TechTalk eNews: November 2019 Edition
Modular Mining CEO reflects on 40 years in the mining industry; seven AI predictions for 2020 from JDA Software; edtech company Zovio unveils new Chandler headquarters AudioEye, CampusLogic and Nextiva make Deloitte’s 2019 Technology Fast 500 list; fintech startup Verdigris Holdings launches a program aimed at ‘unbanked’ individuals; the University of Arizona is driving the local tech startup community like never before; PADT is named as a Top Private Company by Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards, Paragon Space Development Corporation is awarded a $2 million contract as part of NASA’s Tipping Point Program, and more. See the full update here.
Unleashing the power of biotechnology
Whether you use the word biotechnology, bioscience or one of a number of related words—the lines are quickly blurring—“bio” in Arizona has made a major impact as it has taken root in our state. In this issue of TechConnect, we turn the spotlight on a few of Arizona’s bio industry leaders: the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and The University of Arizona. By no means are they the only names you’ll find on the bio landscape. So, consider this just a sample. View the fall 2019 issue of TechConnect: BIO in it’s entirety or view the individual articles on our new TechConnect platform.
Southern AZ Tech Leaders Awarded at the Tech + Business Expo
The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority celebrated the seventh annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo with over 80 exhibitors and 450+ attendees. Strategy 1 was recognized with the Council’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The University of Arizona was honored as the 2019 Southern Arizona Technology Council Member Organization of the Year. Innovation Leader of the Year was awarded to FreeFall Aerospace, a company designing new technology for satellites in orbit and enhancing communications on earth. The Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to Yarbrough Electronics Sales, a premier provider of electronics and circuit boards. Read more about each company that was honored this year.
Find the right plan for your company and get the healthcare you deserve.
When multiple small businesses join together as one association, they can take advantage of affordable health plans to help attract and retain top talent. Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona has created unique plans that are available only to AZTC members. Through this collaborative partnership, tech startups and growing companies will gain a tremendous opportunity to focus more on what they do best: innovate. To learn more or to get a quote, visit www.aztechcouncil.org/ahp.
Register now to attend the third annual Arizona Photonics Days
Engage with your peers and industry leaders for two days of technical discussions and business-building meetings at the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona in Tucson January 29-31, 2020. This annual event features expert keynotes, technology and business presentations and networking opportunities with industry leaders to discuss trends and challenges. View the agenda or register to attend. Contact [email protected] for information on sponsorship opportunities.
The upside of having award-winning friends
Not too many people can say they have award-winning friends. I can. It really is a coincidence that people I meet in my regular role also are recognized by others as leaders in their field. But no one could be prouder than me when they get their moments in the spotlight. Read the November blog post from Arizona Technology Council CEO Steven G. Zylstra.
Solugenix Corp. acquires Montana-based SEI LLC
Scottsdale-based information technology services company Solugenix has made its first acquisition of a company that specializes in hiring skilled employees who work from home in rural communities. Solugenix, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, acquired Missoula, Montana-based SEI LLC on Nov. 1. The company provides the technology and compliance for employees to work from home in far-flung communities in eight states. Read more to learn how this is a strategic game changer for Solugenix.
Arizona Commerce Authority names Innovation Challenge semifinalists
Startups from metro Phoenix dominated the field of semifinalists in the twice-a-year Arizona Innovation Challenge. Tech-related companies from Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe took 22 spots on the list of 30. Phoenix led with seven entrants: software makers Dovly, Inc.; HR Company; Insurmi; PointerTop; Radpay; Rexpay and hardware maker Motion Warriors. Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe each had five. The competition is held in the spring and fall and focuses on advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale. Read more here.
AudioEye launches Machine Learning-Powered Digital Marketplace As AudioEye, Inc., the leader in digital accessibility, unveiled AudioEye Digital Marketplace, enabling companies of all sizes to accelerate accessibility easily and affordably. The machine-learning platform helps companies achieve digital inclusion standards and meet legal requirements. The company also introduced AudioEye Free and AudioEye Pro, which join market-leading AudioEye Managed in the AudioEye Digital Marketplace, a new suite of digital accessibility commerce and machine-learning solutions. Learn how AudioEye’s technology eradicates barriers to digital accessibility.
Insight announces new, expanded headquarters
Insight Enterprises, the global provider of Insight Intelligent Technology Solutions for organizations of all sizes, announced it will centralize its two Tempe offices to a single first-class creative office space in Chandler, one of the most desirable submarkets for technology businesses in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The facility will be called One Insight Way, representing the dedication to the company’s core values, solution areas, leadership commitments and overall purpose of helping build meaningful connections to help businesses run smarter. Learn more about the expansion of its headquarters.
Galvanize Named as Best Data Science Bootcamp for 2020
Switchup, a leading authority on coding bootcamps, released their fifth annual rankings of the best bootcamps. Thanks to hundreds of reviews from its incredible alumni, Galvanize’s data science bootcamps were featured on several of Switchup’s lists. Visit here for more information about Galvanize’s award-winning data science bootcamps.
Support renewable energy: Sign on to the Council’s letter to the ACC
The Arizona Technology Council strongly encourages the Arizona Corporation Commission to increase the state’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) to up to at least 50% renewable energy by 2030. Forward thinking,
eco-friendly businesses understand the importance of renewable energy. Sign on to the Council’s petition to reflect energy technology advances and new market realities in Arizona. Contact [email protected] to learn how.
Nikola announces game-changing battery advancements
Phoenix-based Nikola Corp., the upstart manufacturer of zero-emission heavy trucks and other vehicles, announced its advancements in battery-cell technology that will enable its hydrogen-electric trucks to drive farther between charges for lower cost and with reduced environmental impact. Read more here.
Thirst for innovation: Zero Mass Water helping to solve big challenges
Arizona clean-tech company Zero Mass Water uses hydropanels to pull clean water from thin air. It has raised $65 million in venture capital, including a round of $25 million in October 2018 that was led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, the VC arm of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Learn how this Scottsdale company is bringing its clean water-bottling technology to Flint, Mich.
November 2019 Preferred Business Partner: iSolved
As a member of the Arizona Technology Council, you have greater access to iSolved, a valued partner you can trust that delivers a comprehensive solution to consolidate your payroll, HR, benefits and time. The perfect fit for small-to-mid-sized companies, iSolved helps companies to navigate today’s business compliance maze and to efficiently handle complex workforce management needs. For one amazing solution to integrate and access all of your workforce management information, visit www.isolvedhcm.com.