AZ TechCast

Learn more about GCOI at:

AZ Tech Council: 

www.aztechcouncil.org/

PADT: 

www.padtinc.com

Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA):

www.acesa.org/

Guests:

Abstract:

Arizona's next generation of innovators is already making an impact! In this special episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller welcome an inspiring group of students and educators recognized through the Arizona Technology Council's 2026 Governor's Celebration of Innovation.

Joining the conversation are 2026 Future Innovator of the Year winner Wilson Hilgaertner and honorable mentions Nick Bowie and Alexei Barrow, who will share the inspiration behind their remarkable STEM projects, the challenges they've tackled and their aspirations for the future. They'll be joined by 2026 Teacher of the Year winner Jason Flora and honorable mention recipient Jacko Kim Mabeza, who will discuss the power of STEM education, inspiring young minds and preparing students for careers in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Also joining the discussion is Robert Cruthis of the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA), which helped evaluate and select this year's award recipients. Together, the guests will explore the importance of encouraging curiosity, creativity and innovation in Arizona's classrooms, as well as the role educators, industry leaders and organizations play in supporting the state's future STEM workforce.

The episode also offers a preview of the Arizona Technology Council's 23rd Annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation, where these outstanding students and educators will be recognized alongside some of Arizona's most accomplished technology leaders and innovators. Tune in to meet the bright minds helping shape Arizona's future!

Student Project Background - Details for Steve and Eric to help guide the conversation:

Decentralized Pyrolytic Conversion of Forest Residue

Arizona’s continued growth as a technology and innovation hub depends not only on attracting new companies and investment, but also on developing the skilled workforce needed to support them. From artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to engineering, semiconductors and the skilled trades, higher education institutions across the state are adapting their programs to prepare students and working professionals for a rapidly changing economy.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with leaders from Arizona Western College, Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University to explore the distinct roles their institutions play in Arizona’s science and technology landscape.

Together, they’ll discuss how colleges and universities are responding to emerging technologies, strengthening connections with industry, expanding access to technology education across urban and rural communities, and developing new pathways into high-demand careers. The conversation will also examine the growing importance of AI education, advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce development, applied engineering and the skilled trades, as well as partnerships that allow education and training programs to evolve at the speed Arizona employers need.

Listeners will come away with a broader understanding of how Arizona’s higher education institutions are helping build the talent pipeline that will support the state’s next generation of innovation and economic growth.

The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off

Guests:

Abstract:

Arizona is rapidly emerging as a national leader in aerospace, aviation, space technologies, advanced air mobility, defense innovation and advanced manufacturing. With major investments, growing public-private partnerships, a strong military presence, world-class research institutions and a thriving innovation ecosystem, the state is becoming a destination for companies shaping the future of mobility, national security and space exploration.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Steven Zylstra sits down with three leaders deeply involved in Arizona’s aerospace ecosystem and the planning of the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit. Together, they explore why Arizona is uniquely positioned for growth, the convergence of aviation, space and defense industries, emerging technologies transforming the sector, workforce and supply chain challenges, and the opportunities ahead for companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

The conversation will also provide listeners with an inside look at the Arizona Aerospace Summit, including its integrated three-track format, Flightline, Orbitline and Frontline, and why bringing these sectors together creates new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and economic growth.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil 

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org  

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

https://www.padtinc.com 

Optics and photonics may not always be visible, but they are foundational to the technologies shaping our daily lives, from high-speed data centers and AI to healthcare breakthroughs, space exploration and national defense. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Eric Miller is joined by three leading voices in Arizona’s optics ecosystem to explore how light-based technologies are quietly powering innovation across industries.

Katie Schwertz (Edmund Optics), Dr. Robert Norwood (University of Arizona) and Michael Hart (HartSCI LLC) break down the basics of optics and photonics in a way anyone can understand, while also diving into cutting-edge advancements like free-space laser communications, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation infrared materials. The conversation highlights why Arizona has emerged as a global hub for optics innovation, and what’s needed to sustain that leadership amid workforce shortages, supply chain challenges and rapid technological change in the AI era.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

Learn more about Optics and Photonics in Arizona through Optics Valley:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org/optics-valley-arizona/ 

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil 

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org  

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

https://www.padtinc.com 

In this episode of AZ TechCast, Arizona-based business leaders and experts come together to explore how organizations across the state can strengthen sales performance, refine marketing strategy and drive growth, even in a challenging economic climate. Featuring insights from Mark Sutter (Founder, Impact Sales Advisors), Jamie Munoz (Visionary, Catalyst Integrators) and Mark Yeager (President, Yeager Marketing), the conversation highlights how Arizona companies, from startups to scaling enterprises, can better align sales, marketing and leadership to stay competitive in an evolving market.

With Arizona’s rapid economic growth and increasingly competitive business landscape, the discussion dives into the importance of returning to core fundamentals, redefining market positioning for today’s B2B buyer and leveraging frameworks like EOS and fractional leadership to scale effectively. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to build a resilient pipeline, maximize inbound and outbound efforts and drive sustainable success across Arizona’s dynamic business ecosystem.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

Jamie Munoz, Catalyst Integrators

Mark Yeager, Yeager Marketing

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

Arizona has quickly become one of the nation’s most important hubs for data center development. However, what does that growth really mean for our state, our communities and our future?

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller dive into the evolving role of data centers in Arizona with insights from Cepand Alizadeh (Arizona Technology Council), Tom Maples (DPR Construction), and Colton Brown (Aligned Data Centers). Together, they’ll explore how data centers intersect with water stewardship, energy use, workforce development and economic growth, while also addressing common misconceptions and community concerns. From rural siting decisions to sustainable cooling technologies, this conversation sheds light on how Arizona is balancing innovation, infrastructure and responsibility as demand for digital services continues to accelerate.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute

Guests:

Abstract:

In this episode, we explore the powerful partnership between the Arizona Technology Council and its foundation, SciTech Institute, Arizona’s leading 501(c)(3) driving STEM education, engagement and workforce development statewide. Hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra are joined by SciTech Institute Workforce Development Specialist Yvonnda Shelton and SciTech board member David Felix of SRP for an inside look at how SciTech builds a connected STEM ecosystem through innovative programs like the STEM Ecosystem, Arizona SciTech Festival, Chief Science Officers, Skills Academy, WOW events, STEM Little Free Libraries, and Science For All.

Listeners will learn how SciTech's mission to cultivate STEM connections directly supports Arizona’s growing technology workforce and how collaborations across business, education, governmen,t and community partners fuel life-changing opportunities for students, educators, and industry alike. This conversation shines a spotlight on the impact, vision, and future of STEM learning and workforce development in Arizona, and why SciTech is such a vital part of the Council’s long-term strategy.

To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil

Learn more about the SciTech Institute at: https://scitechinstitute.org/

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with some remarkable students recently named winners and honorable mentions in the Council’s 2025 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in November. These young STEM leaders— Shireen Arora, Elias Chang, Akshay Karthik Ananya Lakkaraju, Siyaa Poddar, and Ganeshsai Talluri —will discuss their innovative projects, their passions and their aspirations for the future. Robert Cruthis, president of ACESA (Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations) will join the conversation to highlight the importance of education, workforce development, and celebrating Arizona’s brightest STEM talents.

To see these amazing students, attend this year's Governor's Celebration of Innovation on November 12th, 2025:

Learn more about the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) here. 

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel.

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org 

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid growth.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, your hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller are joined by Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas; Martijn Pierik, Sr. Vice President & Partner at Kiterocket; and Vic Narusis, Executive Vice President of Industry Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Together, they’ll discuss with our hosts why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment, what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversations at this year’s show.

Here are links to the organizations and events mentioned in this episode:

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: 

     www.aztechcouncil.org

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

     www.padtinc.com

The following is a ten-point summary from MS Copilot of the episode:

Here’s a 10-bullet summary of AZ TechCast Episode 60: "The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona": [www.aztech...ouncil.org]

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, driven by major investments and strategic positioning.

Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the first time in October 2025, marking a significant shift from its traditional location in Silicon Valley.

SEMICON West is the largest semiconductor event in North America, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

Guests include Joe Stockunas (SEMI Americas), Martijn Pierik (Kiterocket), and Vic Narusis (Arizona Commerce Authority), who discuss Arizona’s growing role in the industry.

Arizona’s appeal lies in its business-friendly climate, infrastructure, and talent pipeline, making it a magnet for semiconductor companies.

Workforce development is a key theme, with emphasis on building a skilled labor force to support the industry’s rapid expansion.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability are highlighted as critical areas shaping the future of semiconductor innovation.

Supply chain resilience is another major topic, especially in light of recent global disruptions and the need for domestic manufacturing.

The move of SEMICON West to Phoenix symbolizes Arizona’s rise as a tech hub, reinforcing its national and global relevance.

PADT, Inc. and the Arizona Technology Council continue to support innovation and growth, helping connect industry leaders and promote Arizona’s tech ecosystem.

In our July 2025 episode, we are joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly: Kate Lemke from Pipeline AZ, Jonathan Roll from ASU (and co-chair of the Council's Aerospace, Aviation, Space and Defense Committee), and Tom Wilson from SciTech Institute. Together, we’ll discuss the dynamic landscape of Arizona’s Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense (AASD) sectors and how the growth in these industries has increased the demand for a skilled local workforce.

Our discussion focuses in on the collaborative efforts underway to build a future-ready AASD talent pipeline. From launching the AASD Industry Hub to developing innovative tools like skills maps and career pathways, these experts share how they’re bridging the gap between education and industry, and how employers can play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Arizona’s high-tech workforce.

Here are some links to the people and organizations we spoke with:

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil 

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org