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

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

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 on November 12th, 2025:

Learn more about the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) here.

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel.

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

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid growth.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, your hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller are joined by Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas; Martijn Pierik, Sr. Vice President & Partner at Kiterocket; and Vic Narusis, Executive Vice President of Industry Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Together, they’ll discuss with our hosts why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment, what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversations at this year’s show.

Here are links to the organizations and events mentioned in this episode:

• SEMICON West: www.semiconwest.org
• SEMI: www.semi.org
• Kiterocket: www.kiterocket.com
• Arizona Commerce Authority: www.azcommerce.com

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil

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

The following is a ten-point summary from MS Copilot of the episode:

Here’s a 10-bullet summary of AZ TechCast Episode 60: "The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona": [www.aztech...ouncil.org]

1. Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, driven by major investments and strategic positioning.

2. Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the first time in October 2025, marking a significant shift from its traditional location in Silicon Valley.

3. SEMICON West is the largest semiconductor event in North America, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

4. Guests include Joe Stockunas (SEMI Americas), Martijn Pierik (Kiterocket), and Vic Narusis (Arizona Commerce Authority), who discuss Arizona’s growing role in the industry.

5. Arizona’s appeal lies in its business-friendly climate, infrastructure, and talent pipeline, making it a magnet for semiconductor companies.

6. Workforce development is a key theme, with emphasis on building a skilled labor force to support the industry’s rapid expansion.

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability are highlighted as critical areas shaping the future of semiconductor innovation.

8. Supply chain resilience is another major topic, especially in light of recent global disruptions and the need for domestic manufacturing.

9. The move of SEMICON West to Phoenix symbolizes Arizona’s rise as a tech hub, reinforcing its national and global relevance.

10. PADT, Inc. and the Arizona Technology Council continue to support innovation and growth, helping connect industry leaders and promote Arizona’s tech ecosystem.