AZ TechCast

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.

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   

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   

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   

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.