Friday, January 23, 2026
Welcome to another Friday edition of the Tech:NYC Digest, featuring our favorite five highlights in New York and tech this week.
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Why NYC and Silicon Alley will lead the AI boom (NY Post)
Thirty years after the so-called “Silicon Alley” was created, investors say the best is yet to come for New York City’s tech sector. VCs argue NYC’s edge in AI comes from industry density — finance, media, healthcare, fashion, biotech, and more all in one place (obviously). 🧑💻
Our (unbiased) favorite quote: “Every company is a tech company. Every industry that thrives in NYC needs tech to take it to the next level — fashion, life sciences, finance, healthcare, biotechnology, media, entertainment,” said Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC.
Plus, you can join us on January 30 to celebrate the last three decades of tech and innovation in NYC. Details here.
The Knowledge House is training the workforce for an AI era (AI Journal)
The Knowledge House — an NYC-based nonprofit focused on tech training for students from underserved communities (and an alum of Cohort 1 of Tech:NYC’s Decoded Futures initiative!) — is betting that access is the biggest barrier to tech careers. 🤖
Its programs emphasize real-world business applications, and more than 60% of participants in the nonprofit’s programs are now women.
Our favorite quote: “Starting all learners in a shared Foundations experience builds confidence early, particularly around AI and data. Combined with mentorship, coaching, and visible leadership, it creates an environment where women see real pathways to advancement,” said Anna Verdiyan, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at The Knowledge House.
Florist turns anonymous love letters to New York City into works of art (ABC New York)
Popupflorist founder Kelsie Hayes is turning anonymous love letters into floral art, one red mailbox at a time. 🌹 Thirteen bright-red mailboxes are being set up around New York for passersby to drop anonymous love notes to a person, a memory, or New York City. ♥️
Kelsie will select 30 letters and pair them with custom floral arrangements and display them at a gallery show on February 7.
Our favorite quote: “I have so much gratitude for where I am in life right now, I need to put some love out in the universe,” said Reagan McWhinney, a participating letter writer.
Minecraft goes from game to learning experience in NYC classrooms (PIX 11)
NYC students are using a video game to literally redesign the city. Public school students are competing in the citywide “Battle of the Boroughs,” reimagining real sites like Brooklyn’s Pier 6 inside Minecraft. 👷
Our favorite quote: “It’s as much about creativity and teamwork. It’s so much fun when you’re with your teams, and you come up with ideas. You’re learning at the same time,” said Thomas Edison High School student Sherly.
NYC bodega cats get a whisker closer to being legal (NY Post)
New York’s most famous pest-control workers are a step closer to legal protection. A state bill advancing in Albany would allow bodega cats to legally live in stores, complete with health, safety, and veterinary standards. 🐈⬛
Supporters say the move would protect cats from neglect while preserving one of the city’s most beloved (and effective) traditions.
Our favorite quote: “Meow,” said the cat at this newsletter editor’s local bodega.
Have a purrific weekend, New York! 😺
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