3 Named to AZTC Board

Directors bring backgrounds in academia and law

by Don Rodriguez

Paul Lambertson, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University; Charles B. Chadwell, dean of the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering at Northern Arizona University; and Heather Buchta, partner and chair of the IT and Tech Transactions Team at Quarles & Brady, were elected unanimously recently to serve three-year terms on the Arizona Technology … [More]

STEM for All

Kits Expand Access to Hands-On Learning across State

by Don Rodriguez

Access to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) has been uneven for many students across Arizona, particularly in rural and historically underserved communities. But a solution is now available through a program launched by SciTech Institute, a collaborative initiative of the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority. STEM for … [More]

A Place to Call Home

Explosive growth of data triggers need for more Arizona-based centers

by Don Rodriguez

Arizona is playing a growing role in a global challenge: managing the enormous amount of data created every day. From smart devices to virtual meetings to online shopping, data is now at the heart of how businesses operate, as well as how people live and work. Behind all of it are data centers that store, process and move digital information around the clock. Several powerful … [More]

Powering Innovation

Council makes case for solar and battery systems to meet energy needs

by Don Rodriguez

It’s a straightforward equation: more businesses + more people = higher energy demand. This is what Arizona faces in communities both large and small across the state. And about the only thing to change in the calculation will be a multiplier that increases as the years pass and the commercial and resident populations grow. The Arizona Technology Council has embraced the … [More]

President’s Message

by Steven G. Zylstra

Call it taking the quantum lead. I’m referring to Arizona’s advancements in quantum computing. What’s that? To help, here’s a short course: Pretend your computer is a light switch. It’s either on or off. In computer speak, it uses bits that are either 0 or 1 to process information. By comparison, quantum computers are like switches featuring both dimmers for lights and … [More]

August 2025 President’s Message

by Steven G. Zylstra

Call it The 21st Century Renaissance. And Arizona is a key player in this phenomenon. Yes, we have an arts and culture scene that is growing beyond what many of us would have imagined not that long ago. But I’m also referring to the wave of innovation found in our technology and science sectors. Not a day goes by when there isn’t news involving fields such as … [More]

Taking an Early Lead

Chief Science Officers guide others even before careers begin

by Don Rodriguez

Facilitator Alexis Kelley leads an exercise that includes Anaíz Daniels (foreground). For many young people, considering whether to attend college is as big as the decision-making usually gets. And they often do it alone. But for a group of youths no older than 18, they upped the ante by leading discussions that ultimately could impact the entire state. More … [More]

A Living Document

Blog offers glimpse of Arizona tech ecosystem’s constant evolution

by Don Rodriguez

Few would dispute that technology is constantly evolving. Capturing the changes would be a daunting task for any historian trying to keep track of developments in order to relay the highlights to others. But people interested in the progress of Arizona’s tech scene have it a little easier. They have been keeping tabs on what’s new since spring 2018 by clicking on the blog … [More]

Government Relations Is Specialty of Latest Addition to Staff

by Don Rodriguez

Cepand Alizadeh has joined the staff of the Arizona Technology Council as its first government relations specialist to help ensure the state’s energy ecosystem remains innovative, sustainable and responsive to the increasing demands of residents and businesses. Alizadeh is responsible for connecting with policymakers, community leaders and industry stakeholders to advance … [More]

New Council Board Members Add to Mix of Expertise

by Don Rodriguez

The two newest members of the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors bring expertise in global payment networks and technology, as well as information technology talent development. Cheryl Eckardt, vice president of Global Network Service Technology at American Express, and Craig Jackman, founder and president of Paragon IT Professionals, were unanimously elected to … [More]