AZ TechCast

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.

  1. JAN 29

    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.

    54 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    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

    58 min
  3. Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona's STEM Legacy EP61

    10/27/2025

    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

    59 min

  4. 09/23/2025

    The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona EP60

    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

    56 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    Developing Arizona's Aerospace, Aviation, Space, & Defense Future EP59

    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

    1h 3m

  6. 05/27/2025

    Unlocking Innovation: AI + Machine Learning in Business Applications EP58

    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

    1h 4m

  7. 04/01/2025

    Staying Resilient: How to Protect Your Business from Disruptions EP57

    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

    1h 3m

  8. 02/14/2025

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women for the Future of Work EP56

    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

    55 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Arizona Technology Council
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Arizona Technology Council
  • Show Website
    AZ TechCast