AZ TechCast

Bending Light, Shaping the Future: Inside Arizona's Optics Ecosystem - EP65

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/ [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]    Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:   https://www.aztechcouncil.org [https://www.aztechcouncil.org]     Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:   https://www.padtinc.com [https://www.padtinc.com]

Execution Matters: Aligning Teams to Drive Real Growth - EP64

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklsutter/] Jamie Munoz, Catalyst Integrators * https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/] * https://www.catalystintegrators.com/ [https://www.catalystintegrators.com/]  Mark Yeager, Yeager Marketing * https://www.linkedin.com/in/markryeager/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markryeager/]  * https://yeagermarketing.com/ [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: * https://www.aztechcouncil.org [https://www.aztechcouncil.org]     Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: * https://www.padtinc.com [https://www.padtinc.com]

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.

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 [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

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 [https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2025-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/] on November 12th, 2025: Learn more about the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) here [https://www.acesa.org/].  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: www.aztechcouncil.org [https://www.aztechcouncil.org]  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com [https://www.padtinc.com]