October 2026 AZ TechCast | Arizona’s Future Innovators: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Arizona's next generation of innovators is already making an impact! In this special episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller welcome an inspiring group of students and educators recognized through the Arizona Technology Council's 2026 Governor's Celebration of Innovation.
Episode Overview
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Arizona’s next generation of innovators is already making an impact! In this special episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller welcome an inspiring group of students and educators recognized through the Arizona Technology Council’s 2026 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation.
Joining the conversation are 2026 Future Innovator of the Year winners Wilson Hilgaertner and Diya Shah and honorable mentions Nick Bowie and Alexei Barrow, who will share the inspiration behind their remarkable STEM projects, the challenges they’ve tackled and their aspirations for the future. They’ll be joined by 2026 Teacher of the Year winner Jason Flora and honorable mention recipient Jacko Kim Mabeza, who will discuss the power of STEM education, inspiring young minds and preparing students for careers in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Also joining the discussion is Robert Cruthis of the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA), which helped evaluate and select this year’s award recipients. Together, the guests will explore the importance of encouraging curiosity, creativity and innovation in Arizona’s classrooms, as well as the role educators, industry leaders and organizations play in supporting the state’s future STEM workforce.
The episode also offers a preview of the Arizona Technology Council’s 23rd Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation, where these outstanding students and educators will be recognized alongside some of Arizona’s most accomplished technology leaders and innovators. Tune in to meet the bright minds helping shape Arizona’s future!
Alexei Barrow |
Nick Bowie |
Wilson Hilgaetner
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Diya Shah |
Jason Flora |
Jacko Kim Mabeza |
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Robert Cruthis |
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- 2026 Teacher of the Year Honorees
- Jason Flora – Teacher of the Year Winner, Kofa High School, Yuma Union High School District
- Jacko Kim Mabeza – Teacher of the Year Honorable Mention, Harvest Preparatory Academy
- 2026 Future Innovator of the Year Honorees
- Wilson Hilgaertner – Future Innovator Winner, BASIS Chandler, 12th Grade
- Diya Shah – Future Innovator Winner, BASIS Chandler, 11th Grade
- Nick Bowie – Future Innovator Honorable Mention, BASIS Flagstaff, 10th Grade
- Alexei Barrow – Future Innovator Honorable Mention, BASIS Flagstaff, 11th Grade
- STEM Community & Awards Representative
- Robert Cruthis – Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA), member of the independent awards selection committee
About AZTechCast
The official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, AZTechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Through the art of the connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s hosts and guests share success stories, tech news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to learn more or to listen to recent episodes.
About PADT, Inc.
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc. (PADT) is an engineering product and services company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing Numerical Simulation, Product Development, and 3D Printing solutions. The company is an Ansys Elite Channel Partner and a Stratasys Platinum Partner. They are also a channel partner for Flownex, EOS, and ZEISS #handsonmetrology. PADT’s worldwide reputation for technical excellence and experienced staff is based on its proven record of building long-term win-win partnerships with vendors and customers. Since its establishment in 1994, companies have relied on PADT because “We Make Innovation Work.” With over 90 employees, PADT services customers from its headquarters at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona, and from offices in Torrance, California, Lakewood, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico as well as through staff members located around the country. More information on PADT can be found at www.PADTINC.com.
