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TechTalk eNews: October 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Apple ships first US-made AI servers to Arizona, other markets
  • Arizona State University Partners with AI Writing Platform to Pilot Agentic Tools on Campus
  • Lucid partners with Nvidia to launch autonomous cars for consumers
  • Tempe PADT, Inc. firm brings large-format 3D printing tech to North America
  • Avnet reports strong Q1 results
  • CoMind Partners with Benchmark to Develop Groundbreaking Non-Invasive Brain Monitoring Device
  • New manufacturing school at ASU aims to revolutionize industry training with ISTB12 building
  • Aurora Expands Driverless Trucking Service from Fort Worth to El Paso
  • XNRGY Celebrates Grand Opening of Mesa 1 Manufacturing Facility for Data Center Cooling Solutions with a Widely Attended Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
  • Intel reports strong profit in Q3, as chip demand surges
  • Maricopa Community Colleges’ workforce development strategies drive industry-aligned training solutions
  • Black Chamber of Arizona secured funds for small businesses
  • TSMC Arizona now produces Nvidia’s next-gen Blackwell chips for AI, supercomputers
  • AI giants to acquire Aligned Data Centers boosting Valley data center development
  • Crating Technology Guest Blog: What to Look for in a Crating Service: A Guide for Logistics and Manufacturing Managers
  • Comcast Business Guest Blog: How Banks Can Build a Foundation to Make the Human Connection
  • ASU’s Materials-to-Fab Center Launches, Supercharging U.S. Chip Development
  • Apple to invest billions in Amkor’s Peoria facility
  • DoorDash rolls out autonomous delivery robots in East Valley, plans wide expansion
  • Pipeline Design & Engineering Guest Blog Post: How To Design Test Fixtures
  • Raytheon lands Army contract for Coyote missile system, its largest deal of year
  • CellTrust is a proud participant in the Microsoft Security Store Partner Ecosystem
  • ACA & ASU Partner on Six-Week Hybrid Startup Accelerator
  • Chandler plant to produce Intel’s most advanced US-made semiconductor technology
  • FPT Guest Blog: Manufacturing Excellence: FPT’s Intelligent Solutions for Arizona’s Semiconductor Future
  • Crating Technology Guest Blog: Why Moisture and ESD Protection Are Non-Negotiables in Arizona’s Tech Export Crating
  • Comcast Business Guest Blog: Top 5 Trends in UC&C for 2025: Predictions for the Worldwide UC&C Market in 2025 and Beyond

Read the full update >>

 

One Week Until Arizona’s Biggest Night in Tech!

Be part of the excitement as AZTC joins Arizona Commerce Authority to honor the people and companies powering Arizona’s tech growth at the22nd AnnualGovernor’s Celebration of Innovation Awardson November 12. From inspiring award winners to dynamic networking and dinner with industry leaders, this is the can’t-miss event of the year. Get your tickets today and celebrate innovation in style. Register >>

 

Read our latest GCOI Press Releases:

New GCOI-Focused AZ TechCast Episode!
In this inspiring episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with Arizona’s next generation of STEM leaders — the winners and honorable mentions of our 2025 Future Innovators of the Year awards! You’ll hear from these brilliant students along with Teacher of the Year Amber Struthers and Kevin Kilzer of ACESA, as they discuss innovation, education, and the future of Arizona’s STEM workforce. Listen Now >>

 

 


Next Month! 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 >>


The Holidays are Coming – Celebrate with us AZTC-Style in

after5 Holiday Tech Mixer – Tucson

Celebrate the holidays with the Southern Arizona Arizona Technology Council community and spread some festive cheer at this year’s Holiday Tech Mixer hosted by The Club at JW Marriott Starr Pass! Step into the beautifully renovated Clubhouse, where every detail has been refreshed to impress. Learn More >>

 

 

Tech the Halls Holiday Mixer – Phoenix

Save the Date and get ready to jingle and mingle! Join AZTC and the Stockdale Capitol Partners at the Galleria Corporate Center. The 2025 Tech the Halls Holiday Mixer promises to be a festive extravaganza, perfect for launching your holiday season with the vibrant Arizona tech community. Learn More >>

 

 


Virtual Tech Speaker Series 

Join us virtually alongside  experts from Tucson Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Fractal Labs and more to learn how healthcare leaders are moving from AI exploration to measurable results. Get actionable tools and insights to drive ROI and real-world impact. Register >>

 

 


Tech Inclusion Forum

The Arizona Technology Council’s Tech Inclusion Committee hosted an inspiring event, “Bridging the Digital Divide: Generations in the IT Workforce,” on October 21. From Slack and Teams to remote collaboration, attendees explored how each generation’s tech habits influence communication and innovation. Many thanks to panelists Max Bregman (Breathe EV), Beth McMullen (Avnet), Ruth Wylie (ASU) and Moderator Carlie McVay (Headfarmer). Learn More About the Tech Inclusion Forum Committee >>

 


Arizona Manufacturing Catalyst Committee

AZTC and our newly formed Arizona Manufacturing Catalyst Committee (AMCC) hosted the 2025 Manufacturing Pavilion during PADT’s annual Nerdtoberfest. Our pavilion exhibitors had some great foot traffic with over 700 people in attendance. They also enjoyed some fantastic food, fun and networking as well. Learn More about AMCC >>

 

 

 


Aerospace, Aviation, Space & Defense (AASD) Committee

The AADS Committee’s most recent meeting was held in late October at ASU’s NewSpace Initiative on the Tempe Campus. Committee members enjoyed an insightful tour and had meaningful conversations about the future of aerospace and innovation in Arizona. See pictures from the tour below. Interested in Joining the AASD Committee? Learn More >>

 

 


Tucson Aerospace & Defense CEO Network

While not an AZTC committee, our Tucson CEO Network held an exciting meeting in October as well. Last month’s Aerospace & Defense CEO Network meeting was generously hosted by the Tucson Police Department Air Support Unit. Attendees went behind the scenes and learned about the innovative technology being used to keep our community safe — and learned about what’s on the horizon.

These conversations go far to help strengthen collaboration between industry and public safety, and ensure that we are all working together in support of a safer, more informed, and connected Tucson. Learn more about our CEO Networks >>

AZTC Emerging Leaders Council Launched to Empower Arizona’s Next Generation of Tech Leaders – Application Deadline Extended!

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 >>

 


Now Open: 2026 Phoenix CEO Network Registration!

The Council’s Phoenix-based CEO Network is now accepting applications for 2026! Tech company CEOs meet monthly in central Phoenix for half-day sessions following the Vistage model of executive coaching and peer collaboration. This opportunity is open to CEOs of technology companies. Interested in similar peer groups for other leadership roles? Let us know—new networks may be added based on interest! Learn More >>


My View: AZ business leaders urged to support USMCA trade deal renewal as 2026 deadline nears

For this month’s PBJ column, Steve joined Arizona District Export Council’s Carol Colombo to write about the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the urgent need for its renewal in 2026. Read more >>

 

 


ICYMI: Latest TechFocus Episode

In the episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Rick Heicksen, Practice Head of Data Management for Chetu. In this role, Rick leads strategic initiatives at Chetu, a digital intelligence and software solutions provider, helping organizations harness the full value of their data.  Listen Now >>

 

 

 


Meet the Newest Board of Directors Members

We’re proud to announce the newest members of the Arizona Technology Council’s Board of Directors:

  • Heather Buchta, Partner and Chair, IT and Tech Transactions Team, Quarles & Brady LLP
  • Charles B. Chadwell, Dean, Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, Northern Arizona University
  • Paul Lambertson, Dean, College of Engineering and Technology, Grand Canyon University

Each brings exceptional expertise and vision to help guide the Council’s mission to advance innovation, support workforce development, and strengthen Arizona’s thriving tech ecosystem. 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 >>

 

 

 


The Partnership for Economic Innovation’s Celebrating Innovation Summit 2025 , co-sponsored by ASU, brings together Arizona’s leading industry voices, innovators, and community partners for a day of ideas, collaboration, and technology in action.

Attendees will explore the future of MedTech, Aerospace & Defense, Chips & AI, Infrastructure, and Workforce development through keynote conversations, industry panels, and live demonstrations. Learn More + 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 >>


Arizona Tech Week is a decentralized tech conference powered by the Arizona
Commerce Authority (ACA), Arizona’s statewide economic development organization. During the week, hundreds of tech-focused events will take place across Arizona. Every event is organized individually by startups, companies, and VCs. Learn More >>

 

 


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 Honeywell. Honeywell invents and manufactures technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, security, productivity and global urbanization.

 


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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  • Solar & Storage Training Center opens in Avondale targeting utility-scale workforce growth
  • Torch Clean Energy taps Fluence for 640 MWh battery at Arizona solar plant
  • Funds secured to deliver new solar capacity and grid-scale storage to Valley
  • Large gift launches ASU Global Institute for the Future of Energy
  • Renewable energy outpaces coal for electricity generation in historic first, report says
  • Chino Valley bans large-scale solar and wind projects
  • Renewable energy firm to develop 2,000-acre solar project near Phoenix, powering 70,000 homes

Read the full report >>


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


2025 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

 10 to 1 Public Relations | Alliance Bank | ark Data Centers | Benefit Commerce Group Blue Canoe Marketing | Crating Technologies | Intel | Keap Leonardo | Meta | Metz & Associates PLLC | MicroAge | MSS Business Transformation Advisory | Pima Community College Precision Machining | RingPlan | Rincon Research | Spencer Fane |
Sun Corridor Inc. | Tech Parks Arizona | VB Cosmetics | Viavi


Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.


 

Media Inquiries

Need some insight from the Council about Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem? We’re happy to help. Fill out this form to send your inquiry to the Council’s team. We’ll get back to you shortly!