TechTalk eNews: November 2025

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ASU completes Interdisciplinary Sciences building in Mesa
Honeywell prepares to spin off aerospace segment, names CEO
Chetu earns Gold Globee® Business Award for Achievement in Technology
Most Powerful Business Leaders in Arizona: Avnet’s Phil Gallagher
Comcast Business Guest Blog: Rethinking enterprise security in the age of AI
Crating Technology Guest Blog: Shipping Heavy Equipment? Why Custom Crating Solutions Are Your Best Insurance Policy
New Pima Community College Chancellor Focused on Meeting Tech Needs
Raytheon strengthens supplier network with deal to help Avio build US manufacturing facility
Maricopa Community Colleges Launch Partnership Targeting Semiconductor Career Pipeline Development
Comcast Business Guest Blog: The 2025 Comcast Business Cybersecurity Threat Report
ASU receives gift from NASPO to rename and expand supply chain management department
XNRGY announces completion of growth financing round with investment from Capital Bridge Group and Prologis Ventures
The Refinery at UA Tech Park at The Bridges achieves LEED Silver Certification
Eight Arizona university R&D projects receive grants to advance national security technology
Intero Digital Guest Blog Post: How Arizona Businesses Can Master Google Local Services Ads
Arizona Science Center exhibition uses hands-on STEM to spark Arizona’s future semiconductor workforce

TOMORROW! 10th annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum

Get ready – this year’s 10th Annual Cybersecurity Breakfast Forum, hosed by AZTC and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA), brings one of the most formidable speaker lineups we’ve ever assembled. From former state CISOs to frontline AI-risk experts, this is where Arizona’s cybersecurity leaders converge to deliver unfiltered insights, hard-earned lessons, and the strategies your organization needs heading into 2026.

If you’re responsible for protecting your organization, its data, its people, its reputation – this is where you need to be December 3. Plus: a standout breakfast, unmatched networking and the chance to learn directly from the voices leading cyber defense at the city, state, national and global levels. Register >>

The Holidays are Coming – Celebrate with us AZTC-Style in

after5 Holiday Tech Mixer – Tucson

Celebrate the holidays with the Southern Arizona Arizona Technology Council community and spread some festive cheer at this year’s Holiday Tech Mixer hosted by The Club at JW Marriott Starr Pass! Step into the beautifully renovated Clubhouse, where every detail has been refreshed to impress. Learn More >>

Tech the Halls Holiday Mixer – Phoenix

Save the Date and get ready to jingle and mingle! Join AZTC and the Stockdale Capitol Partners at the Galleria Corporate Center. The 2025 Tech the Halls Holiday Mixer promises to be a festive extravaganza, perfect for launching your holiday season with the vibrant Arizona tech community. Learn More >>

Virtual Tech Speaker Series

Join us virtually alongside experts from Tucson Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Fractal Labs and more to learn how healthcare leaders are moving from AI exploration to measurable results. Get actionable tools and insights to drive ROI and real-world impact. Register >>

Calling all Tech Leaders: Learn + Grow with AZTC in 2026

Now Open: 2026 Phoenix Executive Leadership Network Registration!

The Council’s Phoenix-based Executive Leadership Network is now accepting applications for 2026! Tech company leaders meet monthly in central Phoenix for half-day sessions following the Vistage model of executive coaching and peer collaboration. This opportunity is open to executive leaders of technology companies. Interested in similar peer groups for other leadership roles? Let us know—new networks may be added based on interest! Learn More >>

Don’t Miss the 9th Annual Arizona Photonics Days in Tucson!

Optics Valley invites you to the 9th annual Arizona Photonics Days—a premier gathering of optics and photonics professionals held just days before Photonics West 2026. Connect with industry leaders, innovators and peers for three days of technical presentations, trend insights and high-value networking designed to spark collaboration and accelerate opportunity. Register >>

Southern Arizona Women in the Workforce

The Southern Arizona Women in the Workforce Committee wrapped up its third event of the year with an energizing deep dive into Career Pivots. Featuring an inspiring panel of leaders sharing real stories from early- to late-career transitions, the session delivered practical insights and authentic perspectives attendees truly connected with. Hosted at the United Way of Tucson, the event drew a full crowd and generated strong enthusiasm for more programming of this kind. We’re thrilled by the momentum—and excited to begin planning our 2026 event series. Learn More about WIW >>

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 >>

Arizona tech leader warns repeal of energy standards could undermine economic growth

Arizona’s technology economy is thriving, powered by innovation, growth and a shared commitment to building a more resilient future. However, this progress is now at risk. The Arizona Corporation Commission’s ongoing effort to repeal the state’s REST and Energy Efficiency rules threatens to undo bipartisan, pro-business energy leadership that has strengthened Arizona’s economy and increased Arizona’s grid reliability. Read more >>

ICYMI: Latest TechCast Episode

In this inspiring episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with Arizona’s next generation of STEM leaders — the winners and honorable mentions of our 2025 Future Innovators of the Year awards! You’ll hear from these brilliant students along with Teacher of the Year Amber Struthers and Kevin Kilzer of ACESA, as they discuss innovation, education, and the future of Arizona’s STEM workforce. Listen Now >>

A Look Back at the 22nd Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation

Last month, the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority honored the visionaries shaping our state’s innovation ecosystem at the 22nd Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation. Held on November 12 at Chateau Luxe, the gala brought together leaders, educators, rising students, and standout technology companies to celebrate this year’s award winners and finalists.

“Arizona’s pace of innovation has never been stronger,” shared Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute. “Our 2025 awardees represent the best of Arizona’s creativity, ingenuity and leadership in technology.” Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, echoed the sentiment, congratulating the outstanding companies and individuals helping shape the future of Arizona’s innovation landscape.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of Arizona tech!

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 >>

ASU Becoming Interplanetary: Live Screening and Transatlantic Discussion

Join ASU for the film screening of Becoming Interplanetary, a film shaped by research conducted at Arizona State University and more than 20 expert interviews, led by Dr. Elena Rocchi and astronaut Chris Hadfield. The film screening will be followed by a live transatlantic discussion. Learn More + Register >>

Arizona Tech Week is a decentralized tech conference powered by the Arizona
Commerce Authority (ACA), Arizona’s statewide economic development organization. During the week, hundreds of tech-focused events will take place across Arizona. Every event is organized individually by startups, companies, and VCs. Learn 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 Sponsor Avnet. Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest value added distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology in the world.

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!

Valley startup Mattur to launch AI-powered wind turbines and generators in 2026
Governor’s Office of Resiliency announces Arizona Energy Promise Taskforce members
Arizona fights EPA over loss of millions in solar funding
Arizona-based Tributary turns decades of hydrology research into tools for utilities
The Refinery at UA Tech Park at The Bridges achieves LEED Silver Certification
Arizona tech leader warns repeal of energy standards could undermine economic growth

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

Rewiring America launched its Save on Better Appliances campaign, a nationwide effort to help homeowners lock in valuable energy tax credits before they expire at the end of 2025, while also showcasing new pathways to long-term energy affordability. More Info