EDITOR’S NOTE: The position of MJV technologies is that Chicago is the most obvious choice for tech and AI innovation.

Tech is concentrated in a few cities: Where’s the next focal point?

Every week, MJV Craft brings together competing AI systems to debate the biggest stories in politics, business, and culture. Drawing on public data, historical precedent, and distinct ideological frameworks, each edition presents a structured clash of perspectives—designed to challenge assumptions, surface contradictions, and illuminate the stakes. This is not consensus-driven commentary. It’s a curated argument for an unstable world.

What’s happening today?

Today, we’re exploring the race to become the next U.S. tech hub beyond the Bay Area and Austin, as tech talent and investment decentralize amid remote work and rising costs in traditional centers. 

With cities like Miami, Denver, and Columbus vying for the spotlight, we examine where the next focal point for innovation might emerge. 

We’ve tasked AI models to simulate a debate between two experts: Steve Case, former CEO and co-founder of AOL, and Mark Cuban, Shark Tank investor and celebrity businessman.

ChatGPT → SOURCE: VOX | CHAT WITH MARK

Q: Hi Mark Cuban ChatGPT, in an interview with Recode’s Kara Swisher, you detailed that Silicon Valley is no longer the hub of tech innovation it once was, saying, “When you’re in concentrated areas, you’re competing for resources, whereas AI isn’t based in Silicon Valley … The best technologists are coming out of Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Austin.” Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin and other notable markets? And why?

A: If I had to bet on the next big American tech hub—outside the usual suspects—I’d put my chips on Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. You’ve got three powerhouse research universities in the Triangle, a growing talent base thanks to cost-of-living advantages, and a culture that encourages cross-disciplinary innovation. Companies can build without the pressure cooker of hyper-saturated markets like the Bay Area. Plus, remote work has shattered the old geographic barriers—startups don’t need to be shoulder-to-shoulder with VCs anymore. Investors are more willing to travel for great ideas, and tech infrastructure is catching up fast in these second-wave cities. Add in state incentives and a better quality of life? You’ve got a recipe for real growth.

Silicon Valley’s era of dominance is fading. The next wave will come from where talent, capital, and cost-efficiency align—and that’s happening in unexpected places.

ChatGPT → SOURCE: CNBC | CHAT WITH STEVE

Q: Hi Steve Case ChatGPT! Last year, you discussed vertical AI investment at startups outside of large tech hubs with CNBC’s Squawk Box, contingent on your efforts to promote tech investment in Middle America. Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin and other notable markets?

A: Hi! I’d bet on cities like Columbus, Ohio or Indianapolis. They’re emerging as strong contenders thanks to affordable living, a growing base of STEM graduates, and increasing venture capital attention. What’s key is their specialization—healthtech in Nashville, agtech in Des Moines, logistics in Memphis. These vertical AI plays align with local industries, which helps startups scale sustainably. The Rise of the Rest thesis is proving out: you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build something transformative—you just need access to capital, talent, and sector alignment.

Grok → SOURCE: VOX | CHAT WITH MARK

Q: Hi Mark Cuban Grok, in an interview with Recode’s Kara Swisher, you detailed that Silicon Valley is no longer the hub of tech innovation it once was, saying, “When you’re in concentrated areas, you’re competing for resources, whereas AI isn’t based in Silicon Valley … The best technologists are coming out of Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Austin.” Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Emulate your best Mark Cuban impersonation based on available data.

A: Yo, it’s Mark Cuban, droppin’ knowledge like I’m courtside at a Mavs game! Look, tech’s shiftin’, and it’s not just about Silicon Valley or Austin anymore. AI’s blowin’ up, and the real action’s in places where talent’s hungry and costs don’t choke you out. I’m bettin’ on Pittsburgh as the next big American tech hub—outside the usual suspects. Why? Carnegie Mellon’s pumpin’ out world-class AI and robotics talent, and the city’s got a gritty, startup vibe with affordable livin’. Companies like Duolingo and Aurora are already there, and VC’s takin’ notice. Plus, it’s got that Rust Belt hustle—people grind without the Bay Area ego. The data backs it: Pittsburgh’s tech job growth is steady, and it’s pulling talent from across the Midwest. Keep your eyes on the Steel City, baby—it’s about to ball out

Grok → SOURCE: CNBC | CHAT WITH STEVE

Q: Hi Steve Case Grok! Last year, you discussed vertical AI investment at startups outside of large tech hubs with CNBC’s Squawk Box, contingent on your efforts to promote tech investment in Middle America. Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Emulate your best Steve Case impersonation based on available data.

A: Hey, it’s Steve Case, pushin’ for the Rise of the Rest! I’m bullish on Middle America’s potential. Look at Indianapolis—its Salesforce hub, High Alpha accelerator, and growin’ startup scene make it a contender. Strong universities and affordable livin’ pull talent back. Vertical AI in healthcare and agtech’s takin’ root here. Policies like the CHIPS Act are fuelin’ this fire. Indy’s got the ecosystem to be the next big hub!

Claude → SOURCE: VOX | CHAT WITH CLAUDE

Q: Hi Claude, in an interview with Recode’s Kara Swisher, Mark Cuban detailed that Silicon Valley is no longer the hub of tech innovation it once was, saying, “When you’re in concentrated areas, you’re competing for resources, whereas AI isn’t based in Silicon Valley … The best technologists are coming out of Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Austin.” Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, based on Cuban’s comments and business expertise, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Do your best to emulate his opinion on the matter

A: Based on Mark Cuban's observations about the decentralization of tech innovation away from Silicon Valley, particularly in AI, I think he would point to Pittsburgh as the next major American tech hub with enormous potential.

Cuban specifically mentioned Pittsburgh in his list of emerging AI centers, and there are several factors that align with his business perspective:

1. Carnegie Mellon University provides a steady pipeline of world-class AI and robotics talent

2. Pittsburgh offers a much lower cost of living than coastal tech hubs, which Cuban would appreciate as someone focused on capital efficiency

3. The city has already attracted significant AI research investment from companies like Uber, Argo AI, and Aurora

4. Pittsburgh represents the kind of industrial transformation story Cuban appreciates - a former steel city reinventing itself through technology

Cuban tends to value places where innovation happens without the groupthink he sees in Silicon Valley. He's often talked about how real disruption happens at the edges, not in echo chambers where everyone is chasing the same ideas and competing for the same talent pool.

I think Cuban would argue that Pittsburgh has the academic excellence, industrial infrastructure, and reasonable costs that create the perfect conditions for building sustainable tech companies rather than just chasing quick exits or funding rounds.

Claude → SOURCE: CNBC | CHAT WITH CLAUDE

Q: Hi Claude! Last year, Steve Case discussed vertical AI investment at startups outside of large tech hubs with CNBC’s Squawk Box, contingent on his efforts to promote tech investment in Middle America. Where do you think he believes the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Do your best to emulate his stance on the issue with available data.

A: Hi there! Since my knowledge cutoff is October 2024, I don't have specific information about Steve Case's comments on CNBC's Squawk Box from last year. However, I can draw on what I know about Steve Case's investment philosophy and "Rise of the Rest" initiative to provide my best assessment of his likely perspective.

Based on Case's long-standing focus on developing tech ecosystems outside major hubs, he would likely identify cities with strong combinations of:

1. Research universities

2. Affordable cost of living

3. Existing industry expertise in specific verticals

4. Public-private partnerships supporting entrepreneurship

5. Quality of life factors that attract talent

Considering these factors and excluding established tech hubs, he might point to places like:

Pittsburgh (AI/robotics/healthcare), Columbus (insurtech/healthtech), Detroit (mobility/manufacturing tech), Salt Lake City (enterprise SaaS), or Raleigh-Durham (life sciences).

Case has consistently emphasized that the next wave of innovation won't be about general tech platforms but rather vertical-specific solutions integrated into traditional industries. He would likely argue that cities with deep expertise in specific sectors (manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, etc.) have advantages when building AI solutions for those verticals.

He would probably stress that these emerging hubs don't need to become "the next Silicon Valley" but rather can thrive by focusing on their unique strengths and industry specializations while leveraging AI to transform their legacy industries.

Gemini → SOURCE: VOX | CHAT WITH GEMINI

Q: Hi Gemini, in an interview with Recode’s Kara Swisher, Mark Cuban detailed that Silicon Valley is no longer the hub of tech innovation it once was, saying, “When you’re in concentrated areas, you’re competing for resources, whereas AI isn’t based in Silicon Valley … The best technologists are coming out of Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Austin.” Where do you think the next major American tech hub will be, based on Cuban’s comments and business expertise, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Do your best to emulate his opinion based on available data.

A: Based on Mark Cuban's emphasis on the dispersion of tech talent and the rise of AI innovation outside traditional hubs, and emulating his business-savvy perspective, the next major American tech hub could very well be Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Here's why, aligning with Cuban's points and available data:

• Strong Technological Foundation: As Cuban mentioned, Pittsburgh is already recognized for its strong technologists. This is largely due to the presence of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a global leader in computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. CMU consistently produces top-tier graduates and cutting-edge research that fuels innovation. This concentration of high-quality technical talent is precisely what Cuban sees as a key ingredient for future tech hubs.  

• Focus on AI and Robotics: Cuban specifically highlighted that AI isn't solely based in Silicon Valley and pointed to Pittsburgh as a source of top AI technologists. Pittsburgh has indeed become a significant center for AI and robotics research and development, attracting major companies and startups in these fields. This specialization aligns with Cuban's observation about the decentralization of AI expertise.  

• Lower Cost of Living and Operations: Compared to established hubs like the Bay Area, Pittsburgh offers a significantly lower cost of living and doing business. Cuban noted that concentrated areas compete for resources, implying that emerging hubs with lower costs can be more attractive for startups and talent seeking more affordable environments. This affordability can lead to a greater concentration of resources on innovation rather than overhead.

• Emerging Venture Capital Interest: While not yet on par with Silicon Valley, venture capital investment is growing in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. As the city's reputation for AI and robotics strengthens, it is likely to attract even more significant venture funding, following the talent and innovation as Cuban suggests.  

• University Ecosystem: Beyond CMU, the University of Pittsburgh also contributes to a strong research and development ecosystem in the region, particularly in areas like healthcare and biotechnology, which increasingly intersect with AI. Cuban has previously noted the importance of strong and diverse university programs in fostering tech hubs.  

While other cities like Montreal, Boston, and Raleigh also possess strong tech sectors, Pittsburgh's specific strengths in the increasingly critical fields of AI and robotics, combined with its lower cost structure and the strong foundation provided by CMU, position it as a compelling candidate to become a major American tech hub in the coming years, fitting Mark Cuban's analysis of the shifting landscape of technological innovation.

Gemini → SOURCE: CNBC | CHAT WITH GEMINI

Q: Hi Gemini! Last year, Steve Case discussed vertical AI investment at startups outside of large tech hubs with CNBC’s Squawk Box, contingent on his efforts to promote tech investment in Middle America. Where do you think he believes the next major American tech hub will be, excluding the Bay Area, Austin, and other notable markets? Do your best to emulate his opinion based on available data.

A: Based on Steve Case's "Rise of the Rest" initiative and his focus on investing in startups outside the traditional tech hubs, he likely believes the next major American tech hub will emerge in the Midwest, with a strong possibility of it being in Illinois, specifically the Chicago area.

Here's why, emulating his likely perspective:

• Untapped Potential and Lower Costs: Case has consistently emphasized that there are innovative entrepreneurs and promising startups throughout the American heartland that are often overlooked by coastal investors. These regions typically offer a lower cost of living and doing business, making startups more capital-efficient. He's noted that a significant portion of venture capital historically goes to just a few coastal states, highlighting the untapped potential elsewhere.

• Focus on "Third Wave" Industries: Case's concept of the "Third Wave" of the internet involves the convergence of the internet with real-world sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Many of these industries have deep roots and significant expertise in the Midwest. He believes that innovation in these areas will be crucial for the next phase of technological growth.

• Emerging Ecosystems: While not as prominent as the Bay Area or Austin, several cities in the Midwest are showing increasing signs of becoming tech hubs. These cities are building their own unique strengths and attracting investment.

• Specific Developments in Illinois: Recent reports highlight the growing quantum computing ecosystem in Illinois, particularly in Chicago. This development aligns with Case's vision of significant technological breakthroughs occurring outside the traditional coastal hubs. The presence of major research institutions and increasing investment in this advanced technology suggests a strong foundation for future growth.

• "Rise of the Rest" Investments: Case's Revolution fund has actively invested in startups across the Midwest, indicating his belief in the region's potential. His bus tours and initiatives have aimed to shine a spotlight on these emerging ecosystems.

While other regions might also experience significant tech growth, the available information strongly suggests that Steve Case would likely point to a city in the Midwest, potentially Chicago, as a leading candidate for the next major American tech hub, driven by its central location, burgeoning tech sectors like quantum computing, and the lower costs and untapped potential he champions through "Rise of the Rest."

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—The MJV Craft Team