South Dakota’s cybersecurity and artificial intelligence industry has expanded by 350% over the past decade—ranking second in national growth. This boom is driving thousands of high-paying jobs, new research hubs, and economic strength statewide.
Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) have been spotlighting this momentum during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
South Dakota is home to nearly 10,000 computer-related jobs in 2024, with 7,840 in core cybersecurity and AI roles.
GDP for this sector reached $953 million, up 105% in five years.
1,618 cybersecurity and AI businesses now operate in the state.
618 tech degrees awarded last year; 1,936 students enrolled at Dakota State University’s Beacom College.
DSU holds all three NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations and leads innovation through its Applied Research Corporation (DARC).
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