The Tech Interactive

What The Tech Interactive does

The Tech Interactive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and technology center headquartered at 201 S. Market St. in downtown San Jose, California, operating since 1983 with 101-250 employees and a secondary training facility at The Bowers Institute (145 W. San Carlos St.). Its core offering is a three-level interactive museum with 100+ hands-on exhibits including signature AI-powered installations (Dream Garden with computer vision and generative poetry), an IMAX Dome Theater (280 seats, Bay Area's only), and themed zones covering cyber safety (Cyber Detectives), sustainability (Solve for Earth), biodesign, robotics, and bioengineering. The organization serves multiple customer segments: families and individual visitors through admissions and memberships; K-12 schools and educators through field trips, Tech Challenge engineering competitions, Tech Academies fellowship, and The Bowers Institute professional development; corporate clients through venue rentals (full facility up to 2,500 standing capacity); and underserved communities through accessibility programs (Museums for All at $5/person).

Revenue is generated through diversified streams: one-time admissions and ticket sales for general entry, IMAX shows, and summer camps; recurring annual memberships and online course bundles ($99/year); professional development services priced at $1,500-$8,000 per engagement; event rentals; and contributed revenue from corporate sponsors (ASML, Applied Materials, Palo Alto Networks, Ford, NetApp) and foundations (McGovern Foundation, Moore Foundation, Knight Foundation). Distribution combines direct-to-consumer walk-in and online ticket sales with sales-led institutional bookings (group reservations for field trips) and a self-serve online LMS at courses.thetech.org for global educator reach. The organization's strategic positioning emphasizes Silicon Valley proximity, AI literacy leadership via the 170+ organization National AI Literacy Day coalition, and equity-focused STEM access expansion through the $1.65M ASML grant (2026) and 11+ partner school districts.

The business is governed by a board chaired by Chris DiGiorgio with Katrina Stevens serving as President and CEO and Ed Zschau as Founding Chairman Emeritus. Notable recent initiatives include the 2026 launch of CAMP at The Tech (first in-house summer camp), co-leadership of National AI Literacy Day, and a STEM career pathways center planned for 2028. The product portfolio is anchored by recurring exhibits, seasonal laser show programming (LASERS! at The Tech, DOME Series), and educator credentialing via the Tech Academies Fellowship and online courses.

Name

The Tech Interactive

Legal name

The Tech Interactive

Website

https://thetech.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Tech Interactive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and technology center in San Jose, California, operating 100+ hands-on exhibits, an IMAX Dome Theater, and educator professional development programs serving families, K-12 schools across 11+ partner districts, and corporate event clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Museum & Educational Center

NAICS

Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Virtual Field Trips & Experiential Learning Environments (Museums, Geography, History) (EDAFAJAG), Simulation-Based Learning & Virtual Labs (EDAGAEAG), Interactive Multimedia Learning Content (Video, Audio, Interactive Lessons) (EDAFACAG), Virtual Training, Workshops & Masterclasses (Interactive Sessions) (MPAGAOAJ)

Keywords

• Science education center
• STEM learning programs
• Interactive museum exhibits
• Educator professional development
• AI literacy education

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Visitors purchase tickets for museum access. Operating hours are Wednesdays through Sundays.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership offering unlimited visits for a year, marketed as costing less than two individual visits.
3. IMAX Dome Theater Shows: Separate ticket sales for laser shows, films, and DOME Series events in the IMAX theater.
4. Event and Facility Rentals: Corporate events, weddings, proms, filming, and meeting space rentals. Full facility rental capacity of 2,500 standing. Various spaces include Upper Level, Lower Level, New Venture Hall, IMAX Theater, and Rooftop Terrace.
5. Professional Development Services: Customized workshops for educators: $1500 for 90-minute sessions, $5000 for full-day (6 hours), $8000 for year-long series. Tech Academies Fellowship is $1500 per person for non-partner districts.
6. Online Courses: Design Challenge Learning Basics free; Full Bundle costs $99 with one-year access. Computational Thinking course available as add-on.
7. Donations and Grants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants including $1.65M ASML grant for STEM access expansion.
8. Summer Camp Programs: CAMP at The Tech offers week-long summer camp sessions for students entering Grades 2-6 with themes around Create, Adapt, Make, and Play.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Tech Interactive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and technology center in downtown San Jose, California that operates a hands-on museum with 100+ interactive exhibits, the Bay Area's only IMAX Dome Theater, and AI-powered immersive exhibits such as Dream Garden. It sells general admission tickets, memberships, summer camps, IMAX films and laser shows, K-12 field trips, event venue rentals, and educator professional development through The Bowers Institute and the courses.thetech.org online learning portal.

Product overview

The Tech Interactive is a science and technology center in San Jose offering a diverse portfolio of educational products and experiences. The core offering is the hands-on museum with 100+ interactive exhibits across three levels. Key products include the IMAX Dome Theater (Bay Area's only, 280 seats) hosting laser shows and films; the Dream Garden AI-powered immersive exhibit; CAMP at The Tech (first summer camp, Grades 2-6); and the DOME Series of laser shows. The education division, anchored by The Bowers Institute, offers The Tech Academies professional development for educators (award-winning, 11+ district partnerships) and STEM Pathways career exploration. Online learning is delivered through courses.thetech.org LMS with Design Challenge Learning courses. The organization also produces the annual Tech for Global Good Celebration and National AI Literacy Day initiative. Field trips, accessibility programs (Museums for All), and venue rentals round out the offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Tech Challenge: Annual engineering design challenge program for students
• The Bowers Institute
• Tech Academies
• Tech for Global Good
• CAMP at The Tech
• Cyber Detectives
• Dream Garden
• Solve for Earth
• IMAX Dome Theater

Products and services

• The Tech Interactive Museum (General Admission) A family-friendly science and technology center in downtown San Jose with hands-on activities, experimental labs, and design challenge experiences for visitors of all ages.
• IMAX Dome Theater Bay Area's only IMAX Dome Theater featuring a four-story screen and 280 seats, showing Hollywood IMAX films, documentaries, and laser shows.
• CAMP at The Tech First in-house summer camp experience for students entering Grades 2-6 with week-long sessions themed around Create, Adapt, Make, and Play through hands-on STEM projects.
• DOME Series Series of full-dome laser shows set to iconic music and Hollywood IMAX films in the IMAX Dome Theater with rotating monthly themes.
• LASERS! at The Tech Permanent weekly laser show series featuring legendary music acts held in the IMAX Dome Theater.
• Field Trips K-12 school field trip programs including hands-on lab experiences, exhibit exploration, and IMAX films aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Meeting & Event Spaces Venue rental service offering corporate events, weddings, proms, filming, and meetings across multiple spaces with up to 2,500 standing capacity.
• The Bowers Institute - Educator Professional Development Professional development division providing customized workshops for educator groups and districts on STEM integration, with pricing tiers for workshops and year-long series.
• The Tech Academies Fellowship Fellowship program for educators from partner districts to become leaders in cross-curricular engineering instruction, with complimentary access for partner districts and $1,500 per person for others.
• Design Challenge Learning Online Course Self-paced online course guiding educators through facilitating design challenges, covering Innovation Design Process, sample challenges, facilitation, and assessment.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership offering unlimited museum visits for a year, early Sunday access, and member benefits.
• Museums for All Program Accessibility program providing reduced admission ($5 per person, up to 6 people) for SNAP/EBT/BIC/WIC cardholders with optional $5 IMAX film add-on.
• The Tech Challenge Annual design challenge engineering program engaging students in hands-on engineering problems with corporate volunteer mentorship.

Quantifiable outcome

• Engaged over 1,000 K-12 students and educators at National AI Literacy Day 2026
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• EDSAFE AI AllianceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2026Co-lead of third annual National AI Literacy Day observed across the United States. Coalition mobilized over 170 supporting organizations, state leaders, and school districts. The Tech Interactive hosted the largest event on March 27, 2026, engaging over 1,000 K-12 students and educators.
• aiEDUflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2026Co-lead of National AI Literacy Day coalition to promote AI literacy through education across the United States.
• Common Sense MediaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2026Coalition partner for National AI Literacy Day to mobilize organizations and school districts nationwide for AI education initiatives.
• City Year Bay AreacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Partnership to provide STEAM training and support to AmeriCorps members in San Jose, California. Program includes tech fellowship, experiential challenges, and training in emerging technologies to prepare future educators. Initiative aims to boost educational equity and equip members with skills for careers in education. Collaboration involves engaging with The Tech Interactive's programs and the Tech Challenge focusing on sustainable housing solutions.
• San Jose Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM Pathways partner connecting families with STEM programming offered through local libraries. Part of nearly 50-member STEM Pathways committee including industry, higher education, and K-12 partners.
• Santa Clara County Office of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM Pathways partner for career exploration resources and experiences for youth underrepresented in STEM fields.
• San Jose State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for STEM Pathways committee and computer science component of Tech Academies program through Jay Pinson STEM Education Program.
• Boys and Girls Club of Silicon ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded learning partner in The Tech Academies program serving Alum Rock School District students.
• Think TogethercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded learning partner in The Tech Academies program serving Muwekma Ohlone Middle School in SJUSD.
• YMCA of Silicon ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded learning partner in The Tech Academies program serving P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy (Morgan Hill) and El Roble Elementary (Gilroy).
• Catholic Charities of Santa Clara CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded learning partner in The Tech Academies program serving multiple schools in Franklin McKinley and San Jose Unified School Districts.
• Sacred Heart Community ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded learning partner serving Washington Elementary in San Jose Unified School District.
• City of San JosecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity partner supporting The Tech Academies program and Julia Baldwin Elementary (Oak Grove School District) through ROCK program.
• Stevenson Arts FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtwork on loan for Creative Intelligence exhibition showcasing human-AI collaboration.
• Santa Clara County Office of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Careers in Sustainability resource development.
• Stanford Department of GeneticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated DNA and Genetics field trip lab program in partnership with Stanford Department of Genetics.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Exploratorium: The Exploratorium is a San Francisco-based interactive science and learning museum with a comparable hands-on exhibit model, professional development programs, and ticketed visitor experience. It is the most direct geographic and programmatic peer to The Tech Interactive.
• California Academy of Sciences: The California Academy of Sciences operates a major science museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park featuring exhibits, an aquarium, planetarium, and research programs. Comparable in scale, nonprofit structure, exhibit-driven visitation, and educator programming in the Bay Area.
• Computer History Museum: The Computer History Museum in Mountain View is a Silicon Valley-based science and technology museum focused on computing innovation. Comparable technology-museum niche, Bay Area location, corporate sponsorship model, and STEM/STEAM educational programming.
• Children's Creativity Museum: The Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco focuses on hands-on media and technology exhibits for younger audiences, including animation, music, and design challenges. Directly comparable as a Bay Area hands-on STEM/STEAM museum targeting families and school groups.
• Lawrence Hall of Science: The Lawrence Hall of Science is a UC Berkeley-affiliated public science center with hands-on exhibits, K-12 curricula aligned with NGSS, and educator professional development. Closely comparable educational programming, university partnership model, and field trip business.
• Discovery Cube: Discovery Cube operates interactive science museums in Los Angeles and Orange County, with hands-on STEM exhibits, school field trips, and summer camps. Comparable as a multi-site nonprofit science center with strong school-district revenue and family audience focus.
• Pacific Science Center: Pacific Science Center is a Seattle-based nonprofit science center with interactive exhibits, IMAX theater, planetarium, and educator programs. Highly comparable operating model including IMAX ticketing, field trips, and school partnerships.
• Franklin Institute: The Franklin Institute is a Philadelphia-based science museum and education institution with hands-on exhibits, IMAX theater, and K-12 programming. Comparable in scale, scope, and revenue diversification across admissions, IMAX, and education.
• Carnegie Science Center: Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh operates hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and IMAX theater as part of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Comparable operating mix of exhibits, IMAX, school programs, and nonprofit governance.

Regional players

• KQED: KQED is the Bay Area's primary PBS/NPR public media organization with a parallel education mission including educator resources and STEM content. Comparable as a Bay Area nonprofit producing digital learning content and reaching educators, but its delivery is broadcast/digital rather than physical exhibits.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/thetech
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheTechInteractive
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-tech-interactive
• Instagraminstagram.com/thetechinteractive
• TikToktiktok.com/@thetechinteractive
• Pinterestpinterest.com/thetechinteractive
• Xx.com/TheTechInteract

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Tech Interactive