Buffalo isn’t always in the conversation about America’s next great tech city.
But it should be. And one of the world’s largest tech companies certainly agrees.
Microsoft recently launched a feature spotlighting Buffalo’s growing momentum, and TechBuffalo is at the heart of it. This national recognition is a celebration and validation of our community’s belief that technology can – and should – create opportunity for everyone. (Click here to read and watch)
Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, positioned its innovative partnership with TechBuffalo as a national model for community-driven workforce development, highlighting a “K-to-gray” strategy that shows a commitment to building an AI-ready community by equipping learners of all ages with the digital skills to succeed.
That strategy is already producing results through programs like Family Code Night. What began as a 15-person pilot has reached more than 500 participants in schools, churches, libraries and community centers. Kids and parents are learning, creating, having fun and building confidence together through Minecraft Education.
“Seeing this story told by Microsoft is a proud moment for our entire organization and community,” says Jeffrey Botteron, president and CEO of TechBuffalo. “The magnitude of this spotlight is not lost on us – it’s a game-changing opportunity for Buffalo and a powerful validation of the collaborative work being done here.”
Microsoft also highlighted the impact of PowerUpTech, an internship program that connects local college students with immersive experiences in Buffalo’s tech ecosystem, as well as Antonéo DezMond Page, a young professional who once thought he’d have to leave Buffalo for a tech job. Now he moved back to Buffalo and is thriving due to adult learning programs.
These initiatives matter because they strengthen local ties and help retain talent in our region. This moment happened through genuine partnerships and deep collaboration with organizations that are committed to the success of our whole community.
As a TechSpark Fellow, TechBuffalo has worked closely with Microsoft the past two years to expand access to digital skills and economic opportunity. The additional support from M&T Bank and the 43North Foundation have helped the organization take programs like Family Code Night and PowerUpTech further, as well as build something new. 
This fall, TechBuffalo is launching Innovation Fellowships to help teachers bring Family Code Nights into the classroom. (The first cohort has drawn applicants from across 40 Western New York school districts.) TechBuffalo is also preparing to host the first-ever Minecraft Global Build Challenge next June, as well as summer bootcamps that will give students a space to deepen their skills alongside like-minded peers.
By showcasing Buffalo, Microsoft is validating a new model for economic growth – one that’s inclusive, multi-generation and built from the ground up. While the work continues, this moment of celebration sends a powerful message that Buffalo’s approach to building a local tech workforce is a national blueprint for the future and shows that the region has what it takes to be a leader in the race to become one of America’s next great tech cities.
