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TechTalk eNews: February 2025

  • Meta Opens First Phase of Mesa Data Center
  • Virgin Galactic Partners with Redwire to Advance Research Capabilities for New Delta Spaceships
  • Report: ASU Adds as Much Economic Impact as Hosting the Big Game, Times Eight
  • Scottsdale AI firm Paradox acquires New York workforce analytics startup
  • Semiconductor Packaging Co. to Formalizes Collaboration with ASU
  • SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings
  • Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split
  • How American Solar & Roofing’s Joy Seitz is advancing the solar industry in Arizona
  • Comcast Business Guest Blog: 4 Ways Generative AI Can Transform Retail
  • TSMC Subsidizes Suppliers for Carbon Reduction, Driving Green Investments
  • DAS Technology Breaks Records with Another Year of Growth and Record SaaS Subscriptions
  • Intero Digital Guest Blog Post: Building a Community: Social Media Strategies for Tech Startups
  • SRP, Arizona Utilities Host Second Annual ‘Better Together’ Business Resource Lunch to Strengthen Local Supply Chains
  • Chetu Guest Blog Post: Are SOA and AI Agents the Key to the Future?
  • Multiple Council Members Launch Aerospace & Defense-Focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Mesa
  • Salt River Project innovative hydro-electric plan advances
  • Apple Spending Billions in the U.S. over Next 4 Years, Data Center Expansion Includes Arizona
  • Arizona-based Air2O and PuriFi Labs Partner to Provide Revolutionary Air Cleaning and Purification Technologies in HVAC Air Handling Solutions
  • ASU, UA projects receive Resilient Energy Economics initiative grants
  • Chetu Celebrates Year Anniversary at Expanded Tempe Office

Read the full update >>

Grab Your Seat & Join Us Next Month!
TechFusion: AI, IT, + Computer Science Conference

One month to go! TechFusion: AI, IT + Computer Science Conference is happening March 25—are you ready? Join top industry leaders, AI experts and policymakers as we explore the future of tech, AI’s business impact, and IT innovations. This event is your chance to connect, learn and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Get your ticket today and join us there! Register >>

 


Mix + Mingle with Us in March!

AZTC and Southwest Mission Acceleration Center are thrilled to host the March Phoenix after5 Tech Mixer on Wednesday, March 19 at the very cool Southwest Mission Acceleration Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix! Join us for an invigorating night of networking with the brightest minds in tech. Whether you’re a Council member or not, this is your chance to connect, collaborate and celebrate with fellow innovators. Make plans to meet us there! Register >>

 


Southern Arizona Women in the Workforce: Empowering Leadership – March 21

Join us Friday, March 21, for the first Southern Arizona Women in the Workforce event of 2025! Gain practical tools for confident negotiation, executive presence, and self-advocacy while tackling imposter syndrome. Hear from inspiring leaders on building your personal brand, increasing visibility and owning your narrative to advance your career.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your leadership and step into your power!. Register >>

 


Save the Date! 2025 Smart City + IoT Conference

Get ready to explore the future at the 9th Annual Smart City + IoT Conference, presented by the Council and Arizona Commerce Authority! Join top industry experts to discuss the latest in smart city development, IoT advancements and cutting-edge communication technology. Connect with innovators, gain insights and see how these technologies are shaping smarter, more connected communities. Stay tuned for registration details—don’t miss out! Register >>

 

The Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense (AASD) Committee held their February meeting at Honeywell Aerospace. After the committee’s meeting, attendees were treated to a tour of Honeywell’s Flight Test facility.
Learn More >>

 

 

 


Take Your Council Membership to the Next Level with the Phoenix Ambassador Committee!

Are you ready to make an impact and have fun while doing it? The Phoenix Ambassador Committee invites AZTC members to join them in supporting the Council in Phoenix. In the words of committee co-chair Jen Granner, “We’re not just moving mountains in the tech world—we’re building a community that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and excitement.”

Interested in getting involved? Learn more here >>


Tech Inclusion Forum – Exploring AI in HR | April 22

The Tech Inclusion Forum Committee is thrilled to announce its next event on April 22 at the Phoenix Art Museum, sponsored by Avnet! This discussion will dive into an often-overlooked aspect of AI—its impact on human resources.

Join them for an engaging panel featuring AI experts from data, software development, legal and HR leadership as they explore the future of AI in HR. If you’re curious about how AI is shaping hiring, workforce management and more, this event is for you. Stay tuned for the formal event announcement coming soon!

Learn more about the Tech Inclusion Forum Committee here >>

My View: No real winners when it comes to tariffs, trade war

With my front-row seat viewing the progress of Arizona’s technology ecosystem, I know we’re in a fortunate position. So, when the news came out that the White House was about to launch tariffs on products from key Arizona trade partners — 25% for Mexico and Canada, 10% for China — I could see our winning combination quickly coming unraveled.
Read more >>

 


inBusiness PHX Arizona Technology Council February 2025 Special Section

This special section covers several exciting news items happening with the Council. Read about Ada, the Council’s new AI chatbot, what’s happening with SciTech Institute, and more.
Read More >>

 

 


Steve Zylstra Quoted in Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg recently reached out to the Council for comments in their recent article titled, “Border State Businesses Raise Alarms on Canada, Mexico Tariffs.” Steve commented on how the Arizona EV industry could be adversely affected. Read more >>

 

 

 


New AZ TechCast Episode! Empowering Women for Economic Growth

In this inspiring first AZ TechCast episode of the year, hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra welcome Kim McWaters, Abdu Dahr and Scott Holman to explore how Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is transforming the lives of women in Arizona. Learn how their career training programs, partnerships with industry leaders like Intel and commitment to workforce development are creating a ripple effect that benefits families, businesses, and the state’s economy. Listen now to hear how investing in women leads to a stronger, more innovative future for Arizona!  Listen >>

 


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 >>

 

 

 


 

Arizona Space Summit 2025

SAVE THE DATE! Join the Council, ASU, Arizona Commerce Authority, GPEC, NAU, The University of Arizona and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the third annual Space Summit on March 20. As the 5th largest employer in aerospace and defense manufacturing, Arizona is involved in launch services, validation, component testing, space situational awareness, and mining. Learn More >>

 

 

The Council’s success is made possible by the support of our incredible annual sponsors! This month, we’re highlighting Chetu and sharing their latest news and industry insights.

  • Chetu Celebrates Year Anniversary at Expanded Tempe Office Read More >>

Chetu Guest Blog Post: Are SOA and AI Agents the Key to the Future? Read More >>

 

 


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!


  • ADEQ research initiative will address Arizona air quality concerns
  • Arizona Electric Utilities Team Up to Explore Adding Nuclear Generation
  • Tempe solar energy startup to appear in Google AI Super Bowl ad
  • SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings
  • City of Phoenix Appoints New Water Resources Management Advisor
  • How Arizona operations are redefining sustainable mining
  • ‘C’ is for Climate: How the force that built Arizona’s ‘sunshiny’ frontier turned deadly
  • ASU, UA projects receive Resilient Energy Economics initiative grants
  • Arizona’s clean energy boom: 18,700 new jobs at risk if incentives are cut
  • Tucson leaders push for support to expand clean energy

Read the full report >>

CLICK HERE to learn more about benefits and opportunities available through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

AG Federal Funding Cut Community Forum Attorneys General Want to Hear Your Stories!

Recent and ongoing federal firings and funding cuts are putting critical programs at risk—jeopardizing energy efficiency, renewable access, and climate resilience. Attorneys General Mayes, Torrez and Rayfield need to hear your stories. Whether you’re a city, county, non-profit, agency, healthcare institution, former federal employee or community member who has been, or will be impacted by these actions – come to share. Join Arizona AG Kris Mayes, New Mexico AG Raul Torrez, and Oregon AG Dan Rayfield at a community forum to share how these cuts are impacting you.

Clean Energy Expansion Saves Arizonans Money

The Climate Power research team recently put together a new resource, titled “Cuts To Clean Energy Threaten Arizona’s Economy”, highlighting how clean energy expansion saves Arizonans money. View report >>


Request for Federal Funding Stories

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency (OOR) is seeking stories of Arizonans who have been positively impacted federal grant funding programs made available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The OOR invites you to share the stories of individuals, families, or businesses that have positively been impacted by federal grant funding below. Submit Your Story >>


2025 PLATINUM SPONSORS


2025 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

Alliance Bank | ark Data Centers | Benefit Commerce Group Blue Canoe Marketing | Caterpillar | Crating Technologies | Intel | Keap | Leonardo | Meta | Metz & Associates PLLC | MicroAge | MSS Business Transformation Advisory | Pima Community College Precision Machining | RingPlan | Rincon Research | 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!