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TechTalk eNews: May 2026

 

 

 

 

 

  • Amazon Web Services locks down massive Buckeye warehouse
  • Comcast Business Guest Blog: Rethinking enterprise security in the age of AI
  • Former Intel exec: The responsibility for AI ethics sits with all of us
  • Driving the Future: Toyota and GateWay invest in tomorrow’s EV technicians
  • FPT Guest Blog: Clinical AI Data Quality: The Integrity Requirement for Trustworthy Healthcare AI
  • Comcast Business Guest Blog: The role of IoT in powering retail insights and experiences
  • IRLabs donation brings advanced semiconductor failure detection to UA cleanroom
  • U of A innovation drives $459.7M in annual economic impact for Arizona
  • Apple in talks to add Intel as US chip supplier, reports say
  • SRP announces 3,000 MW solar agreement with NextEra Energy Resources
  • Aurora announces first quarter 2026 results
  • U of A partners with defense group to tackle rising security threats
  • Arizona Commerce Authority: Arizona to lead Southwest regional hub for chip industry workforce consortium
  • Get UnLooped Guest Blog: Tucson’s Talent Shortage Is Exposing a Deeper Problem
  • TSMC, ASU launch tech training program to meet workforce demand

Read the full update >>

4th Annual E-Mobility + Clean Energy: Powering Arizona’s Energy Future ⚡

Join us June 18 for the 4th Annual E-Mobility + Clean Energy Summit and be part of the momentum driving Arizona’s rise as a leader in sustainable innovation. Connect with top companies, industry experts and partners shaping the future of e-mobility and clean energy—and gain insights into what’s next for this rapidly evolving sector. REGISTER >>

 


NEXT WEEK! Inaugural Arizona Manufacturing Showcase!

Join the Council on Wednesday, May 13 as we officially launch the Arizona Manufacturing Showcaseour newest signature event—hosted in partnership with the Council’s Arizona Manufacturing Catalyst Committee at Grand Canyon University’s Lux Manufacturing space. More than 50 Arizona manufacturers will be on-site to demonstrate the innovation powering our state’s dynamic manufacturing ecosystem. Connect with industry leaders, innovators and educators, enjoy food and refreshments, and take part in an exclusive tour of GCU’s Lux Precision Manufacturing facility, along with interactive breakout presentations and networking opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Sponsorships are now available, and exhibitor space is limited to just 50 vendors—secure your spot today and be part of this exciting new chapter for Arizona manufacturing! REGISTER >>


Hot Summer. Even Hotter AZTC June Events. 🌞

Tucson June after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by Beacon Group

Join June 17 us for our June after5 at Beacon Group and step inside an organization creating opportunities for people with disabilities through employment, training, and community connection. Tour their headquarters and see how work is supported through partnerships with businesses and government agencies, along with operations including manufacturing, electronics recycling, vending, and facilities management.  REGISTER >>

 

Phoenix June after5 Tech Mixer: Hosted by the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona

Join us June 24 for an invigorating night of networking with the brightest minds in tech. Whether you’re a member or a non-member of the Council, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with fellow innovators. Enjoy tasty bites, savor delicious beer and wine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere!REGISTER >>

 

Virtual Tech Speaker Series: Workforce Innovation in Action: Apprenticeships and AI from Industry Leaders

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring leaders from Freeport-McMoRan, Chipotle, and the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board as they explore how Arizona businesses are addressing workforce challenges, embracing emerging technologies, and building talent pipelines for the future. REGISTER >>

 


One Summit. 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.

CALL FOR MODERATORS AND PRESENTERS NOW LIVE! For more details please click HERE and the submission form HERE.

SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE! Click HERE for more details.


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 Manufacturing Catalyst Committee (AMCC)

May was a big month for AMCC members! On May 12, 35 AMCC members took a tour of Axon’s Pinnacle Peak manufacturing facility (first image below), and the experience was truly impressive. From the scale of the operation to the advanced technology powering the manufacturing process, we were all wowed by the innovation happening right here in Arizona.

The following day,  AZTC and AMCC welcomed more than 300 attendees and nearly 50 exhibitors to a completely sold-out inaugural Arizona Manufacturing Showcase at Grand Canyon University’s incredible Lux Precision Manufacturing space. From the exhibitor floor and networking conversations to the Lux Manufacturing tours, the energy throughout the event highlighted the strength, innovation and collaboration driving Arizona manufacturing forward.

Experiences like these are exactly why the Arizona Manufacturing Catalyst Committee exists: to connect Arizona’s manufacturing ecosystem, showcase innovation and strengthen collaboration across the industry. Learn More About AMCC >>

 


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: Arizona emerges as national leader in smart cities and digital transformation

Arizona’s exports totaled $44.4 billion in 2025, growing 37% annually. Mexico accounted for 32.8% of Arizona exports, a 63.6% year-over-year increase. Arizona ranked No. 4 nationally in semiconductor manufacturing with 24,431 employees. In this month’s column, Steve asks, Where does Arizona fit in, especially in the industry I serve and represent? 👉 Read more >>

 


The Arizona Technology Council’s 2025 Annual Report Is Here!

We’re proud to share the release of the Council’s 2025 Annual Report, highlighting another impactful year of advocacy, innovation, collaboration and growth across Arizona’s technology ecosystem.  A special thank-you to our long-standing partner, Ideas Collide, whose exceptional creativity and design expertise continue to elevate the report year after year. Read More >>

 


Press Release: Arizona Technology Council Urges Preservation of Economic Development Tools Following Governor’s Budget Veto

 

Earlier this month, the Council issued a statement following Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto of the proposed FY 2027 state budget, urging policymakers to preserve Arizona’s proven economic development tools as budget negotiations continue.

Arizona’s economic growth over the past decade has been driven by bipartisan collaboration and strategic investments that have helped diversify the state’s economy and attract high-quality, high-wage jobs across industries.  Read More >>

 


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 Motion Tactic. Motion Tactic partners with marketers who see creative and technology as a core differentiator for their company – a mechanism to drive demand.

 

 


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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • SRP inks deal to more than double solar capacity
  • Nuclear startup expands into Phoenix with CLO appointment
  • Efficiency Arizona issues 1,000th rebate, adds new participating retailer to program
  • Arizona’s energy leaders agree — unleash clean energy, strengthen the grid
  • How clean energy can help businesses cut running costs
  • Building a sustainable future for Casa Grande
  • SRP announces 3,000 MW solar agreement with NextEra Energy Resources
  • Arizona ranks No. 2 in US for new energy storage capacity added this year

Read the full report >>


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


2026 VISIONARY & CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

 10 to 1 Public Relations | ark Data Centers | Blue Canoe Marketing | Comcast BusinessCrating Technologies | FPT | Keap | Meta | Metz & Associates PLLC | MicroAge | MSS Business Transformation Advisory | Phoenix Tech AV | Pima Community College | RingPlan | Spencer Fane
Tech Parks Arizona | VB Cosmetics


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!