Member News: June 2020

Intel Corp. partnering on new AI degree program
Long known for its innovations in the development of artificial intelligence applications, Intel Corp. is taking its AI game to a new level—and metro Phoenix is ground zero. With plans to create a pipeline of AI talent, Intel is teaming with the Arizona’s largest community college system to design an AI associate degree program—making it the first Intel-designed AI associate degree program in the nation. Plans call for launching the Artificial Intelligence & Machine-learning program virtually this fall.
Learn more about this innovative program >>

Botco.ai, Inc. closes seed round, creates conversational marketing at scale for enterprises
Software technology company Botco.ai, Inc., which offers an automated conversational marketing platform that intelligently nurtures real-time chats with customers, announced it has secured funding from several prominent angels and investor groups. Botco.ai recently closed funds from AZ Tech Investors, Desert Angels, InvestU and PHX Ventures, setting the stage for accelerated growth.
Read more about this innovative company >> 

Benchmark unveils new advanced manufacturing facility driving innovation in high-performance electronics
A global provider of engineering, design and manufacturing services, Benchmark’s new advanced manufacturing facility offers a completely different approach to innovation and problem solving in high-performance electronics, enabling the company to partner with its customers through the entire product development cycle and innovate rapidly with high-reliability products. Producing solutions for photonics and high-speed electronic systems in a wide range of market sectors including aerospace and defense, computing, complex industrial, medical and  telecommunications, Benchmark currently serves several high-profile customers within each of these key industries today at the new site.
Read more here >>

Honeywell launches new drone division
Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace’s urban air mobility and unmanned aerial systems will play an increasing role in the future of aerospace, with potential applications in urban-air taxi vehicles, hybrid-electric unmanned cargo drones, optionally piloted airplanes, delivery drones and everything in between. one of the Valley’s largest manufacturing employers, with more than 7,600 local employees, the company said its new organization will focus on software development. Read more about the products currently under development at Honeywell >> 

ASU launches nation’s first master of innovation degree program
Arizona State University (ASU) will launch a new Masters of Innovation and Venture Development (MSIVD) program this fall, the first program of its kind in the United States. The program is a partnership between the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, W.P. Carey School of Business and Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. It is funded by a gift from ASU alumnus Tom Prescott, former president and CEO and current director of Invisalign Technologies. Learn more about this new innovative program >>

Paragon helping to pave the way for the future of space exploration
Tucson-based Paragon Space Development Corporation’s innovative life-support technology is providing crucial systems to support human life in space’s extreme conditions. One system includes a new spacesuit that gives astronauts an extra hour of oxygen and more mobility. Another system converts water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide creating recyclable oxygen. Learn more about Paragon’s life-sustaining systems for space >> 

Using tech for good:
How the Valley tech community can help curb systemic racism
PADT Inc. Co-founder and Principal Eric Miller shares his insight on how to get involved in the discussions about reform and find ways to use hardware and software to speed change & make reforms more impactful. Get involved in the discussions about reform and find ways to use hardware and software to speed change and make reforms more impactful. Learn how the business community can help make a real difference in people’s lives >> 

UArizona named as a key partner in Energy Dept. solar competition
A University of Arizona business incubator is one of just six organizations in the nation picked to help advance solar-energy technologies through the U.S. Department of Energy’s $3 million American-Made Solar Prize. The University of Arizona Center for Innovation, located at the UA Tech Park on South Rita Road, was named a “Power Connector” as part of the American-Made Network, which recruits and supports solar innovators through the prize competition and on to the market. Read more >> 

AcronisSCSVets to train 50,000 vets to fill cyber workforce shortage
Scottsdale-based cybersecurity firm AcronisSCS has created a new nonprofit to provide free cyber IT training and internationally recognized certifications for veterans. AcronisSCSVets is helping veterans to upskill with cyber training and has set a goal to put 50,000 veterans into the industry over the next five years. At zero cost to qualified veterans, the program arms participants with credentials, skills, and resources necessary to secure entry level jobs in IT and cybersecurity. Learn more about the program >>

Blue Yonder discusses how post-Covid supply chains are changed forever
The biggest learning from this pandemic is that every company must recognize that it is in the business of supply. Consumer experience is increasingly solely based on a supply chain experience. The responsibility of viable, robust and resilient business continuity planning is an absolutely pivotal task that merits an ongoing process guided by business measures and winning scenarios.
Learn the 10 themes that emerged for the new normal in supply chain >>

MeMD introduces an at-home testing for businesses assessing workplace readiness
A new telehealth company partnership MeMD and 1Health.io offers COVID-19 testing through a virtual platform and mail-based service. Through the precision health platform that is powering the first FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 saliva test, MeMD is enabling businesses around the country to order tests for employees experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, providing them with a convenient, non-invasive and remote option for testing at home to curb the spread of illness in the workplace and other public settings. Unlike other testing options, MeMD’s solution allows healthcare providers to order tests in conjunction with virtual patient visits and then have the tests sent directly to the patients’ homes. Patients, in turn, mail their saliva samples to 1Health.io’s lab partner. Results are accessible from MeMD’s secure patient dashboard within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. Learn more about this new telehealth option in the fight against COVID-19 >>

KEO Marketing shares insight on developing a stand-out B2B marketing strategy
Proven industry leaders who have taken B2B businesses to the next level in consistent streams of leads and sales, the award-winning KEO Marketing team can help you build your B2B marketing strategy. Download “Key Considerations for Developing a Stand-out B2B Marketing Strategy” to learn what will make your business appealing to your prospects and customers and persuade them to purchase from you. Amp up your marketing strategies >>

Marketing firm GrowthShift shares strategies to create enduring value
GrowthShift, a boutique marketing strategy consultancy focused on launching early to growth-phase B2B tech companies, shares insight and best practices for company executives to leverage their passion in growing their business. Passion starts at the top but permeates every level of the business. To be effective, change the perspective, and engage them in a value-creation discussion which connects your solution. Learn how your passion can create engagement and build a stronger brand >>

Digital Air Strike: How to keep remote employees engaged during COVID-19
Keeping your employees engaged and connected while working remotely can be tough during a pandemic, but it’s even more essential to let your employees know they’re valued and integral to the business during these tough times. Digital Air Strike, a leader in consumer engagement and digital retailing, shares a list of 15 ideas that small businesses can embrace and adopt to keep their employees engaged during the ongoing COVID-19 work-from-home period. Read more to help your team feel more connected than ever >>