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by Arizona Technology Council
Welcome to AZ TechCast, brought to you by the Arizona Technology Council and sponsored by PADT. With your Hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and Beyond. We invite leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across Arizona. From innovative startups to regional news, companies, and emerging technologies, AZ TechCast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago47 min
Arizona's Future Innovators 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders - EP 68
Learn more about GCOI at: www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2026-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/ AZ Tech Council: www.aztechcouncil.org/ PADT: www.padtinc.com Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA): www.acesa.org/ Guests: 2026 Teacher of the Year Honorees Jason Flora – Teacher of the Year Winner, Kofa High School, Yuma Union High School District Jacko Kim Mabeza – Teacher of the Year Honorable Mention, Harvest Preparatory Academy 2026 Future Innovator of the Year Honorees Wilson Hilgaertner – Future Innovator Winner, BASIS Chandler, 12th Grade Diya Shah – Future Innovator Winner, BASIS Chandler, 11th Grade Nick Bowie – Future Innovator Honorable Mention, BASIS Flagstaff, 10th Grade Alexei Barrow – Future Innovator Honorable Mention, BASIS Flagstaff, 11th Grade STEM Community & Awards Representative Robert Cruthis – Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA), member of the independent awards selection committee 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: Wilson Hilgaetner - Winner ISEF Category: Engineering Technology / Subcategory: Statics and Dynamics, Naval Systems (NAV) Minimizing Drag Force through Bubble Formation on Aerogel Surfaces Diya Shah – Winner ISEF Category: Translational Medical Science / Sub Category: Disease Detection and Diagnosis NeuroTracer: Unraveling Pre-diagnostic Signals for Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease From Archimedean Spiral Drawings using the 2D Wavelet Transform, Recurrence Quantification Analysis, and Convolutional Neural Networks Nick Bowie – Honorable Mention ISEF Category: Environmental Engineering / Subcategory: Environmental Engineering Decentralized Pyrolytic Conversion of Forest Residue Alexei Barrow – Honorable Mention ISEF Category: Environmental Engineering / Subcategory: Environmental Engineering Decentralized Pyrolytic Conversion of Forest Residue
- Sep 22, 20261h 5m
Building Arizona’s Tech Talent Pipeline: Higher Education’s Role in the Innovation Economy - EP67
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.
- Jun 30, 202652 min
The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off - EP66
The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off Guests: Jonathan Roll - Program Manager, Biz Dev, & Research Analyst ASU NewSpace (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanproll/ https://newspace.asu.edu/ Toni Drummond - Founder & Managing Director, Future Flight Global; Partner Prestige Air Group (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee) https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-drummond-baa1987/ https://prestigeairgroup.com/ https://ffg.aero/ Dan Geraci - President & CEO - CIT - Critical Infrastructure Technologies; Chairman of the Board of Directors The Planetary Society (also the 2026 AAS master of ceremonies) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-geraci/ 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
- May 4, 202652h 3m
Bending Light, Shaping the Future: Inside Arizona's Optics Ecosystem - EP65
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
- Mar 30, 202652 min
Execution Matters: Aligning Teams to Drive Real Growth - EP64
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. Mark Sutter, ISA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklsutter/ Jamie Munoz, Catalyst Integrators https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/ https://www.catalystintegrators.com/ Mark Yeager, Yeager Marketing https://www.linkedin.com/in/markryeager/ https://yeagermarketing.com/ 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
- Jan 29, 202654 min
From Desert to Digital: Arizona’s Data Center Story
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.
- Dec 16, 202557 min
Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute
Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute Guests: Yvonnda Shelton, Workforce Development Specialist, SciTech Institute David Felix, Senior Representative, SRP & SciTech Institute Board Member Guest/co-host: Steve Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council & SciTech Institute 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/ 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
- Oct 27, 202558 min
Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona's STEM Legacy EP61
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
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About AZ TechCast
Welcome to AZ TechCast, brought to you by the Arizona Technology Council and sponsored by PADT. With your Hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and Beyond. We invite leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across Arizona. From innovative startups to regional news, companies, and emerging technologies, AZ TechCast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
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