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