TechTalk eNews: September 2025

- GPEC Board of Directors names Christine Mackay as President & CEO
- Raytheon’s new Navy radar variant aces first live maritime test in Hawaii
- Axon enters sports sponsorship arena with ASU football headset deal
- Uber’s Lucid investment confirms Phoenix-built robotaxis
- Intero Digital Guest Blog Post: 3 Benefits of Custom Website Development for Small Businesses
- TSMC Arizona: A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration
- Tech manufacturer Benchmark unveils leadership change as longtime CEO steps down
- How semiconductor boom and ASU are transforming our economy
- U of A College of Engineering team wins funds to speed defense manufacturing
- Comcast Business Guest Blog: IDC TechBrief: AI for Smart Signage in Hospitality and Travel
- TSMC’s Arizona internships surge as chipmaker races to fill thousands of high-tech jobs
- Chetu Guest Blog Post: ArcMap Ends Support in 2026: Don’t Wait—Plan ArcGIS Pro Migration
- 35+ miles of fiber coming to Goodyear to fuel West Valley data hubs with Light Source Communications
- Pipeline Design & Engineering Guest Blog Post: When to Break the Rules of DFM
- Tesoro VC launches Global AI + Semiconductor Accelerator and Startup Hub with Council Members
- FPT Guest Blog: Banking Innovation: FPT’s BFSI Solutions for Arizona’s Financial Future
- Arizona State University Guest Blog: Policymakers tread the swirling waters of AI innovation
- Comcast Business Guest Blog: Enterprise Network Resilience for a Real-Time World
- Avnet expands sports marketing with Arizona Cardinals sponsorship deal
- Valley startup collaborates with Mayo Clinic to advance AI agent for patient intake
- Intero Digital Guest Blog Post: The Best Business Tools for Online Content Marketing
- Vivian Valenty of VB Cosmetics Named One of 50 Outstanding Asian American Business Leaders for 2025
- Nvidia to invest billions in Intel to develop data center, PC products
- Arizona Science Center Partners with Semiconductor Equipment Co., Connecting Students to Chip Careers
Booths Still Available! 2025 Arizona Manufacturing Pavilion
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The Arizona Technology Council, with support from the new Arizona Manufacturing Catalyst Committee, is thrilled to host the 2025 Arizona Manufacturing Pavilion on Tuesday, October 21 at PADT, Inc.’s offices in the ASU Research Park in Tempe!
After a successful small-scale test in 2024, we are expanding the Arizona Manufacturing Pavilion. This year’s pavilion will take place during PADT’s annual Nerdtoberfest. Over 50 companies involved in local manufacturing will be there to talk about what they do and show off some their work. Plus, enjoy food, drink, and all sorts of interesting and intelligent people from Arizona and beyond. Attending the pavilion is FREE.
Exhibitors, please email Deborah Zack at [email protected] to purchase your table. Register >>
Early Bird Pricing through October 17! 2025 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation
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In partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Council is proud to present the 22nd Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards on November 12. This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make this prestigious event the most memorable yet! Join over 450 of Arizona’s brightest minds for an unforgettable night of networking, dining, and honoring Arizona’s best in technology. Gather your crew and make sure you have a seat for this not-to-miss evening of tech celebration! Register >>
Mix, Mingle + Learn in Tucson and Phoenix!
Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo in Two Weeks!
AZTC proudly presents the 13th Annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo on Wednesday, October 15 at the Tucson Convention Center. Plus, Award Nominations Now Open! Nominate your company or another Southern Arizona company deserving of one of these awards. Nomination deadline is September 15! Register >>

Tech Inclusion Forum: Bridging the Digital Divide – Generations in the IT Workforce
From Gen Z to Boomers, every generation uses tech differently. Join the Tech Inclusion Forum as we explore how to bridge the digital divide and create inclusive workplaces where all generations thrive. Join leaders from Avnet, ASU and more to explore how to foster collaboration across generations. Register >>
Q4 VIP Tech Mixer
Wrap up October with an evening of networking, innovation, and fun! Join the Arizona Technology Council and our hosts at Plug and Play on Thursday, October 30 for the Q4 VIP Tech Mixer. Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks and meaningful connections with some of the brightest minds in Arizona’s tech community. Whether you’re a Council member or not, this is the place to be for inspiration and collaboration. Register >>
SAVE THE DATE! 10th annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum
Join the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Grand Canyon University for a half-day of insights from top government and business leaders on the latest cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and defenses. This action-packed forum features keynotes, panels and spotlight sessions covering AI-driven risks, ransomware defenses, attack surface management and more. Register >>
Tech Inclusion Forum
The Tech Inclusion Committee’s next exciting event is “Bridging the Digital Divide: Generations in the IT Workforce” on October 21, 2025! Slack, Teams, email, remote work—every generation has their own style and brings unique tech perspectives that shape how we communicate, collaborate and innovate. Discover how understanding generational tech habits can foster a truly inclusive workplace culture. Don’t miss this dynamic session and let’s build a tech culture where every generation thrives!
Smart Cities + Digital Transformation Committee
The Smart Cities + Digital Transformation Committee recently met with Freeway Phoenix to learn about workforce development and the latest digital tools needed for tomorrow. They also presented at ASU Thunderbird International School on the emerging technologies shaping our digital future as well as the state of IoT. In October, committee members will visit the U of A’s Nursing Center to see advanced healthcare simulations to enhance students’ experience and prepare our next gen medical teams! Interested in Joining? Learn More >> Smart Cities + Digital Transformation Committee
Aerospace, Aviation, Space & Defense (AASD) Committee
- Honeywell hosted their Aerospace Innovation Day at Sky Song in Scottsdale with support from Plug and Play and the ACA. The event highlighted innovation in the aerospace and defense industry and how startups can engage with corporate industry initiatives including those at Raytheon, Onsemi and Honeywell.
- A research team, including committee co-chair Jonathan Roll, at ASU and the Commercial Space Federation (CSF) co-authored a strategic report analyzing China’s rising space industry, competitive commercial programs, and near future exploration milestones. The report, “Redshift: The Acceleration of China’s Commercial and Civil Space Enterprise & the Challenge to America”, was launched in Washington, D.C. in mid-September.
- “Arizona lawmakers urge Air Force to select Fort Huachuca for Space Force mission” [link to original story]
Interested in Joining the AASD Committee? Learn More >>
NEW! AZTC Emerging Leaders Council Launched to Empower Arizona’s Next Generation of Tech Leaders – Applications Open!
The Arizona Technology Council is proud to launch the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC), an 18-month leadership development program designed to prepare the next generation of tech leaders to accelerate Arizona’s innovation economy. Applications are open now through October 25, 2025. Learn more and apply today to help shape the future of Arizona tech! Read More >>
2025 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Future Innovators and Teacher of the Year Awardees Announced
The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the winners of the Future Innovators of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards to be honored at the 2025 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (GCOI). These awards highlight the brightest students in Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community, as well as the teachers who inspire them to succeed. Read More>>
My View: Arizona should lead in quantum computing by leaping beyond science and into practice

Quantum computing. You likely are not alone if your reaction was “Wait, I’m still figuring out what AI means to me. What’s this?!” To help, here’s a very short course to start. Read more >>
ICYMI: AZ TechCast Episode

In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re 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 discuss why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment and what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state. Listen Now >>
Q2 2025 Industry Impact Report Underscores Semiconductor Expansion, Talent Development and Sustainability Milestones

The report shows strong growth in semiconductor manufacturing, major advancements in sustainable operations and significant workforce development initiatives designed to prepare Arizonans for the jobs of the future. Read More>>
Own a Small Business?
The Council can be your ONE-STOP-SHOP for comprehensive healthcare and retirement benefits

From our comprehensive health insurance product bundle managed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and DiMartino & Associates to the flexible and low-maintenance 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan offered by Empower and Legacy Wealth Management, the Council can be your one-stop shop for comprehensive employee benefits. Read More >>
You’re Invited: French-American Reception at SEMICON WEST – Explore Cross-Border Innovation & Business Opportunities. This event is designed to help attendees meet the delegation at the conference and explore ways to collaborate and accelerate both technical and business development in France and Europe.
📍 Date: Tuesday Oct 7, 6 to 8 pm
📍 Location: The Thunderbird Pub – Phoenix 401 N 1st St, AZ 85004
ℹ️ Places are limited – contact [email protected] to register.

AriSEIA’s 2025 Arizona Energy Future: Innovation, Technology & Economic Opportunity Conference is quickly approaching on November 5! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in-person to discuss, define, and learn from industry experts, businesses, academics, policy advocates, elected officials, and more. Register >>
The Arizona tech community is vibrant and filled with opportunities to learn and grown. If you’d like to see what our member companies have to offer, check out the Council’s Community Tech Events calendar! New events are added weekly and the calendar is a great spot for member companies to showcase their events – from open houses and ribbon cuttings to webinars and trainings, there’s a ton available.
If you’re an AZTC member company and would like to have your tech event featured, simply complete the event submission form at the bottom of the Community Tech Events page!


The Council’s success is made possible by the support of our incredible annual sponsors! This month, we’re highlighting Platinum Sponsor Brodeur Partners. Whenever you see AZTC in the press, you can know the team at Brodeur was behind it!
The Council’s Political Action Committee advocates for tech companies at the local, state and federal level, vets political candidates and endorses those with track records in supporting pro-tech legislation. Support the PAC to take a stand for technology and bolstering Arizona’s economic recovery.
Check out photos from Council events that took place this month!

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program Launches
Arizona’s Office of Resiliency has officially fully launched the HEAR Program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $8.8 billion investment in Home Energy Rebates. This program offers up to $14,000 in point-of-sale rebates for lower- and moderate-income households to purchase high-efficiency appliances and upgrades, including heat pumps, induction stoves, insulation, ventilation, water heaters and more.
More info: www.efficiencyarizona.com
Rewiring America launched its Save on Better Appliances campaign, a nationwide effort to help homeowners lock in valuable energy tax credits before they expire at the end of 2025, while also showcasing new pathways to long-term energy affordability. More Info
2025 PLATINUM SPONSORS
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2025 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
Keap Pima Community College Sun Corridor Inc.Tech Parks Arizona | VB Cosmetics | Viavi

















