Yesterday was the 5th InnovatePHX Hackathon, where creativity and civic innovation took center stage! Teams of five people– many meeting for the first time that morning – spent the entire day brainstorming, researching, and analyzing how to help residents stay cool while getting around the city whether walking, biking, and/or waiting for public transit in Phoenix’s sweltering summer heat, making our urban landscape safer, cooler, and more connected for all. 🔥 The day culminated in a pitch competition where each team presented their ideas to a panel of judges for a shot at cash prizes and community impact. Huge thanks to our participants, judges, attendees, and the PHX Office of Innovation– for making this event such a success. Together, we’re not just imagining the future. We’re building it. And we can't forget about CleanTech & Sustainability Night: Smart(er) Water: Where Daniel Alvarez and John Hayden explored how technology will transform how we manage, monitor, and conserve water. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJu3IsOy7cz

Please join us in extending a big AZTC welcome to our newest board member, Craig Jackman with Paragon IT Professionals! 🎉 We’re thrilled to add his IT services and workforce solutions expertise to our Board of Directors. Read more about Craig here ➡️ aztechcouncil.org/news-and-press https://www.instagram.com/p/DJuU2LovCCI

Most people avoid accounting like it’s scary. But understanding money means understanding every decision behind a business. @kellyrpope breaks down accounting in a way that actually makes sense, and gives you a real edge in any meeting you’re in. What’s stopping you from owning your numbers? #financialliteracy #accountingtips https://www.instagram.com/p/DJt70_CIozw

Arizona trade is at record levels, with more than 100 foreign direct investment projects since 2023! We’re proud to lead Arizona’s statewide delegation at this year’s #SelectUSASummit in Washington D.C. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrwvu6txuG

“People don’t like being sold to.” But what if great sales isn’t about selling at all? @jeffreygitomer, the King of Sales, shares how understanding what people really want changes everything, in business and in life. This is one module from the Augment MBA, with lessons from founders of YouTube, Shazam, and more. 🚨 Spoiler alert: It’s sales you’ll actually want to try. Check it out. #salestips #businessgrowthtips https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrVQFLIbm4

Join us tomorrow to watch the 5th InnovatePHX Hackathon as contestants pitch to a panel of judges the smart city solutions they hacked earlier in the day. The InnovatePHX Challenge is brought to you in partnership with PHX Office of Innovation. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJprj9CSHHw

You don’t need to be a genius. You just need to start. #entrepreneur101 #businessopportunity #mindset #augment https://www.instagram.com/p/DJovI1ioT-F

Join John Hayden and Dan Alvarez, Ph.D. for the fifth CleanTech & Sustainability Night at Venture Café Phoenix! This session will spotlight the emerging role of technology in transforming how we manage, monitor, and conserve water. From smart infrastructure to precision agriculture and real-time data systems, we’ll explore how innovation is helping us do more with less. Hear from local founders and water experts on what’s working, what’s coming next, and how smarter solutions can scale to meet our region’s urgent water challenges. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJnNyADyioP

This Thursday come watch the 5th InnovatePHX Hackathon as contestants pitch to a panel of judges the smart city solutions they hacked earlier in the day. The InnovatePHX Challenge is brought to you in partnership with the City of Phoenix Office of Innovation. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmx1jmvqqY

NEW: We’re proud to partner with @azsmallbiz to launch the statewide SCALE Program, empowering local entrepreneurs and accelerating Arizona’s small business ecosystem. #Smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #business #Arizona #ASBA #scale #economy https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmiMB7sYEj

Arizona’s momentum is surging! Check out some of the highlights of 2025 so far: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJkJp_3Snco

🌎International Health Technology + Investment Night Highlights! Last night 276 entrepreneurs and innovators gathered for a celebration of global innovation, collaboration, and investment in the health tech space: 🎤 Welcome Address from Sandra Watson, President and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority: Sandra Watson opened the evening with a powerful message on Arizona’s leadership in MedTech and the importance of global collaboration in health innovation. She welcomed a visiting delegation from 16 different countries including 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇬🇧 the UK, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines, and 🇦🇪 the UAE. 🚀 HealthTech Showcase: Fast Pitches from Investors, Resources & Startups: We kicked things off with rapid-fire introductions from international startups, Arizona-based investors, and key ecosystem players. 💰 Fueling MedTech: Investment in Arizona: Investors Chris Yoo, Bob DeLean, and James Goulka revealed why Arizona is becoming a magnet for MedTech capital. The panel gave unfiltered advice to founders who are raising capital. 🛠️ Supporting Strategic Growth: Launchpads & Lifelines: Eric Miller, Rodney Fuller, Kyle Jardine, and Thomas Schumann spotlighted Arizona’s growing ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and growth programs that are helping startups scale with intention and impact. 🧪 Biotech Vendor Showcase: From genome sequencing to drug delivery solutions, Zymo Research Corp, Novogene, Levitas Bio, New England Biolabs, PCI Pharma Services, and Abzena, shared how they’re equipping startups for success. A special thanks to Biotech Vendor Services, Inc. for sponsoring the session, providing the tacos, and bringing together these cutting-edge companies. 🌸 Women Entrepreneur Network: 6 Lessons White Lotus Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs:Through the lens of pop culture and the layered characters of White Lotus, Abbie Hartley Richie offered powerful insights on entrepreneurship, identity, and balance; equal parts fun and empowering. Special thanks to the ACA and the City of Phoenix for sponsoring! https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcg5lMTp1T

As part of Arizona’s @selectusagov spinoff event, the ACA convened bioscience leaders to showcase our thriving industry ecosystem and opportunities for investment and entrepreneurs! Thank you to all who joined us and for sharing your insights. @arizonabioindustryassociation @honorhealthaz @valleywise_az @plugandplaytc @banner_health @govhobbs @cityofphoenixaz @greaterphx #Arizona #Delegation #Business #economicdevelopment #bioscience #innovation #medical #paneldicussion #selectusa #selectusaspinoff #ecosystem https://www.instagram.com/p/DJcOHm8ubZW

📢 We’re proud to join @azcommerce and ARIZONA CYBER THREAT RESPONSE ALLIANCE (ACTRA) to present an incredible speaker lineup for our 12th Annual Cybersecurity Summit NEXT WEEK on May 14 at @gcu. From CISOs and cybersecurity strategists to AI experts and federal agency leaders, this year’s speakers represent the best of Arizona’s tech ecosystem—and beyond. 📍Link in Bio to Register now! Many thanks to our additional sponsors: @dataprise, @10to1pr, Abnormal AI, @arcserve, CyberTrue, @uatedu and @comcastbusiness! #Cybersecurity #AZTechCouncil #CyberAZ #CyberLeaders #TechEventsAZ https://www.instagram.com/p/DJai_vgvrtl

The ACA is proud to kick-off Arizona’s #SelectUSA Spinoff reception welcoming business leaders, dignitaries, and investors from around the world! Tonight’s event featured breakout sessions highlighting Arizona’s premier environment. @venturecafephoenix @cityofphoenixaz #Arizona #SelectUSASpinoff #Phoenix #VentureCafe #Innovation #entrepreneur #Business #Economicdevelopment https://www.instagram.com/p/DJahrgYJLBj

Welcome to Arizona! https://www.instagram.com/p/DJafiirv4Gt

What Arizona's Been Up To Lately

The ACA was honored to host a distinguished delegation from Finland representing mining, microelectronics, and semiconductor industries. Thanks to our partners in Southern Arizona for helping demonstrate Arizona’s incredible opportunities! @uarizona @pima_county @cityoftucson @businessfinlandfi #Tucson #Arizona #Finland #BusinessDelegation #economicdevelopment #Mining #Microelectronics #semiconductor https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZqs1FuOfp

Tonight join us a for a Biotech Vendor Showcase, highlighting 6 companies that are available to support your Biotech startups: Zymo Research Corp Novogene LevitasBio, New England Biolabs PCI Pharma Services and Abzena Special thanks to Biotech Vendor Services, Inc. for sponsoring it! https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZnwMupv5q

Last month, Council President and CEO Steven Zylstra had the honor of meeting with Vietnamese Consul General, Hoang Anh Tuan, as part of the Consul General’s official visit to Arizona. 🤝 The meeting spotlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between Arizona’s robust technology ecosystem and Vietnam’s rapidly growing tech sector. With shared interests in semiconductors, AI and digital transformation, both sides discussed opportunities for companies like Council member and annual sponsor FPT Americas, to partner and grow across global markets. As Arizona continues to attract international investment and shape technology policy, these connections are key to advancing innovation and driving mutual growth. 🔗 Full article here: aztechcouncil.org/news-and-press #ArizonaTech #GlobalInnovation #Semiconductors #DigitalTransformation https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXsJ8FSeZ-

Happy National #SmallBusinessWeek! Arizona is proud to support the entrepreneurs and small business owners who make up the backbone of our economy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXWgdjNW5T

If you're a woman entrepreneur looking to build smarter strategies and lead with greater clarity, join us for the Women Entrepreneur Network on May 8 at Venture Café Phoenix. Abbie Richie will be delivering a thought-provoking session: "6 Lessons White Lotus Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs." Through the lens of leadership, decision-making, and resilience, Abbie will offer lessons that every business owner can apply to strengthen their path forward. Networking begins at 4:30 PM, and the session starts promptly at 5:00 PM. Hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and real-world learning. #WomenEntrepreneurNetwork #LeadershipLessons #VentureCafePhoenix https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXHU3VP5st

Behind every successful startup is a network of support that helps turn bold ideas into scalable ventures. This Thursday, discover the key programs, accelerators, incubators, and funding resources fueling Arizona’s innovation economy. Hear directly from leaders and ecosystem builders Eric Miller, Thomas Schumann, Rodney Fuller, and Kyle Jardine who are providing critical lifelines—from early-stage mentorship to strategic growth support. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this conversation will spotlight the tools and connections that can help your startup thrive in Arizona. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXCX7oPQJi

BATTERY-FOCUSED FUTURE48 WORKFORCE ACCELERATOR IN PINAL COUNTY

“This training center at CAC will be a cornerstone of our efforts preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.” @lgenergysolution @TownofQueencreek @Centralarizonacollege https://www.instagram.com/p/DJW7r6PpBsd