---
title: "Columbia Ranks Among Nation’s Fastest-Rising Coding Hubs"
url: https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/09/29/columbia-ranks-among-nation-s-fastest-rising-coding/
date: 2026-09-29T05:24:34-04:00
modified: 2026-09-29T05:24:34-04:00
author: ""
categories: ["Business"]
site: "HERE Aiken"
attribution: "HERE Aiken"
---

# Columbia Ranks Among Nation’s Fastest-Rising Coding Hubs

*Source: [HERE Aiken](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/09/29/columbia-ranks-among-nation-s-fastest-rising-coding/) — September 29, 2026 by *

## Columbia’s Coding Sector Sees Significant Growth

Columbia has been identified as the nation’s sixth-fastest-rising metropolitan area for coding, according to the online coding platform Coddy Tech. This recognition comes from a study conducted by Coddy Tech, which evaluated the 75 largest U.S. metropolitan areas based on their coding momentum. Columbia achieved a momentum score of 65, a figure derived from an analysis of various factors including coding-related search interest, GitHub developer density, software developer employment and job growth, bootcamp interest, and hackathon activity.

Joey Eckstrom, a lead software engineer at Integer, a local technology company located on Main Street in Columbia, noted that while Columbia has faced challenges in the past, its current momentum is promising. Further supporting the state’s technological advancement, Jamie DeMent, tech director for SC Competes, a nonprofit organization in Columbia, reported that South Carolina had more than 143,000 tech employees in 2024. The tech industry’s economic impact for the state reached $51 billion.

Efforts to foster this growth include the Boyd Innovation Center in Five Points, Columbia, which opened in 2022. Its mission is to cultivate the growth of regional high-tech companies. Lanford Holloway, the center’s director, explained that it offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and introductions to assist new companies in starting and expanding within Columbia.

Educational initiatives are also contributing to the talent pipeline. In 2025, ten middle and high schools in South Carolina were selected to participate in the Palmetto AI Pathways Pilot Program, which introduced hands-on technology education into classrooms. Integer also collaborates with students from the University of South Carolina and Benedict College through its Constellation Labs, providing practical experience, mentorship, and internships. These labs have recently been involved in advancing research for the Department of Defense in a laboratory setting.