TechTalk eNews: June 2026
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- New tech developed by U of A researchers turns rooms into virtual screens for 3D imaging
- Lucid launches feature-rich update led by hands-free driving
- ACA investment helps bring fiber internet to rural arizona
- ASU-rooted startup pushes further into space solar market
- Comcast Business Guest Blog: 3 threat trends driving adaptive cybersecurity
- NAU launches first-of-its-kind engineering degree to fast-track Arizona’s future workforce
- Cyberleaf Guest Blog Post: Running With Scissors at Cloud Scale: An Ode to Overly Permissive Tokens
- University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center receives federal grant to explore new ag-tech innovation hub
- FPT Guest Blog Post: Restoring the Human Connection: How Ambient AI is Combatting Physician Burnout
- protosEQ Guest Blog Post: The Business Impact of Assessment Profiles: Because Guessing Is a Bold Strategy
- U of A space science ranks No. 1 among public universities in latest US News global ranking
- SRP partners with google on grid-scale CO2 battery storage
- TSMC, Amkor Strike 10-Year Arizona Packaging Deal
- Strategic leadership expansion: Tech Parks Arizona names Chief Financial Officer
- Intel sharpens packaging push on heels of Apple stock surge
- Arizona universities and FreeFall Aerospace launch satellite communications hub to fuel state’s space economy
- Hudbay Minerals copper deal creates North American mining giant
- Gateway Community College’s Phoenix Future48 Workforce Accelerator nears completion
- Raytheon secures $1.1B contract to ramp missile production
- SRP, NAU partner to pilot new wildfire monitoring technology
- Honeywell Aerospace completes spin-off
One Summit. 50+ Industry Experts. Unlimited Aerospace Innovation.
This year, Arizona’s leading aerospace events, the AADM Conference, Advanced Air Mobility Conference and Arizona Space Summit, have combined into one powerful, all-day experience you won’t want to miss: the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit. This dynamic event brings together industry leaders, innovators, investors and global partners to turn ideas into action across aerospace, defense, space and advanced manufacturing.
Set against Arizona’s unique ecosystem of cutting-edge infrastructure and test environments, the Summit serves as a living lab for real-world collaboration, where partnerships form, capital aligns and the future of integrated aerospace takes shape. This is where bold ideas move beyond conversation and into execution.
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE! Click HERE for more details.
VIEW FULL AGENDA HERE.
Join the VIPs in Tucson July 30 for our Q3 VIP Tech Mixer
Beat the Arizona heat and join the Council and the University of Arizona Office of Research & Partnerships for the Q3 VIP Tech Mixer on Thursday, July 30. This exclusive evening brings together Council board members, VIP guests and Arizona’s technology leaders for an unforgettable night of networking, collaboration and conversation. Expand your professional network, spark new partnerships and connect with the people driving innovation across our state, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. REGISTER >>
Save the Date: 11th Annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum
Cyber threats are evolving every day. Is your organization ready? Join the Council and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA) on Tuesday, September 15 for the 11th Annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum at Grand Canyon University. Hear from leading government and industry experts as they share the latest threat intelligence, emerging trends and practical strategies to protect your organization’s data, systems and reputation. Gain actionable insights, connect with cybersecurity professionals and leave better equipped to navigate today’s rapidly changing threat landscape. REGISTER >>
Registration Open! 2026 Executive Leadership Retreat + Golf Tournament
Step away from the day-to-day and join Arizona’s top tech executives in Prescott for the 19th Annual Executive Leadership Retreat, August 10–11. Hosted by the Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, this two-day experience brings together CEOs, founders and business leaders for high-level networking, fresh insights and strategic conversations focused on growth, leadership and innovation.
Hosted at the historic Hassayampa Inn, the retreat features inspiring speakers, meaningful connections, rooftop networking and an optional golf tournament that’s open to all. Space is limited—register today!
Arizona Aerospace, Aviation, Space & Defense (AASD)
- June 10: First joint meeting between the AASD Committee and the Arizona Space Commission’s public meeting, hosted in Flagstaff at NAU and designed as back to back sessions. (See photos below)
- The program included briefings from NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and senior leaders; researchers working on OSIRIS APEX, Artemis, and lunar exploration; the Lowell Observatory science team; startup founders; and technology developers from across Arizona.
- The day wrapped with a reception at Dark Sky Brewing and stargazing at Lowell Observatory, strengthening relationships across Arizona’s growing aerospace and defense community.
- Honeywell is spinning off Honeywell Aerospace and rebranding the parent as Honeywell Technologies, creating a focused aerospace and defense company alongside a separate automation and energy business. With Honeywell Aerospace remaining headquartered in Phoenix, this is a major structural shift for one of Arizona’s key A&D employers and its supplier network.
- June 12: Airbus Supplier Day, hosted by Airbus and the Arizona Commerce Authority, brought more than 60 Arizona A&D suppliers together with state and company leadership, highlighting statewide supply chain depth and momentum.
- Next up: Arizona Aerospace Summit on July 15 in Tucson, the committee’s largest event of the year and a key milestone in statewide A&D coordination. Learn More About AASD >>
Optics Valley Committee
- Registration Now Open: Optics Assembler Program at Pima Community College
Registration is now open for the next cohort of the PCC Optics Assembler program — a hands-on workforce training that prepares students for entry-level roles in optics assembly and handling.
- SCOP, Pima JTED, and the SEMI Foundation recently co-hosted a three-day training for more than 20 CTE teachers from Tucson schools and Pima JTED, giving them a deeper understanding of optics and semiconductors — and what local companies actually need from the next generation of workers.
- The next Optics Valley member meeting is July 22 – Register Here
Lean more about the Optics Valley Committee >>
Smart Cities & Digital Transformation Committee
The Smart Cities & Digital Transformation Committee is excited to be planning several engaging in-person meetings and experiences in the coming months. These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect with peers, learn from local leaders, explore innovative projects, and continue meaningful conversations around technology, transformation, and the future of our communities.
The committee chairs would love to see more members get involved and be part of the committee. If you are interested in attending an upcoming meeting or learning more, please reach out to Deborah Zack. They would be happy to have you join us and be part of the conversation!
Become a Tech Ambassador — Join Our 2026 Phoenix Committee!
Want to take a more active role in shaping Arizona’s tech future? Consider joining the Council’s Phoenix Ambassador Committee. As part of this dynamic group, you’ll:
✨ Help represent AZTC across the local tech ecosystem
🤝 Connect with industry leaders, policymakers and fellow innovators
📣 Promote events and opportunities that matter to our community
🚀 Stay ahead of emerging trends and help drive growth statewide
We’re looking for motivated, engaged members who want to be in the action — and we’d love to have you on board in 2026. Interested in Joining the Phoenix Ambassador Committee? Learn More >>
My View: Aerospace, defense, space and aviation merge into Arizona ecosystem
With a career that traces his early years to roles in aerospace and defense engineering and manufacturing, it likely comes as no surprise that Steve’s ongoing interest in these fields is deep-rooted. Turns out that background comes in handy for keeping track of what’s taking shape as Arizona now is high flying in those fields, as well as space and aviation. 👉 Read more >>
📣 Great news! We’ve extended the nomination deadline for the 23rd Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards! You now have until Friday, July 10 to nominate the innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, companies and business leaders who are shaping Arizona’s technology future.
Help us highlight Arizona’s brightest technology leaders and innovators! The Council’s Governor’s Celebration of Innovation is the state’s premier awards gala, recognizing the top and emerging talent in Arizona’s tech scene. Nominate Here >>
Arizona Technology Council Releases 2026 Legislative Endorsements
To provide guidance to voters in the 2026 elections, the Council has released its endorsements of Arizona Legislature candidates who support the technology industry’s policy agenda. Recommendations are based on several factors, including voting records of incumbents, written responses in candidate surveys and interviews conducted with first-time candidates and incumbents. Read More >>
Arizona Technology Council Applauds Bipartisan FY2027 Budget While Raising Concerns Over Long-Term Innovation Investment Changes
Arizona Technology Council Applauds Bipartisan FY2027 Budget While Raising Concerns Over Long-Term Innovation Investment Changes
With end of the 57th Legislature, 2nd regular session, the Arizona Technology Council praises the passage of Arizona’s bipartisan FY2027 state budget featuring several provisions that strengthen Arizona’s business climate and technology economy, but is disappointed with some key policy changes that could impact both the state’s long-term competitiveness and workforce development efforts. Read More >>
In this new episode of TechFocus, host Eric Miller sits down with not one, but two guests from member company Paragon IT Professionals. Joining Eric were Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Professionals and Paragon CEO and co-founder (and Council board member), Craig Jackman. Founded in 1997, Paragon is an IT staffing, project and leadership solutions firm. The company helps organizations build and strengthen their technology teams through contingent staffing, project-based solutions, and leadership development. Listen Now >>
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 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 Annual Sponsor Intero Digital. At Intero Digital, strategy is at the heart of everything we do. We team up with our clients to craft and execute a digital marketing plan that’s not just smart but actually gets results.
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!
Local Renewable Energy Siting
Interested in local renewable energy siting in Arizona? Complete this short sign-up form to join the Arizona Local Renewable Energy Siting Info Network listserv and monthly meetings.
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
Check out RMI’s new Electricity Affordability Toolkit that includes over two dozen policies that states can use to advance electricity affordability. Designed primarily to inform legislative action, it includes information relevant to advocates, regulators, administration officials, and more. Learn More >>
2026 PLATINUM SPONSORS
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2026 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
Keap | Pima Community College Tech Parks Arizona | VB Cosmetics