AZ TechCast

Optics and photonics may not always be visible, but they are foundational to the technologies shaping our daily lives, from high-speed data centers and AI to healthcare breakthroughs, space exploration and national defense. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Eric Miller is joined by three leading voices in Arizona’s optics ecosystem to explore how light-based technologies are quietly powering innovation across industries. Katie Schwertz (Edmund Optics), Dr. Robert Norwood (University of Arizona) and Michael Hart (HartSCI LLC) break down the basics of optics and photonics in a way anyone can understand, while also diving into cutting-edge advancements like free-space laser communications, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation infrared materials. The conversation highlights why Arizona has emerged as a global hub for optics innovation, and what’s needed to sustain that leadership amid workforce shortages, supply chain challenges and rapid technological change in the AI era. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.   Learn more about Optics and Photonics in Arizona through Optics Valley:   https://www.aztechcouncil.org/optics-valley-arizona/    You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel.   https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil    Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:   https://www.aztechcouncil.org     Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:   https://www.padtinc.com   

In this episode of AZ TechCast, Arizona-based business leaders and experts come together to explore how organizations across the state can strengthen sales performance, refine marketing strategy and drive growth, even in a challenging economic climate. Featuring insights from Mark Sutter (Founder, Impact Sales Advisors), Jamie Munoz (Visionary, Catalyst Integrators) and Mark Yeager (President, Yeager Marketing), the conversation highlights how Arizona companies, from startups to scaling enterprises, can better align sales, marketing and leadership to stay competitive in an evolving market. With Arizona’s rapid economic growth and increasingly competitive business landscape, the discussion dives into the importance of returning to core fundamentals, redefining market positioning for today’s B2B buyer and leveraging frameworks like EOS and fractional leadership to scale effectively. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to build a resilient pipeline, maximize inbound and outbound efforts and drive sustainable success across Arizona’s dynamic business ecosystem. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted. Mark Sutter, ISA:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklsutter/ Jamie Munoz, Catalyst Integrators https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/ https://www.catalystintegrators.com/  Mark Yeager, Yeager Marketing https://www.linkedin.com/in/markryeager/  https://yeagermarketing.com/  You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: https://www.aztechcouncil.org     Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: https://www.padtinc.com   

Arizona has quickly become one of the nation’s most important hubs for data center development. However, what does that growth really mean for our state, our communities and our future? In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller dive into the evolving role of data centers in Arizona with insights from Cepand Alizadeh (Arizona Technology Council), Tom Maples (DPR Construction), and Colton Brown (Aligned Data Centers). Together, they’ll explore how data centers intersect with water stewardship, energy use, workforce development and economic growth, while also addressing common misconceptions and community concerns. From rural siting decisions to sustainable cooling technologies, this conversation sheds light on how Arizona is balancing innovation, infrastructure and responsibility as demand for digital services continues to accelerate. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute   Guests: Yvonnda Shelton, Workforce Development Specialist, SciTech Institute David Felix, Senior Representative, SRP & SciTech Institute Board Member Guest/co-host: Steve Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council & SciTech Institute Abstract: In this episode, we explore the powerful partnership between the Arizona Technology Council and its foundation, SciTech Institute, Arizona’s leading 501(c)(3) driving STEM education, engagement and workforce development statewide. Hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra are joined by SciTech Institute Workforce Development Specialist Yvonnda Shelton and SciTech board member David Felix of SRP for an inside look at how SciTech builds a connected STEM ecosystem through innovative programs like the STEM Ecosystem, Arizona SciTech Festival, Chief Science Officers, Skills Academy, WOW events, STEM Little Free Libraries, and Science For All. Listeners will learn how SciTech's mission to cultivate STEM connections directly supports Arizona’s growing technology workforce and how collaborations across business, education, governmen,t and community partners fuel life-changing opportunities for students, educators, and industry alike. This conversation shines a spotlight on the impact, vision, and future of STEM learning and workforce development in Arizona, and why SciTech is such a vital part of the Council’s long-term strategy. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted. You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil Learn more about the SciTech Institute at: https://scitechinstitute.org/ Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com   

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with some remarkable students recently named winners and honorable mentions in the Council’s 2025 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November. These young STEM leaders— Shireen Arora, Elias Chang, Akshay Karthik Ananya Lakkaraju, Siyaa Poddar, and Ganeshsai Talluri —will discuss their innovative projects, their passions and their aspirations for the future. Robert Cruthis, president of ACESA (Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations) will join the conversation to highlight the importance of education, workforce development, and celebrating Arizona’s brightest STEM talents. To see these amazing students, attend this year's Governor's Celebration of Innovation on November 12th, 2025: Learn more about the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) here.  You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel. Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com 

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid growth. In this episode of AZ TechCast, your hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller are joined by Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas; Martijn Pierik, Sr. Vice President & Partner at Kiterocket; and Vic Narusis, Executive Vice President of Industry Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Together, they’ll discuss with our hosts why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment, what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversations at this year’s show.   Here are links to the organizations and events mentioned in this episode:   SEMICON West: www.semiconwest.org SEMI: www.semi.org Kiterocket: www.kiterocket.com Arizona Commerce Authority: www.azcommerce.com You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel      www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:       www.aztechcouncil.org Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:      www.padtinc.com   The following is a ten-point summary from MS Copilot of the episode: Here’s a 10-bullet summary of AZ TechCast Episode 60: "The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona": [www.aztech...ouncil.org] Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, driven by major investments and strategic positioning. Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the first time in October 2025, marking a significant shift from its traditional location in Silicon Valley. SEMICON West is the largest semiconductor event in North America, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers. Guests include Joe Stockunas (SEMI Americas), Martijn Pierik (Kiterocket), and Vic Narusis (Arizona Commerce Authority), who discuss Arizona’s growing role in the industry. Arizona’s appeal lies in its business-friendly climate, infrastructure, and talent pipeline, making it a magnet for semiconductor companies. Workforce development is a key theme, with emphasis on building a skilled labor force to support the industry’s rapid expansion. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability are highlighted as critical areas shaping the future of semiconductor innovation. Supply chain resilience is another major topic, especially in light of recent global disruptions and the need for domestic manufacturing. The move of SEMICON West to Phoenix symbolizes Arizona’s rise as a tech hub, reinforcing its national and global relevance. PADT, Inc. and the Arizona Technology Council continue to support innovation and growth, helping connect industry leaders and promote Arizona’s tech ecosystem.    

In our July 2025 episode, we are joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly: Kate Lemke from Pipeline AZ, Jonathan Roll from ASU (and co-chair of the Council's Aerospace, Aviation, Space and Defense Committee), and Tom Wilson from SciTech Institute. Together, we’ll discuss the dynamic landscape of Arizona’s Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense (AASD) sectors and how the growth in these industries has increased the demand for a skilled local workforce. Our discussion focuses in on the collaborative efforts underway to build a future-ready AASD talent pipeline. From launching the AASD Industry Hub to developing innovative tools like skills maps and career pathways, these experts share how they’re bridging the gap between education and industry, and how employers can play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Arizona’s high-tech workforce. Here are some links to the people and organizations we spoke with: Pipeline AZ: pipelineaz.com/ The SciTech Institute: scitechinstitute.org/ ASU NewSpace: newspace.asu.edu/  The AZ Tech Council AASD Committee: www.aztechcouncil.org/committees/aerospace-aviation-space-and-defense-committee/ You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil    Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org           Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword, it’s a game-changer across nearly every industry. In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra of the Arizona Technology Council and Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. sit down with Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft), Minky Kernacs (Mercurio Analytics Inc.), Niranjan Krishnan (FPT Software), and Chris Lucero (Luminos Innovation) to explore how AI and machine learning are transforming real-world business operations. From manufacturing to financial services, discover where AI is driving innovation, what challenges still lie ahead, and how organizations can responsibly implement these powerful technologies. You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel. Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com 

In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions, whether from cyberattacks, natural disasters or unexpected outages. But what’s the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity? In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’ll discuss the critical strategies that ensure business resilience with expert insights from Steve Copeland of RYTHMz, Joseph Cook of The Arizona Group and Jim Henry of Iron Mountain. From AI-driven outage prediction to the role of colocation data centers, our guests will unpack the key technologies and best practices for protecting operations and minimizing downtime. RYTHMz: rythmz.com The Arizona Group: arizonagroup.com Iron Mountain: datacenter.ironmountain.com/iron-mountain-data-centers You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com     

In this inspiring and first 2025 episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra welcome Kim McWaters, president & CEO of Fresh Start Women's Foundation, Abdu Dahr, vice president of strategic partnerships for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and seasoned HR executive, Scott Holman of HHR Consulting to explore how Fresh Start empowers women to achieve self-sufficiency and thrive. Learn about the organization’s impactful career training programs, their partnerships with technology industry leaders like Intel, and the ripple effect supporting women has on families, workplaces and Arizona’s economy. Our guests will discuss how investing in women creates a win-win-win for employers, communities, and the workforce of the future across Arizona and beyond. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted. Visit the Fresh Start Women's Foundation at: freshstartwomen.org Learn about and register for their annual gala at: 2025 Fresh Start Annual Gala   Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com     

Arizona is not just gazing at the stars—it’s building the future of space exploration. In this episode of AZ TechCast, industry trailblazers Jim Cantrell, founder of Phantom Space and a SpaceX founding team member, and Michael Mackowski, retired spacecraft engineer and space advocate, join us to explore Arizona’s dynamic role in the space industry. From pioneering satellites to shaping space policy, they’ll discuss how the state is driving innovation and opportunities in aerospace, making it a global hub for the final frontier. This episode promises an inspiring journey into Arizona’s space ecosystem, exploring the technologies, policies, and people shaping our reach for the stars. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.  

In this October episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with three remarkable students recently named winners of the Council’s 2024 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November. These young STEM leaders—Rishabh Sreepathy, Aditya Lakshminarasimhan and Brad Wu—will discuss their innovative projects, their passions and their aspirations for the future. Industry guests, including experts from ACESA (Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations) and Honeywell, will join the conversation to highlight the importance of education, workforce development and celebrating Arizona’s brightest STEM talents. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re joined as always by Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Steve Zylstra. Our guests today are Tom Tenney from Legacy Wealth Management and Sheila Kloefkorn from KEO Marketing. Together, we’re going to explore the Arizona Technology Council's 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) program. We’ll discuss the advantages of MEPs for employers and employees, current trends in the investment space, and the differences between ROTH IRAs and traditional 401(k) plans, among other topics. The conversation will also highlight how advancements in financial technology are transforming retirement investing, making it easier for companies and employees to manage their savings. Listen along to learn how Council members have benefited from these programs and stay updated on the latest in retirement savings innovation.

Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss the impact of BEAD funding on internet access in Arizona with experts Sandip Bhowmick, Ben Elkins, and Kelly LeBlanc. Steve and Karen introduce the Arizona Technology Council's role in […] The post Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity's pivotal role and AI's transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the dual nature of AI in enhancing threat detection while posing governance challenges. […] The post Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 In the 50th episode of Az TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Paisley Coxsey host a discussion on government contracting with Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, highlighting the nuances of state and local contracts, SBIR, and STTR programs. Lisa, Jenny, and Sonia stress the […] The post Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 In this episode of AZ TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra explore Arizona's energy landscape with Earl Collins, Dre Thompson, and Maren Mahoney, highlighting collaborations between public and private sectors and tribal communities. They discuss the fusion of private investment and public funding to drive […] The post Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Leslie Marquez engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of experts representing organizations like the PMI Phoenix Chapter, Proctorio Inc., Digitanity, and Pipeline AZ. Together, they dive into the intricacies of workforce development, exploring strategies to […] The post Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 The latest episode of AZ TechCast hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki, explores AI's impact on marketing with guests Stephen Carradini from ASU, Renee Yeager from Yeager Marketing, and Spencer Lee from Intero Digital, emphasizing ethical considerations and regulatory challenges. Spencer and Stephen predict significant changes in […] The post AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 This dynamic podcast interview, hosted by Karen Nowicki and Steven Zylstra, featured esteemed guests Victor Assad from Strategic HR Consulting; Carol Stewart from Tech Parks Arizona and Art Taylor from PayPal. These leaders engaged in a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The […] The post Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra lead a dynamic discussion with guests Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest, Cristian Bacanu from the Romanian Parliament, and Representative David Cook. The conversation spans AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and international trade, […] The post Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 With over 300 sunny days per year, it's no secret that Arizona has plenty of sunshine. Overall, Arizona ranks second in the nation in solar energy potential and ranks among the top five states in the nation in total solar-powered generating capacity from both utility- […] The post Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 Arizona's Rural Broadband Initiative endeavors to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state. The initiative envisions a future where every Arizonan, regardless of their location, is empowered by high-speed internet, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive and connected society. The October 2023 […] The post Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 No longer just a flyover state, Arizona is rapidly gaining more and more attention globally for its business-friendly environment and interest in international trade opportunities. The September 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Representative David Cook of the Arizona House of […] The post Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41 From SEO to paid media to website design, refining your company's digital marketing strategy can be overwhelming. But if created intentionally, it can be a critical step towards meeting key business goals. The August 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including […] The post How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

A Closer Look at Arizona's Shifting IT Industry E40 Should we build out our internal IT department or work with a managed service provider? Should we onshore or offshore IT support? How can we attract qualified IT talent? The July 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Alex Cole, CEO […] The post A Closer Look at Arizona's Shifting IT Industry E40 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39 What should executives keep in mind when considering the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure their organization's data privacy? The June 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Rebecca Clyde, co-founder and CEO of Botco.ai; Demetrius Dillard, senior director of […] The post Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Microelectronics: Tiny Technology With a Massive Impact While small in size, microelectronic components are an increasingly important part of many industries, ranging from transportation to healthcare to aerospace and defense. The May 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Joe Cestari, executive director at Kiterocket; Travis Kelly, president and CEO […] The post Microelectronics: Tiny Technology With a Massive Impact appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Developing a Future-Proof Arizona Workforce E37 From Flagstaff to Yuma, Arizona is home to numerous educational institutions that are evolving rapidly to keep pace with the state's tremendous economic growth. Every day, they are rolling out new programs, adding new classes and upskilling their educators to train the manufacturers, engineers, scientists and inventors of tomorrow. […] The post Developing a Future-Proof Arizona Workforce E37 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Optics Valley: The State of Arizona's Optics Industry E36 Arizona is home to a global hub of world-class companies and institutions with decades of innovation and leadership in optics, photonics and astronomy. From medical imaging to remote sensing, semiconductors to astronomy and mobile phones to quantum information science, the applications of optics and photonics technologies […] The post Optics Valley: The State of Arizona's Optics Industry E36 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35 Public-private partnerships play a pivotal role in Arizona's economic development and positioning the state as an attractive place for technology companies to do business. So, what are some of the partnerships contributing to Arizona's continued growth? The February 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts […] The post How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Mission Critical: Closing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap E34 Did you know that the global cybersecurity workforce gap is roughly 3.4 million people? This means that the supply of skilled cybersecurity workers needed to protect businesses from cyber threats has struggled to keep up with growing demand. The January 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's [...]

The Key to Improving Tech Outcomes: Project Management E33 From managing budgets to meeting deliverables in a timely manner, project managers play a critical role in helping organizations improve outcomes and maintain successful partnerships. So, how can tech companies leverage project management to reimagine how they produce deliverables for their clients? The December 2022 episode [...]

Successfully Doing Business with the Public Sector E32 If you've ever considered doing business with state or federal government entities, you know that the procurement and government sales process can feel like a maze of rules and regulations. So, how can your company stand out from competitors when pursuing business opportunities with the public sector? [...]

Historic Firsts: Arizona and the James Webb Telescope E31 On December 25, 2021, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most complex space telescope ever built. Four days later, Webb's massive sunshield deployed and within weeks, its primary mirror started unfurling. On August 12, 2022, Webb's first images were released, and [...]

Strategic Analysis: Using Technology to Stay Adaptable E30 In a constantly changing world, businesses must stay adaptable by performing periodic strategic analyses. Through this process, company leaders can review historical data to not only inform their long-term strategy but identify the technology solutions to stay ahead of the curve. The September 2022 episode of the [...]

Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow's Workforce Needs E29 It's no secret that Arizona is an attractive place for technology companies to call home. But with more technology companies being founded locally and relocating to Arizona from out-of-state, how can we ensure we have enough qualified technology talent to fill highly technical positions? [...]

Digital Transformation of Operational Workflows E28 In an increasingly digital world, it's critical for business leaders to explore digital transformation, or the creation and modification of business processes, culture and customer experiences, to meet changing business and market demands. But where to start? The July 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured [...]

Exploring Arizona's Entrepreneurial Support Hubs E26 For years now, Arizona has caught the nation's attention as the "Silicon Desert", a major hot spot for technology companies and budding startups. Between the state's lower business costs, more affordable standard of living and growing talent pool, it's no surprise that Phoenix and Tucson are rapidly climbing the [...]

Proptech's Role in Innovating AZ's Real Estate Market E26 Arizona's business-friendly environment, weather and affordability have made it a hot spot for tourism and inbound migration for decades. But in a post-pandemic world where an estimated 269 people are moving to Arizona each day, the real estate market is experiencing an unexpected surge in demand [...]

How to Hire Technology Talent More Inclusively E25 Arizona's technology ecosystem can only become more vibrant by attracting and retaining diverse technology talent. In fact, by emphasizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) throughout their hiring process, Arizona businesses can solidify Arizona's role as a more innovative and vibrant economic powerhouse that sets a precedent regionally, [...]

Using E-Commerce to Expand Your Online Presence E24 The global e-commerce market is expected to total $5.55 trillion in 2022. Between the pandemic, the transition to remote work and increased digitization, e-commerce is expected to continue growing, reaching approximately 24.5% of sales by 2025. The March 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's TechCast podcast [...]

Using Public Safety Tech to Improve Community Relations E23 What technologies are law enforcement agencies and private-sector businesses adopting to protect public safety through a more informed lens? How can these entities implement these technologies effectively to produce more equitable outcomes, particularly for communities of color? And finally, which decisions should be made by humans [...]

Blockchain: The Key to Accelerating Technological Workflows E22 As a digital public record used for recording transactions or tracking assets, blockchain technology is poised to rapidly reshape a range of industries in the years to come. Blockchain eliminates middlemen and increases trust by providing a more accurate and transparent ledger for goods moving through the [...]

2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21 Over the past year, Arizona has gained global recognition for its thriving technology ecosystem. Despite being on the tail end of a pandemic and facing supply chain challenges, Arizona has rapidly become an epicenter for electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing and many other rising industries. In [...]

How Arizona Became the U.S.'s New Semiconductor Central E20 Semiconductors are the nation's fifth-largest export, accounting for $49 billion in 2020. As the U.S. looks to increase chip production and fulfill its semiconductor needs on its own, Arizona is quickly emerging as a base for the industry's growth and success. In fact, Arizona has skyrocketed [...]

Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona's Manufacturing Sector E19 Made in Arizona. It's a phrase that is becoming more familiar as the state's manufacturing sector continues to grow and add a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing jobs. Between the development of technologies improving efficiency and reducing costs, automation of manufacturing processes and a business-friendly [...]

Transformative BioScience Innovations Shaping Southern Arizona E18 In this episode of AZTechCast, the official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, accomplished bioscience leaders from the BIO5 Institute at The University of Arizona, Souvie BioDelivery and Critical Path Institute joined Council president and CEO, Steve Zylstra, to discuss the innovative bioscience innovations shaping Southern Arizona. These [...]

Hypersonics: Fostering Innovation and Research at Mach 5 E17 In this episode of AZTechCast, the official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, distinguished business leaders from Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the University of Arizona College of Engineering and the U.S. Air Force Academy joined Council President and CEO, Steve Zylstra, to discuss the importance of [...]

Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16 This episode of AZTechCast features three members of the ACA's leadership team: Andy Lombard, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Venture Development; Jena Coolidge McGovern, SVP of Marketing and Communications; Brian Sherman, Chief Innovation Officer. These dedicated leaders are ushering in a new era of [...]