San Joaquin County is realizing its goal of being a home to tech companies and developing tech talent, thanks to a confluence of entrepreneurial spirit, educational resources, and community-driven organizations dedicated to making this a reality. The recent selection of ARGrid’s founder, Ramon Yepez, to the prestigious Techstars Detroit accelerator proves that opportunities in the region are blossoming. As initiatives from CodeStack and Ninja Pandas complement this momentum, the county is on its way to establishing a sustainable tech ecosystem, benefiting Lodi, Stockton and beyond.

Yepez, a city councilman in Lodi and founder of ARGrid, exemplifies the spirit of local entrepreneurship. ARGrid’s mission is to revolutionize e-commerce through augmented reality (AR) technology, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to create immersive, interactive online stores. Yepez’s acceptance into Techstars—a highly competitive accelerator that accepts only 1% of global applicants—affords him and ARGrid invaluable mentorship, resources, and networking with tech leaders and investors. “I’m honored to join this elite group of innovators,” Yepez shared. “This opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in technology and business is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m excited to bring back valuable insights and growth opportunities to our local community”​.

ARGrid’s success isn’t isolated. It is part of a growing ecosystem in San Joaquin County that prepares tech entrepreneurs to succeed while benefiting the community as a whole. CodeStack, an initiative by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, has been central to this growth. CodeStack offers a robust 12-month software engineering program, equipping students with web development, database management, and mobile application skills essential for tech careers. Tony Mannor of CodeStack shows how these jobs impact the local economy: “Many of our students secure remote jobs, bringing income into the region while supporting local businesses and creating a positive economic ripple effect”​.

CodeStack’s mission goes beyond training. As possibly the largest software engineering department within a public agency in California, CodeStack creates software solutions for state agencies and local governments, building platforms used nationwide. This dual role—as both a training academy and a functional tech company—helps CodeStack provide real-world experience to students, making them highly competitive candidates for tech roles. With alumni working at companies like Health Plan of San Joaquin and Trinchero Farms, and others taking the independent contractor route, CodeStack is establishing a valuable talent pipeline for the region’s emerging tech industry.

Alongside ARGrid and CodeStack, Ninja Pandas is making strides in workforce development and innovation. Founded by Jateen and Clare Bhakta, Ninja Pandas bridges the gap between traditional education and the rapid demands of the tech industry. Recognizing that the workforce of the future requires flexibility, the Bhaktas launched the Open Innovation Centers in 2023. These centers aim to support the community by offering rapid, adaptable training and resources for both “new collar” jobs—advanced roles that don’t require a college degree—and entrepreneurial ventures.

“We want to meet local business needs in real time,” said Clare Bhakta, co-founder of Ninja Pandas. “Rather than waiting years for traditional education systems to respond to changes in technology, we can pivot in a matter of months.” This responsiveness is crucial in an era where industries are increasingly tech-driven, yet many job seekers lack the specific training required for roles in fields like cybersecurity, AI, and UI/UX design.

One of the standout offerings from Ninja Pandas is the Learn Together series, which launches this November in collaboration with Google. The program provides access to over 200 scholarships for Google certificates in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, project management, and IT. Ninja Pandas has also developed the first video game development academy in San Joaquin County, and will be offering Unity certifications and pathways into augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). This program is an opportunity for young learners to enter an industry projected to be worth billions in the coming years​.

The local tech ecosystem’s collaborative spirit is evident in these organizations’ partnerships and shared goals. CodeStack and Ninja Pandas work closely with the San Joaquin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer resources for young entrepreneurs. Through workshops and mentorship programs, the SBDC provides students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to bring tech ideas to market. Additionally, Ninja Pandas is working to partner with the New Collar Network to offer specialized certifications in emerging fields like 3D printing, providing alternatives to traditional degree pathways and fostering a versatile, tech-savvy workforce​.

As San Joaquin County’s tech landscape evolves, the benefits extend beyond individual career opportunities. Local businesses gain access to skilled tech workers, and with more entrepreneurs like Yepez leading by example, the community is beginning to see the potential for a tech-driven economic transformation. “Our programs aren’t just about job training,” said Bhakta. “We’re building support systems for emerging entrepreneurs, encouraging curiosity, and creating pathways for students and professionals to advance in tech careers right here in our community.”