Medtech innovator iTether Technologies partners with Pinal County to launch study, State Farm donates $30 million to ASU to fuel workforce development program, Grand Canyon University opens incubator with free rent for startups, Scottsdale-based software provider Parchment merges with Credentials Solutions, TGen and Mayo Clinic researchers awarded a federal grant to refine liquid biopsy for cancer patients, Promineo Tech partners with community colleges to offer affordable coding bootcamps, the University of Arizona breaks ground on first tech-focused building at south-side tech park, business incubator Chandler Innovations launches mentorship program, a new ASU space to help inspire sustainable thinking and biomimetic design, and more. See the full update here.

Legislative action essential to Arizona’s tech industry success
As the Arizona Legislature approaches the midpoint of its current session, pending legislation that lawmakers are considering would not only support our technology community but also residents of Arizona. Two bills would extend two enormously successful tax credit programs while another measure would help fuel expansion of a mindset focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Read more from CEO Steven G. Zylstra.

New Tech Sector Speaker Series
Join the Arizona Technology Council for its new 2020 speaker series that brings together tech titans, innovators and industry champions of existing and emerging sectors who are reshaping Arizona’s tech ecosystem. This panel forum advances Arizona’s tech evolution and growing designation as a tech hub. Interested in becoming a panelist, moderator or sponsor? VISIT HERE to learn about this new event series and to see the topics that we’ll be covering.

TechConnect: ‘Mini-themes’ are part of magazine’s move to blog
The Council and its publishing partner, the Arizona Commerce Authority, are transitioning the TechConnect publication to a blog format. That means the issue in the works—No. 60—will publish in the magazine format that readers have come to know, as well as a blog that today’s readers have come to expect. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techconnect to read the latest industry trends and critical issues that are propelling Arizona’s technology ecosystem.

Tech Sector Speaker Series: Blockchain | March 12 at Galvanize
Join Sky Republic CEO Chris Fabre as he moderates a distinguished panel of industry experts from IBM, CVS Health, State Farm Insurance, Kudelski Security and SITA on the value of blockchain and how it compares to other technologies, its challenges and limitations, as well as strategies and best practices to implement blockchain. Use promo code TECHNOLOGY for $10 off.

Join us for MedTech2020 Conference | AI in Healthcare | Venue8600
This unparalleled gathering of healthcare professionals, innovators and medtech experts will discuss the future of medtech and the role of AI and machine learning in healthcare. Attendees will hear industry thought leaders from IBM, Banner Health, Citrin Cooperman, iTether Technologies, AdviNOW Medical, Credly, APTUS Engineering, PADT, Inc., MeMD, ScriblX, ValleyWise Health, Nursing Innovation Hub, Aventria Health Group, Health Information Management Systems, HumanityRightsCo and Savor Health share how advanced technology is disrupting and evolving healthcare as we know it to vastly improve patient assessment and treatment.

Stay connected and engaged in the tech community!
Some Council events have recently been rescheduled or shifted to virtual events. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/phoenix-events for the most up-to-date tech events in Phoenix and Tucson.

Find the right plan for your company and get the healthcare you deserve.
Health insurance is an expenditure that many startups and small businesses can’t afford…until now. Arizona Technology Council understands this obstacle that many fledgling companies face. That is exactly the reason why the Council’s new association health plan (AHP) with Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona targets member employers with fewer than 100 employees. When multiple small businesses join together as one association, they can take advantage of affordable health plans that can help attract and retain top talent. Request a quote today! For more information, visit www.aztechcouncil.org/ahp or contact healthbenefits@aztechcouncil.org.

Over 2,500 hands-on events + workshops offer something for everyone
Now in its ninth year, the Arizona SciTech Festival isn’t a single-day event. It is the country’s third-largest science festival with more than 800 partnering organizations. Check out these great upcoming events:

Saturday, February 29
– Gila Valley Health and STEAM Festival
– Tres Rios Nature Festival
– Tucson Wildlife Center Tour
– Lunch with a Zoo Keeper
– ASU Open Door 2020 – Polytechnic

Saturday, March 7
– Canyon Ridge STEM Festival
– Innovation Nation | Celebration of all things STEM
– Casa Grande STEAM Fair
– Reptile Feeding | McDowell Mountain Regional Park
– Explore Lowell Observatory

View the full list of events here: http://scitechinstitute.org/scitech-festival.

Support renewable energy: ACC REST Stakeholder Meeting & Workshop
Make your voice heard at the Arizona Corporation Commission Stakeholder Meeting & Workshop on March 10-11, 2020. Council members can provide testimony at the workshop and submit written comments to the docket before and/or immediately following the workshop. Learn more about the upcoming ACC Stakeholder Meeting and Workshop and how to participate.

SRP aims to reduce business energy demands with new program
Salt River Project has rolled out a new program aimed at reducing the power used by businesses and paying them for cutting back during the summer season. SRP and Boston-based Enel X recently launched the program to encourage businesses to lower consumption of energy during extreme weather, wholesale price spikes or unexpected system issues. Learn more how this program will strengthen SRP’s grid and increase sustainability efforts.

February 2020 Preferred Business Partner: HighPeak Advisors
As a member of the Arizona Technology Council, you have greater access to HighPeak Advisors, a full-service tax credit firm that helps innovative companies of all sizes claim federal and state R&D tax credits, with a thorough, transparent and painless process. Working with HighPeak means minimal time investment on your part, detailed tax credit studies and a team that understands cash flow. Learn how the R&D tax credit works in your industry.