Clayton Banks

Personal Information

Clayton Banks is the CEO and co-founder of Silicon Harlem, with the goal to combine technology and innovation with affordable connectivity that can enable a sustainable economic engine in emerging communities across the United States. Under his leadership, Silicon Harlem has attracted over $50 million into upper Manhattan for advanced infrastructure research and test bedding. Mr. Banks has positioned Upper Manhattan as a tech and innovation hub that is one of the fastest growing areas for tech startups, entrepreneurs, and companies. Banks has been able to galvanize the public sector, the private sector, universities, and community stakeholders to embrace tech as a sustainable economic engine for Upper Manhattan. Banks has established critical programs based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in public schools and several non-profits in Upper Manhattan to prepare citizens for 21st century jobs and careers. These programs have become gateway opportunities for many students to pursue further education. Banks worked with former U.S. President Bill Clinton to publish a first-of-its-kind interactive college guide series called "The Key" that targets underserved communities and features Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). He has been recognized with many awards and honors including being selected as one of New York City’s “Tech Power 50” leaders in the technology industry.