Field service fleet managers face many complex challenges. From managing fuel costs to monitoring driver behavior for safety and compliance, they need the help of holistic fleet management software. However, technology alone isn’t enough. Fleets require more than just a vendor — they need a technology partner invested in their long-term success. The integration of advanced … [More]
Down but Not Out: Intel’s Arizona Fabs Remain Central to Its Global Strategy
Intel, a key player in the global semiconductor industry and an anchor for Arizona's tech economy, is at a critical juncture. Despite financial challenges and significant layoffs announced earlier this year, Intel's future remains tied to the success of its Arizona operations, particularly its massive investments in Chandler. These new fabs, built as part of a larger strategy … [More]
New Legislation Clears Path for Arizona’s Expanding Chip Industry
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan Building Chips in America Act — a critical piece of legislation aimed at cutting the bureaucratic red tape that slows down the construction of semiconductor factories in the U.S. while proclaiming to maintain the bedrock protections for clean air and clean water — was signed into law by President Biden on October 2nd. The enactment of … [More]
ASU’s SWAP Hub Projects Secure $30 Million in Federal Funding
The Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, based at Arizona State University and comprised of more than 170 members — 75 large companies, 28 academic institutions and more than 60 small businesses — has been awarded nearly $30 million in federal funding for five projects aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Hubs such as this serve as a crucial link between … [More]
Venture Madness Introduces 2024 Board of Directors
Organization also appoints Tom Fulcher to board chair and promotes Karen Katzorke to president and CEO
Venture Madness unveiled recent changes to its Board of Directors for 2024 including the appointment of Tom Fulcher as Board Chair and Karen Katzorke as President & CEO. Fulcher also serves as President and CEO of The Idea Gardener LLC and has over 30 years of management experience with startups, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. He is an angel … [More]
Avnet Names New Chief Digital Officer to Drive Distributor’s Digital Strategy
Avnet has hired Dave Youngblood as Chief Digital Officer, effective October 21, 2024. In this newly created role, Mr. Youngblood will lead and further enable Avnet’s enterprise-wide digital platform and eCommerce approach. Reporting to Chief Executive Officer, Phil Gallagher, he will also be joining Avnet’s executive leadership team. Avnet’s digital strategy focuses on … [More]
Republic Services Launches Tool to Help Businesses Improve Sustainable Practices
Circularity, the concept of maintaining the value and use of materials as long as possible to minimize waste and resource consumption, is critical for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and achieve sustainability goals. Republic Services, Inc., a leader in the environmental services industry, today launched the Circularity Index, a no-cost online tool to help … [More]
Community Tech Hub Launches Foundation to Expand Accessibility to STEM Education
GenTech, a community tech hub that provides personal tech support and STEM education programming, has launched the GenTech Foundation to bring its KidsTech program to more Valley schools, bridging the STEM education divide among students and allowing more kids the opportunity to explore their interest in technology. As part of its launch, the foundation has partnered with the … [More]
Data Center Vacancy Falls to 3% in the Americas, Phoenix Still Holds Third Largest Market Status
Cushman & Wakefield, the global real estate services firm, has released its latest research report on data center markets, showing that power and component lead times continue to slow delivery of new supply. The vacancy rate in the Americas has fallen to 3%, with over 80% of deliveries pre-leased in major markets, pushing lease rates higher. Phoenix comes in at the third … [More]
SWAP Hub Team Awarded CHIPS Act Funded Project to Converter for Advanced Radar Systems
The Deptartment of Defense has announced that the Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub based at Arizona State University has been awarded $5M in funding by the CHIPS and Science Act for a Multi-MHz, High Density, Ultra-fast RADAR Power Convert project that will advance radar power systems in critical defense applications. Researchers at the SWAP Hub are developing a … [More]
Intel’s Challenge: Layoffs amid Semiconductor Expansion
Intel Corp., a major player in Arizona’s semiconductor industry, recently announced plans to cut 15% of its global workforce, roughly 15,000 jobs. This decision comes as the company grapples with financial challenges, including a $1.6 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024. The cuts are part of a broader restructuring aimed at saving $10 billion by 2025. What does this … [More]
Hyperion Technologies Looks to Make Peoria Home
The latest company to invest in Arizona's growing semiconductor industry is Hyperion Technologies, a leader in manufacturing high-density interconnect IC substrates (HDI-IC substrates). Although Hyperion may not yet be a household name, its recent announcement to build a 600,000-square-foot facility in Peoria aims to fill a crucial gap in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and … [More]
Arizona’s Semiconductor Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns
Scrutiny on balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship
As Arizona’s semiconductor industry grows, so do environmental concerns. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel, two of the largest chip manufacturers in the state, are both building massive facilities as part of the U.S. government’s CHIPS and Science Act initiative. However, a coalition of environmental and labor groups known as CHIPS Communities United is urging … [More]
AI – Approach with Caution
AI adoption is happening with or without the acknowledgment or approval of company leadership. According to a recent Microsoft report, “Use of generative AI has nearly doubled in the last six months, with 75% of global knowledge workers using it.” The same report states that “78% of AI users are bringing their own AI tools to work (BYOAI).” AI consultants can help leaders and … [More]
Brainiest Offers User-Friendly Marketing AI for SMBs
Scottsdale-based Brainiest, a cutting-edge all-in-one marketing communications AI platform, recently launched a dynamic conversation-based interface generating actionable marketing plans and content ideas. Astro Brainstorming is designed to act as a personal marketing assistant for small and mid-sized businesses. "Many businesses find AI tools overwhelming and struggle to … [More]