Top 25 Cities for Deeptech Startups in North America in 2025

The deeptech ecosystem in North America is set to thrive in 2025, powered by advancements in AI, biotech, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies. The following is a detailed guide to the top 25 cities leading the way.

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1. San Francisco Bay Area, California

Description: The longstanding global epicenter of technology and innovation, particularly in AI, deep tech, and software.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked #1 globally for startup ecosystems.
Ecosystem Value: Estimated at $2.4 trillion (2022)
VC Funding: Received the most VC funding per capita in the world in 2023.
Tech Talent: 436,740 tech talent workers in 2023.
Unicorn Companies: The ecosystem includes 719 unicorn companies. Learn more about San Francisco's startup scene

2. New York City, New York

Description: A major financial hub and growing tech center, particularly strong in AI, fintech, and media technology.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked #2 globally for startup ecosystems.
VC Opportunities: Highest concentration of venture capital opportunities, with 68 VC firms.
Incubators: Most incubators of any U.S. city.
Tech Talent: 389,290 tech talent workers.
Deep Tech Hub: Second most important global hub for deep tech companies. Discover NYC's tech ecosystem

3. Los Angeles, California

Description: A diverse tech hub with strengths in entertainment tech, aerospace, and increasingly in AI and hardware.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Tied for #4 globally for startup ecosystems.
Startup Creation: Created 68 new startups last year.
Operational Costs: Lower operational costs than San Francisco.
Funding: Ranks third in funding availability.
Tech Talent: 258,640 tech talent workers. Explore LA's tech opportunities

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4. Boston, Massachusetts

Description: A major hub for biotech, robotics, AI, and software, with a strong university presence.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently in the top 5 globally for startup ecosystems.
Deep Tech Hub: Important hub, particularly in quantum & computing and AI.
Tech Talent: 169,830 tech talent workers.
Strong University Presence: Access to talent from MIT, Harvard, and other top universities.
Active Deep Tech Investment: Attracts significant deep tech investments. Learn about Boston's deep tech scene

5. Toronto-Markham Area, Canada

Description: Canada's leading tech hub, with a strong focus on AI, particularly in AI startups.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #23 globally.
AI Concentration: Highest concentration of AI startups in the world.
Tech Workforce: Home to a large tech workforce with 300,000 tech workers.
Funding: Generous funding available from the government.
Tech Talent: 314,100 tech talent workers. Discover Toronto's AI ecosystem

6. Seattle, Washington

Description: A strong tech hub, driven by software, cloud computing, and aerospace.

Data Points:

Global Rank: #12 in the world.
Established Tech Companies: Home to major companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Tech Talent: 195,390 tech talent workers.
Strong Ecosystem: Offers access to talent, resources, and collaborations.
Innovation Hub: Solidifying its reputation as an innovation hub. Learn more about Seattle's tech landscape

7. Austin, Texas

Description: A rapidly growing tech hub with strengths in software, hardware, and cleantech.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #21 globally.
Growth: One of North America's fastest-growing cities.
Tech Talent: Attracting tech talent from the Bay Area.
Relocation Hub: Oracle and 8VC moving HQ to Austin.
Funding Access: Wide range of market opportunities and access to capital. Discover Austin's startup scene

8. Montreal, Canada

Description: Renowned for its AI expertise, with a significant number of research institutes and events.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #44 globally.
AI Ranking: Ranked fourth in the world and first in North America for AI cities.
AI Investment: Ranked first in North America for cities best positioned for AI investment.
Research Hub: Home to world-leading AI research institutes like 'Mila'.
Tech Talent: 166,600 tech talent workers. Explore Montreal's AI dominance

9. Washington, D.C.

Description: A major hub with focus on government tech, cybersecurity and policy-related innovation.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #18 globally.
Education and Career Opportunities: Known for strong education and career opportunities in tech.
Tech Talent: 260,430 tech talent workers.
Cybersecurity: Strong cybersecurity sector, driven by government contracts and expertise.
Policy Focus: Attracts startups working in policy and government-related tech. Learn more about DC's tech hub

10. Atlanta, Georgia

Description: A rising tech hub, increasingly popular for startups across various sectors, including software and AI.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #28 globally.
Education and Career Opportunities: Stand out for education and career opportunities in tech.
Job Growth: Significant job growth in the tech sector.
Startup Activity: Emerges as one of the top cities for startups.
Best Places to Work: Ranked as one of the best places to work. Explore Atlanta’s tech landscape

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11. Chicago, Illinois

Description: Known for its strong financial and manufacturing sectors, it is becoming a hub for AI and other deep technologies.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #24 globally.
Tech Talent: Growing pool of tech talent from local universities.
Startups: Increasing number of AI and biotech startups.
Funding: Strong presence of venture capital firms.
Business-friendly: Recognized for a highly supportive business environment. Learn about Chicago's deeptech scene

12. Denver-Boulder, Colorado

Description: A prominent deeptech hub with strengths in aerospace, AI, and biotechnology.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked among the top 50 globally.
Aerospace: Leading region for aerospace startups and companies.
Tech Talent: Continues to attract high-quality tech talent.
Quality of Life: Known for offering a high quality of life which attracts startups.
Innovative Environment: Recognized for a supportive and innovative ecosystem. Uncover Denver-Boulder's deep tech strengths

13. Vancouver, Canada

Description: An emerging tech hub focused on sustainability, cleantech, and AI.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently in the top 40 globally for startup ecosystems.
Cleantech: Known for its strong cleantech sector.
Quality of Life: Attracts talent due to its high quality of life.
Government Funding: Receives substantial funding from both provincial and federal governments.
Talent Pool: Strong university-based talent pool. Discover Vancouver’s startup world

14. San Diego, California

Description: A rising star in biotech and life sciences, with growing interest in AI and other deeptech areas.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #19 globally.
Biotech Hub: A major hub for biotech and health tech.
Funding: Increasing VC interest in life sciences and AI.
Research Institutions: Home to leading research institutions.
Startups: Significant growth in deeptech startup creation. Explore San Diego's biotech scene

15. Phoenix, Arizona

Description: Known for its growing presence in AI, semiconductor industry, and cleantech.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
AI Growth: Rapidly growing AI startup ecosystem.
Tech Talent: Attracting notable tech talent due to affordability.
Startups: Significant increase in semiconductor and cleantech startups.
Supportive Environment: Recognized for a business-friendly regulatory environment. Discover Phoenix's tech opportunities

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16. Austin, Texas

Description: Known for its growing tech and startup ecosystem, especially in AI and deeptech.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked #21 globally.
Deep Tech Sector: Particularly strong in AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
VC Presence: Increasing venture capital availability.
Tech Community: Strong tech community supported by numerous accelerators.
Talent Pool: Continues to attract tech talent from other regions. Explore Austin's tech ecosystem

17. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Description: A major hub for robotics and AI, bolstered by strong ties to academic research.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked among the top 50 globally.
Academic Research: Strong connection to Carnegie Mellon University.
Robotics Hub: Known for its robotics and AI startups.
Talent: Presence of highly specialized tech talent.
Funding: Increasing interest from venture capitalists. Discover Pittsburgh's robotics scene

18. Salt Lake City, Utah

Description: A growing deeptech center with strengths in biotech, AI, and advanced materials.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
Biotech: Significant growth in biotech startups.
Tech Talent: Attracting tech talent due to lower cost of living.
Funding: Strong VC activity.
University Support: Beneficial partnerships with local universities. Uncover Salt Lake City's deep tech strengths

19. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Description: A notable hub for health tech and med-tech startups.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked among the top 50 globally.
Med-Tech Hub: Major center for health technology and med-tech.
Research Institutions: Support from leading research institutions.
Funding: Increasing venture capital involvement in med-tech.
Tech Talent: Growing presence of specialized tech talent. Learn about Minneapolis’ health tech scene

20. Toronto, Canada

Description: With growing investments in AI, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 25 globally.
Tech Talent Pool: Large pool of tech talent from major universities.
AI Cluster: Home to a growing cluster of AI startups.
Government Support: Substantial support from both provincial and federal government.
Research Institutions: Presence of leading research institutions. Discover Toronto’s AI ecosystem

21. Portland, Oregon

Description: A hub for innovative startups in the AI, semiconductors, and cleantech industries.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
AI Growth: Rapidly expanding AI startup ecosystem.
Semiconductors: Presence of major players in the semiconductor industry.
Cleantech: Notable growth in cleantech sector.
Funding: Increasing venture capital activity. Explore Portland’s tech opportunities

22. Baltimore, Maryland

Description: A key deeptech hub particularly strong in biotech and health technologies.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Consistently ranked among the top 50 globally.
Biotech Hub: Known for its biotech and health tech sector.
Funding: Increasing investment in biotech startups.
Tech Talent: Strong presence of specialized biotech talent.
Research Institutions: Support from leading research universities. Uncover Baltimore's biotech strengths

23. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Description: A rapidly growing deeptech center with a strong focus on biotech and software engineering.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
Biotech: Strong growth in biotech startups.
Tech Talent: Presence of highly skilled tech workforce.
Research Triangle Park: Collaboration among three major research universities.
Funding: Increasing venture capital presence. Discover Raleigh-Durham's tech ecosystem

24. Detroit, Michigan

Description: Known for its focus on automotive tech, AI, and robotics.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
Automotive Tech: Major center for automotive technology innovations.
Robotics Hub: Increasing presence of robotics startups.
Tech Talent: Availability of specialized talent.
Partnerships: Strong partnerships with automotive and tech companies. Explore Detroit's automotive tech scene

25. Columbus, Ohio

Description: A growing tech hub with strengths in AI, fintech, and logistics.

Data Points:

Global Rank: Ranked among the top 50 globally.
AI Focus: Rapidly expanding AI startup ecosystem.
Tech Talent: Increasing pool of tech talent.
Funding: Growing venture capital interest.
Business Environment: Recognized for a supportive business environment. Learn about Columbus' AI ecosystem

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FAQ

Q: Which city is ranked as the top ecosystem for deep tech startups in North America in 2025?

A: The San Francisco Bay Area, California is ranked as the top ecosystem for deep tech startups in North America. Learn more about the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem.

Q: What makes New York City a strong contender for deep tech startups in 2025?

A: New York City boasts the highest concentration of venture capital opportunities and the most incubators among U.S. cities. Read about New York City's startup scene.

Q: How does Los Angeles compare to other cities in terms of operational costs for startups?

A: Los Angeles offers lower operational costs compared to San Francisco, making it a competitive choice for startups. Discover why Los Angeles is a top startup city.

Q: What are some key strengths of Boston's startup ecosystem?

A: Boston is a major hub for biotech, robotics, AI, and has strong university presence with institutions like MIT and Harvard. Explore Boston's startup ecosystem.

Q: Which Canadian city has the highest concentration of AI startups in the world?

A: The Toronto-Markham Area in Canada has the highest concentration of AI startups globally. Learn about Toronto-Markham's AI focus.

Q: What major companies are headquartered in Seattle that contribute to its startup ecosystem?

A: Seattle is home to major companies like Amazon and Microsoft, which bolster its tech ecosystem. Read more about Seattle's tech scene.

Q: What is driving Austin's growth as a tech hub in North America?

A: Austin, Texas is rapidly growing as a tech hub due to its wide-ranging market opportunities and relocation of companies like Oracle. Learn about Austin's growth.

Q: Why is Montreal considered a top city for AI investment?

A: Montreal is ranked first in North America for AI investment due to its world-leading AI research institutes like 'Mila'. Read about Montreal's AI prominence.

Q: Which city is recognized for its strong focus on cybersecurity?

A: Washington, D.C. is known for its robust cybersecurity sector driven by government expertise and contracts. Explore Washington, D.C.'s tech ecosystem.

Q: What makes Atlanta a rising tech hub?

A: Atlanta, Georgia stands out for its education and career opportunities in tech, emerging as a leading city for startups and job growth. Discover Atlanta's tech growth.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.