High Tech Industry

Qualified Technical Workforce

Caldwell provides direct access to a high quality technology workforce in the Boise Valley. After discovering Idaho's strong work ethic, low energy costs and attractive lifestyle in the early 70's, Hewlett-Packard opened a major laser jet R&D and manufacturing facility. Micron Technology, a world leader in US semi-conductor manufacturing, and many others followed HP's lead. The environment in the Boise Valley is ranked as the 5th most successful environment in the nation in attracting creative and innovative people, as determined in a comparison of 63 other small metropolitan areas ("The Rise of the Creative Class". R. Florida, Carnegie Mellon University.)

Leadership in Patent Development

The Boise Valley is first in the nation in innovation as measured by number of patents pper capita.  The US Patent and Trademark Office lists the type of patents by company.  Idaho's core competencies are power and energy, ag/biosciences, imaging technology and nanotechnolgoy/new sciences.  View the report