Software Cluster

Creating and supporting an innovation “eco-system” to build fast growing companies, new wealth and high quality jobs for Connecticut

The Connecticut Software Cluster is the State's largest organization of firms that rely on software and information technology to compete. The Cluster is a program of the Connecticut Technology Council, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Cluster Updates

Where are the Software/IT companies of Connecticut located?  Check out our  Software/IT Map

Software Cluster Priorities as of 2007

Business assistance – Support for more FastTrack programs

A database of services, mentors and skill sets in other SMEs

Big business/small business matching – more Innovation@Work programs

Other priorities:

A marketing campaign positioning Connecticut as a region of software and technology leadership

Job training connections with community colleges

Information Technology Competitive Position Today

Diverse: Connecticut’s Software/IT Cluster is very diverse.

Small Size:  CT’s Software/IT Cluster ranks 22nd in employment when ranked against the 25 leading states.  CT ranks 21st with respect to its location quotient.

Lags in Growth: CT Software/IT Cluster ranks last when compared to the top 25 states in average annual industry growth between 1993 and 2000. 

Areas experiencing some growth include:

Computer systems design and related services

Internet/web providers

Computer/software wholesalers

Computer and peripheral equipment manufacture

Motion picture/sound recording and production

Domestic Focus: The state’s Software/IT cluster is tied mainly to in-state consumption and services.

Solid IP Pipeline: CT ranks in the top ten states with respect to software/IT patents per million people.

Little Venture Capital: CT ranks 20 out of the top 25 States with respect to venture capital investment in software.

Information Technology Cluster Priority Actions
Action 1. Brand: VOICE-IT – Promote Connecticut as a center for IT excellence. Treat Connecticut IT as a core competency.
Action 2. Entrepreneurship: Faster Track – Help entrepreneurs solve business problems and grow their companies through providing better information, access to capital, infrastructure but particularly sales (expanding the existing Fast Track program with a formalized structure).
Action 3. Human Resources: The Competitive IT Workforce – Produce highly trained IT workers that have skills and knowledge that meet employer expectations through formalized dialogue between IT businesses and educational institutions.
Action 4. Finance: Connecticut Capital Gap Initiative – Create or improve access to more seed and early stage capital in Connecticut, also improve the investment climate for private funds and visibility of Connecticut financial resources for early stage businesses.
Action 5. IT Business: Driving Connecticut’s Economy – Leverage Connecticut’s IT resources to drive Connecticut’s business economy through increasing the visibility of Connecticut’s IT innovators to companies in the state and breaking down barriers.