AZTC TechTalk enews: June 2020

Honeywell launches a new drone division, Intel Corp. is partnering with local colleges and universities for a new degree program focused on artificial intelligence, Arizona State University launches the nation’s first master of innovation degree program, Tucson-based Paragon Space Development Corporation‘s innovative life-support technology is helping to pave the way for the future of space exploration, Botco.ai, Inc. secures funding from several prominent angels and investors, Benchmark unveils its new advanced manufacturing facility driving innovation in high-performance electronics, PADT, Inc. Co-founder and Principal Eric Miller shares how the Valley tech community can help curb systemic racism, The University of Arizona is named as a key partner in the U.S. Energy Department’s solar competition, and more.
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AZ TechCast | University Roundtable Podcast
This is one podcast replay you don’t want to miss! UArizona President Dr. Robert Robbins, ASU President Dr. Michael Crow and NAU President Dr. Rita Cheng discuss university-led economic development and the highly skilled workforce needed to sustain an innovation-based economy. Listen here >>

Council announces 2020 endorsements
The Arizona Technology Council announces its 2020 endorsements for the Arizona Legislature. The support of these candidates is based on several factors, including the most recent two-year voting records of incumbents, written responses to a survey and interviews of the roster of new candidates. View the release >>

Council + Arizona Commerce Authority launch AZTechBase
The Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, launched AZTechBase, a comprehensive platform of people, companies and investors in Arizona’s tech sector. AZTechBase aims to elevate the state’s tech ecosystem by providing accurate, current datasets and making the data easily accessible to the community. Read more >>

Council releases quarterly Tech Industry Impact Report
The Arizona Technology Council released its latest quarterly Arizona Technology Industry Impact Report. Among other positive news, the data from the Q1-2020 report revealed a steady 3.45% growth in tech sector employment. Read more >>

Council issues DACA statement
The Arizona Technology Council applauds the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. CEO Steven G. Zylstra has been a powerful voice in urging Congress to provide protections for DACA recipients. Read the statement >>

Artificial intelligence, voice AI and robotic-process automation (RPA) have the power to eliminate redundant or time-intense processes in healthcare settings. This roundtable will discuss applications of these technologies and look at the challenges of implementation and adoption and the opportunities for the future. Read more >>

Arizona is bustling with companies that design and build everything from large satellites, small satellites, the antennas that go on them, and the spaceports that launch them. Register to attend this virtual event to learn how state’s ever-growing innovation plays a huge role in developing radical new technology. Register to attend >>

Stay connected and engaged in the tech community!
Some Council events have recently been rescheduled or shifted to virtual events. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/tech-events for the most up-to-date tech events in Phoenix and Tucson.

Renewable Energy News: June 2020 Round-up
Vancouver, Canada-based electric vehicle company Electra Meccanica is checking out Casa Grande as a possible factory location; a new study reports that the sun’s rays can electrify plants into producing renewable energy; Lucid Motors is about ready to start rolling electric cars out of the Arizona desert; and more. Read the full report here >>

Tech Speaker Series | Powering the Future with Renewable Energy
The Arizona Technology Council’s June 2020 Tech Sector Speaker Series event featured a distinguished panel of sustainability experts who shared their insight and expertise on how renewable energy technologies are driving economic development. Moderated by Michelle De Blasi, Environmental, Natural Resources & Energy Attorney, it was a fantastic discussion and well worth a listen. Watch the replay or read the blog >>

Arizona renewable energy standard provides significant economic and environmental benefits
The report, Arizona Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff 2020 Progress Report, calculated the economic benefits of Arizona’s 2006 Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST), which requires 15% of Arizona’s energy come from renewable energy resources by 2025. Access the report >>

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Preferred Business Partners Program
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