Following the enactment of a Huntsville City Council resolution, Geeks and Nerds (GaN) has announced that it plans to expand its footprint in Huntsville with a new cutting-edge $5.3 million facility in Cummings Research Park.

The resolution authorized Mayor Tommy Battle to enter into a Project Development Agreement among the City of Huntsville, the Industrial Development Board of the City of Huntsville, and GaN Corporation.

This new facility is intended to encourage entrepreneurship and nurture a highly qualified workforce. “We anticipate exponential demand for research and development of technologies needed for rapid and advanced prototyping,” explained GaN’s founder and CEO Dr. Jonn Kim.

CEO of South Huntsville’s Geeks and Nerds Dr. Jonn Kim

This move will lead to the establishment of the company’s new Prototype Innovation Environment, or GaN PIE, which will facilitate Huntsville’s ability to meet demand for advanced manufacturing research and development by fostering collaboration between academia, government, industry, and non-profit organizations.

According to GaN Chief of Staff Holly Ralston, although the company headquarters will be moving to Cummings Research Park, it will continue to operate its existing offices and meeting spaces in downtown Huntsville and in southeast Huntsville following the completion of the GaN PIE facility, with each having different uses.

“‘Innovating with purpose to make a positive difference’ is what drives this process of creating an elevated innovation ecosystem for rapid prototyping and integration,” she added.

“It’s always exciting to see an innovative, forward-thinking company like Geeks and Nerds launch a growth project that involves $5.3 million in investment and 100 new jobs,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Our technology sector continues to grow ever more dynamic through entrepreneurial initiatives like this one in Huntsville, and I congratulate the company as it embarks on this venture.”

Construction is expected to begin in March 2023, with operation anticipated to begin by late June 2024. GaN employed approximately 93 salaried employees as of September 23, 2021 and the addition of the new facility is anticipated to more than double that amount.

“This announcement marks another success for one of Huntsville’s home-grown companies,” stated Mayor Tommy Battle. “Geeks and Nerds is a rising star in the technology sector, and it’s exciting to see their entrepreneurship rewarded through growth and demand for their services.”

As Geeks and Nerds continues to grow, it remains committed to helping students further their education. Under the leadership of Dr. Kim, the Geeks and Nerds Foundation has provided scholarships at 14 universities, colleges, and junior colleges since its creation in 2018, helping not only high school students, but also adults seeking opportunities to better themselves. Dr.

Kim also serves on the Engineering Industry Advisory Board for both Vanderbilt University and UAH.

“I am grateful for the support from the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Huntsville, the state of Alabama, and the Tennessee Valley Authority,” said Kim. “Their actions allow us to realize opportunities to expand GaN and help our community.”

Photo Credits: Geeks and Nerds Corporation