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 Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com 

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:   SEMICON West: www.semiconwest.org SEMI: www.semi.org Kiterocket: www.kiterocket.com Arizona Commerce Authority: www.azcommerce.com 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 Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:      www.padtinc.com    

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: Pipeline AZ: pipelineaz.com/ The SciTech Institute: scitechinstitute.org/ ASU NewSpace: newspace.asu.edu/  The AZ Tech Council AASD Committee: www.aztechcouncil.org/committees/aerospace-aviation-space-and-defense-committee/ 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         Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword, it’s a game-changer across nearly every industry. In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra of the Arizona Technology Council and Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. sit down with Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft), Minky Kernacs (Mercurio Analytics Inc.), Niranjan Krishnan (FPT Software), and Chris Lucero (Luminos Innovation) to explore how AI and machine learning are transforming real-world business operations. From manufacturing to financial services, discover where AI is driving innovation, what challenges still lie ahead, and how organizations can responsibly implement these powerful technologies. 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 

In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions, whether from cyberattacks, natural disasters or unexpected outages. But what’s the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity? In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’ll discuss the critical strategies that ensure business resilience with expert insights from Steve Copeland of RYTHMz, Joseph Cook of The Arizona Group and Jim Henry of Iron Mountain. From AI-driven outage prediction to the role of colocation data centers, our guests will unpack the key technologies and best practices for protecting operations and minimizing downtime. RYTHMz: rythmz.com The Arizona Group: arizonagroup.com Iron Mountain: datacenter.ironmountain.com/iron-mountain-data-centers 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     

In this inspiring and first 2025 episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra welcome Kim McWaters, president & CEO of Fresh Start Women's Foundation, Abdu Dahr, vice president of strategic partnerships for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and seasoned HR executive, Scott Holman of HHR Consulting to explore how Fresh Start empowers women to achieve self-sufficiency and thrive. Learn about the organization’s impactful career training programs, their partnerships with technology industry leaders like Intel, and the ripple effect supporting women has on families, workplaces and Arizona’s economy. Our guests will discuss how investing in women creates a win-win-win for employers, communities, and the workforce of the future across Arizona and beyond. 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. Visit the Fresh Start Women's Foundation at: freshstartwomen.org Learn about and register for their annual gala at: 2025 Fresh Start Annual Gala   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     

Arizona is not just gazing at the stars—it’s building the future of space exploration. In this episode of AZ TechCast, industry trailblazers Jim Cantrell, founder of Phantom Space and a SpaceX founding team member, and Michael Mackowski, retired spacecraft engineer and space advocate, join us to explore Arizona’s dynamic role in the space industry. From pioneering satellites to shaping space policy, they’ll discuss how the state is driving innovation and opportunities in aerospace, making it a global hub for the final frontier. This episode promises an inspiring journey into Arizona’s space ecosystem, exploring the technologies, policies, and people shaping our reach for the stars. 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.  

In this October episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with three remarkable students recently named winners of the Council’s 2024 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—Rishabh Sreepathy, Aditya Lakshminarasimhan and Brad Wu—will discuss their innovative projects, their passions and their aspirations for the future. Industry guests, including experts from ACESA (Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations) and Honeywell, will join the conversation to highlight the importance of education, workforce development and celebrating Arizona’s brightest STEM talents. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Our guests today are Tom Tenney from Legacy Wealth Management and Sheila Kloefkorn from KEO Marketing. Together, we’re going to explore the Arizona Technology Council’s 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) program.

Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss the impact of BEAD funding on internet access in Arizona with experts Sandip Bhowmick, Ben Elkins, and Kelly LeBlanc. Steve and Karen introduce the Arizona Technology Council's role in […] The post Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity's pivotal role and AI's transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the dual nature of AI in enhancing threat detection while posing governance challenges. […] The post Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 In the 50th episode of Az TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Paisley Coxsey host a discussion on government contracting with Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, highlighting the nuances of state and local contracts, SBIR, and STTR programs. Lisa, Jenny, and Sonia stress the […] The post Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 In this episode of AZ TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra explore Arizona's energy landscape with Earl Collins, Dre Thompson, and Maren Mahoney, highlighting collaborations between public and private sectors and tribal communities. They discuss the fusion of private investment and public funding to drive […] The post Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Leslie Marquez engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of experts representing organizations like the PMI Phoenix Chapter, Proctorio Inc., Digitanity, and Pipeline AZ. Together, they dive into the intricacies of workforce development, exploring strategies to […] The post Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 The latest episode of AZ TechCast hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki, explores AI's impact on marketing with guests Stephen Carradini from ASU, Renee Yeager from Yeager Marketing, and Spencer Lee from Intero Digital, emphasizing ethical considerations and regulatory challenges. Spencer and Stephen predict significant changes in […] The post AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 This dynamic podcast interview, hosted by Karen Nowicki and Steven Zylstra, featured esteemed guests Victor Assad from Strategic HR Consulting; Carol Stewart from Tech Parks Arizona and Art Taylor from PayPal. These leaders engaged in a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The […] The post Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra lead a dynamic discussion with guests Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest, Cristian Bacanu from the Romanian Parliament, and Representative David Cook. The conversation spans AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and international trade, […] The post Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 With over 300 sunny days per year, it's no secret that Arizona has plenty of sunshine. Overall, Arizona ranks second in the nation in solar energy potential and ranks among the top five states in the nation in total solar-powered generating capacity from both utility- […] The post Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 Arizona's Rural Broadband Initiative endeavors to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state. The initiative envisions a future where every Arizonan, regardless of their location, is empowered by high-speed internet, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive and connected society. The October 2023 […] The post Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 No longer just a flyover state, Arizona is rapidly gaining more and more attention globally for its business-friendly environment and interest in international trade opportunities. The September 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Representative David Cook of the Arizona House of […] The post Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.