greater:SATX sat down with Beto Altamirano, CEO & Co-founder at Irys Technologies, Inc, to find out more about this organization helping to drive the tech industry in our San Antonio region.
Irys began its journey in 2017, emerging from Geekdom in downtown San Antonio with an initial triumph in modernizing the city’s 311 digital platform, leading to the launch of the 311SA app. Their roots in innovation and community engagement led them to relocate their headquarters to the West Side of San Antonio, where they have been active in promoting STEM education and community development.
Tell us a little bit about Irys and your presence in the Greater San Antonio region.
At Irys Technologies, we use artificial intelligence to improve digital communication and increase efficiency in operations and maintenance for various industries. We work with clients like Arcadis NV, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the State Government of New Jersey, helping them to better their operations and achieve their strategic goals.
In a strategic move to bolster our cybersecurity capabilities, we recently acquired DTSI, a renowned cybersecurity firm based in San Antonio. This acquisition has positioned us to safeguard some of the United States’ most vital digital infrastructures. Our enhanced security measures now protect extensive personnel systems and sophisticated cyber mission systems, crucial for the defense of the U.S. Department of Defense’s core military infrastructure.
We founded Irys in 2017, emerging from Geekdom in downtown San Antonio with an initial triumph in modernizing the city’s 311 digital platform, leading to the launch of the 311SA app. Our roots in innovation and community engagement led us to relocate our headquarters to the West Side of San Antonio, where we have been active in promoting STEM education and community development. With an additional office near the airport, our physical presence underscores our commitment to the San Antonio region and its technological advancement.
Over the years, Irys has undergone transformative growth, evolving from the founding trio- Eduardo Bravo, Alberto Gomez, and myself- to a robust team of more than 70 dedicated technology professionals. I believe this growth is a testament to our commitment not only to technological innovation but also to fostering a sustainable tech ecosystem in San Antonio. Our journey from a startup to a key player in the tech industry reflects our dedication to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
How do you see yourself growing in the future and continue positively impacting our Greater San Antonio region?
With the rise of technology and demographic shifts, the San Antonio region has a significant opportunity to prepare for the future of work. I think three key areas are essential to transforming our future: attracting and recruiting emerging enterprises; equipping the workforce with reskilling and upskilling for Industry 4.0; and fostering regional collaboration and adaptation.
Irys is committed to playing a significant role in these efforts, notably through forging strong partnerships with local universities. Our goal with these collaborations is to provide mentorship, internships, and educational programming that prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the tech industry, thereby reinforcing the region’s economic base.
A key pillar of our approach is the emphasis on nurturing local talent, with a particular focus on areas like cybersecurity and data analytics, enabling San Antonians to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven environment. This strategy not only bolsters economic growth but also cements San Antonio’s reputation as a hub of technological innovation. Furthermore, Irys is dedicated to integrating sustainability and social responsibility into our operations, aiming to generate a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
How would you like to see the San Antonio region continue to grow?
I see San Antonio as the city of the future. It is a region where people from diverse ethnicities and cultures have come together to collaborate, thrive and drive our region forward – an inspiring glimpse of what our nation could aim to become. To address the challenges of a changing job landscape and growth, we must strike a balance between our rich history and a steadfast vision for the future. My optimism stems from the belief that the cities within the greater San Antonio region serve as catalysts for human advancement, and their dedication to openness, equality and diversity will greatly improve the prospects of the future workforce.
Why did you invest in greater:SATX?
From my initial meeting with Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, the CEO of greater:SATX, the organization’s significant contribution to San Antonio’s economic landscape has been clear. Their work encompasses a wide array of sectors critical to the city’s advancement, including job creation, business growth, travel, infrastructure, education, commerce, and housing. Realizing the breadth of greater:SATX’s influence and its pivotal role in enhancing our community’s vitality made our investment decision straightforward. As newcomers to their investment circle, we’ve been notably impressed with the substantial value and enriching experiences greater:SATX delivers, reinforcing our belief in their vision to foster economic growth throughout San Antonio.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
In our pursuit of growth, I think we should aggressively market our region as a hub for remote workers, recent graduates and those considering relocation. Collaboration should remain the linchpin of our strategy as a region, with integrated business districts such as Geekdom downtown, Port San Antonio’s Tech Port Center, Brooks City Base, and the Pearl District just north of downtown already setting a positive precedent. By extending this successful approach across the entire region, we can fully unlock our potential and position ourselves as a leading hub for innovation and opportunity.
To learn more about Irys Technologies visit their website.