by working with universities, bootcamps, and community groups. If you’re trying to hire or retain talent, we’re part of that equation.
4. Visibility and Credibility
Being a member or sponsor of your tech council says you believe in more than just profit… you believe in place.
5. Cross-Pollination
Big companies can learn from startups. Startups can learn from seasoned leaders. Tech councils create spaces where ideas and experience get shared… without ego (well, as much as we can do in tech centers!).
The Future of Austin Tech
The truth? If we don’t work together to build the future of Austin tech, someone else will. We believe the next chapter should be written by the people who are already here… the doers, the builders, the ones who love this city.
ATC is working to celebrate the past, be present in the now, and to look to the future. We host monthly networking events, the annual C-Suite Summit, the Gateway Happy Hour, and the Austin Tech Hall of Fame.
The Austin Technology Council is ready. Are you?