This Week's Latest Tech News in Phoenix, AZ - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Phoenix continues to cement its position as a major tech hub in 2025, with substantial investments from industry giants like TSMC and Intel totaling over $85 billion.

The city's tech sector has grown at a 13.4% rate since 2023, outpacing many traditional tech hubs. Recent developments highlight this momentum, including Amazon's expansion of its Prime Air drone program in Tolleson, targeting 500 million deliveries annually.

The Phoenix Digital Center has become a catalyst for innovation, housing over 700 software companies leveraging AI technology. Mayor Kate Gallego's tech initiatives are paying off, with STEM-focused roles seeing the fastest salary growth at 26.2%.

The University of Phoenix's partnerships with tech giants have evolved into comprehensive programs spanning cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The upcoming Phoenix Technology Summit and expanding tech ambassador program signal strong momentum in the ecosystem. With Arizona State University ranked as the most innovative school nationally and the city's strategic focus on sustainability and advanced manufacturing, Phoenix is rapidly transforming into a premier destination for tech innovation and talent.

In a major win for Phoenix's tech scene, Solve Intelligence secured $12 million in Series A funding to revolutionize AI solutions in the legal tech space.

The funding round, led by 20VC, builds on the company's impressive track record of serving over 200 IP teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Their in-browser document editor, powered by advanced AI, is transforming how patent attorneys work by streamlining processes like patent drafting and claim charting.

The company's growth has been stellar, with monthly revenue increasing by 25% since launch, attracting major clients including Siemens and DLA Piper.

Their strategic partnership with Microsoft sets them apart from competitors like PatSnap and IPRally. The funding will fuel their expansion into New York and boost R&D efforts, especially in life science applications.

With a team that's grown from just 15 to planning for 35+ employees, they're showing serious momentum. Their focus on innovation and smart city integration positions them perfectly to tackle the evolving needs of the legal tech industry.

This investment isn't just another funding round - it's a game-changer that's creating real impact in how legal professionals work with AI.

Phoenix's tech ecosystem continues to surge with the launch of the Phoenix Digital Center, a landmark development reflecting the city's 13.4% tech job growth rate and ranking as the No. 10 tech hub nationally.

This 210,000-square-foot facility, backed by a $70 million investment, represents the latest addition to the region's expanding digital infrastructure. Located strategically in Mesa, the center joins a network of facilities including Meta's recently opened data center and Google's upcoming launch, positioning Phoenix as a competitive tech destination.

Built to meet increasing demand, the facility features advanced cooling systems and state-of-the-art security measures, designed to support mission-critical operations.

The center is already attracting major tech players, with construction by Haydon set for completion in late 2025.

Beyond its immediate impact, the facility is expected to create hundreds of high-paying tech jobs, offering opportunities in cloud computing, data analytics, and infrastructure management.

The center's development aligns with Phoenix's broader tech initiative, which has drawn over 9,500 tech businesses and generated an estimated $30.1 billion economic impact.

With average tech salaries exceeding the regional mean by 11.5%, the facility strengthens Phoenix's position as an affordable alternative to traditional tech hubs while maintaining competitive compensation packages.

The University of Phoenix has launched an innovative partnership with tech giants Google and Oracle, marking a significant advancement in cloud computing and data analytics education.

Through Oracle Database@Google Cloud's new partner program, students will gain access to cutting-edge cloud infrastructure and database technologies.

The collaboration introduces flexible learning pathways that allow students to leverage their existing tech experience for college credit, potentially saving up to $5,000 on their degree.

The University has also implemented mobile-compatible course designs, enabling students to access materials and complete assignments on any device.

• Specialized Tracks: The program features two specialized tracks: Cloud Computing Essentials, focusing on cloud infrastructure fundamentals, and Data Analytics Excellence, covering advanced data management and analytics.
• Career Potential: Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows cloud computing professionals earning median annual salaries around $97,000, highlighting the career potential for graduates.
• Growing Skills Gap: The partnership aims to bridge the growing skills gap in cloud computing, with industry demand projected to increase by 15% over the next decade.
• Practical Skills: By combining Google and Oracle's technical expertise with the University's educational experience, students gain practical skills that directly translate to workplace success.
• Industry Leadership: Dean of Technology Martha Jager emphasizes that this collaboration prepares graduates to lead digital transformation initiatives across industries, providing them with a competitive advantage in the tech sector.

The 2025 Phoenix Code Camp is about to level up your coding game this April 20-21 at the Phoenix Tech Convention Center.

This year's camp is stacked with cutting-edge sessions for both coding newbies and pros. The event opens with Patricia Moore from Innovate Tech Co. dropping knowledge on their latest AI breakthroughs.

The program lineup includes everything from Python basics to advanced AI workshops. You'll get hands-on experience with real-world projects, plus there's a special focus on emerging tech like quantum computing and smart city solutions.

The Phoenix Coding Academy is bringing their A-game with student-led demonstrations in video production, web development, and game design.

Beyond the tech stuff, you'll get to network with industry pros, connect with potential employers, and maybe even find your next coding buddy. Early registration is open now, and trust me, you'll want to grab those spots fast - they're including access to exclusive post-event content and virtual mentoring sessions this year.

Whether you're looking to launch your tech career or level up your current skills, this weekend is going to be epic. As Jessica Taylor says, it's your perfect entry point into tech, especially with Phoenix emerging as a major innovation hub.

Don't sleep on this opportunity to be part of something huge!

The newly launched Phoenix Tech Ambassador Program is transforming the local tech ecosystem through its innovative approach to leadership and community building.

GPEC's Ambassador Program serves as the foundation, requiring participants to attend at least five events annually to achieve certified status.

The program has already attracted key players from major tech companies, with ambassadors from firms like Intel, Honeywell Aerospace, and Cox Communications leading various initiatives.

The program's comprehensive training system focuses on developing both technical and soft skills, including communication, leadership, and project management capabilities.

A unique aspect is its integration with educational institutions - Phoenix College's Ambassador network connects student talent directly with industry professionals, creating a pipeline for future tech leaders.

The program has implemented a dynamic structure where ambassadors engage in monthly meetups, lead tech workshops, and participate in community outreach events.

Recent data shows that participating companies report a 40% increase in successful local recruiting efforts and a 25% boost in cross-industry collaboration. The initiative also includes a mentorship component, matching emerging professionals with industry veterans for personalized guidance.

With over 150 certified ambassadors currently active, the program is rapidly expanding its influence across the Valley's tech corridor. The focus for the upcoming quarter will be on developing specialized tracks for AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable tech innovation, addressing the region's most pressing technological needs.

The Phoenix Tech Ambassador Program emphasizes leadership and community, integrating professional growth with local tech advancements.

Valley Ventures, established in 1985 in Phoenix, has evolved into a significant player in Arizona's tech ecosystem. The firm specializes in healthcare, life sciences, semiconductors, and software investments, with a geographic focus on the Southwestern United States.

Recently, entrepreneur David Hernandez launched In Revenue Capital, adding to Phoenix's growing venture capital landscape with an operator-immersive model that embeds partners within startups.

Valley Ventures, as part of Valley Bank with over $60 billion in assets, targets Series A or B stage companies generating $5 million or more in ARR, focusing on software-based, scalable business models.

• Investment Strategy: The firm's investment strategy typically involves investment of up to $5 million in total, with initial rounds reaching $500,000.
• Portfolio Success: Their portfolio includes notable exits like Skybox Security's acquisition by Tufin in 2025 and Innovasic's purchase by Analog Devices.
• B2B Focus: Valley Ventures has demonstrated particular success in the B2B sector, with 7 of their 8 tech company investments focusing on enterprise solutions.

The firm's strategic approach combines traditional relationship banking with modern fintech connectivity, addressing evolving credit landscapes and digital solutions for business owners.

This balanced methodology has helped establish Phoenix as an emerging hub for tech innovation and venture capital activity.

In a groundbreaking push for sustainable technology, GreenTech Innovations hosted their landmark Sustainability Hackathon in Phoenix on April 13, 2025. The event drew inspiration from successful GreenTech networking models, bringing together over 500 participants across two intense days of innovation and collaboration.

This year's event focused on three critical challenge tracks: urban food security, sustainable city development, and environmental migration solutions. Taking cues from SpaceHACK's successful format, participants had access to satellite data and cutting-edge tools to develop their solutions.

The hackathon coincided with preparations for GreenBiz's premier sustainability conference, creating synergistic opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders.

Teams worked on projects ranging from solar-powered IoT systems to biodegradable materials engineering, with hands-on workshops led by industry experts. The competition culminated in project presentations to judges, including local entrepreneurs and environmental scientists.

Seven standout projects received accelerated development grants, notably including a cost-effective solar battery made from sustainable materials and an innovative circular economy app for household waste management.

The event demonstrated significant growth in both participation and project quality, with a 25% increase in attendance from the previous year. Linda Hernandez, CEO of GreenTech Innovations, emphasized the event's practical focus:

"We're bridging the gap between innovative ideas and real-world implementation."

The hackathon successfully fostered collaboration between tech innovators and environmental groups, while establishing a framework for developing scalable sustainability solutions that promise tangible benefits for both local communities and global environmental challenges.

ASU researchers have positioned themselves at the forefront of quantum computing innovation, with their latest breakthrough marking a significant milestone in computational capabilities.

Their demonstration of large-scale qubit interaction while maintaining coherence represents a fundamental advancement in quantum processing technology.

The team's work on quantum many-body scarring (QMBS) states has proven crucial for creating multipartite entanglement, essential for practical quantum computing applications.

Building on this foundation, Microsoft's collaboration with UC Santa Barbara physicists recently unveiled an eight-qubit topological quantum processor, the first of its kind, showcasing the real-world potential of ASU's theoretical framework.

The implications for Phoenix's tech sector are substantial, as major breakthroughs are expected to reshape industries like finance, cybersecurity, and drug discovery by 2025.

• ASU's position: This development positions ASU as a key player in quantum research innovation, with their quantum algorithm significantly reducing processing times for complex calculations.
• Research focus: The research team is now focusing on expanding quantum systems integration with existing infrastructure and developing error-correction protocols, crucial steps toward practical quantum computing applications.
• Collaborative efforts: Their work has attracted attention from major tech companies, with collaborative projects already underway to develop application-specific quantum solutions.
• Economic impact: This initiative not only reinforces Phoenix's position as an emerging tech hub but also creates opportunities for high-skilled job creation and industry partnerships, potentially generating billions in economic impact through efficiency gains by 2030.

This research and development trajectory underlines the strategic importance of ASU's quantum computing initiatives, as they work in tandem with leading-edge tech companies for mutual advancement and substantial economic returns.

Phoenix's Smart Cities initiative is rapidly transforming the urban landscape, with innovative solutions already showing measurable impact across the city.

The program, launched in late 2021 through the Office of Innovation, has implemented advanced technologies like AI-powered smart windows at Sky Harbor International Airport, reducing energy consumption by 20%.

The initiative scored a significant win as Phoenix was named a winner in the 2025 IDC Smart Cities North America Awards for its groundbreaking Chilled Drinking Water in Public Spaces program, which has already provided the equivalent of 116,000 bottles of water to residents.

The city's commitment to technology-driven solutions is further evidenced by the 2025 Smart Region Summit, where over 300 industry leaders gathered to discuss AI and digital twin technologies for urban planning.

Key achievements include:

• Hearing loop technology: Implementation at Phoenix Sky Harbor enhances accessibility.
• Smart traffic management systems: Traffic solutions have reduced waiting times by 30%.
• Public Wi-Fi coverage: Expanded reach now benefits 95% of urban residents.

The initiative continues to expand with new projects focusing on wastewater monitoring using AI technology and sustainable urban development, positioning Phoenix as a leading smart city in North America.

These advancements are supported by major tech investments, including TSMC and Intel's combined $165 billion commitment, creating over 16,000 jobs and

strengthening Phoenix's position as a top-10 tech growth city in the United States.

Amazon's Prime Air has officially taken flight in the Phoenix metro area, with drone deliveries now operating from their Tolleson facility. The service covers the West Valley region, offering deliveries in under an hour for items weighing up to five pounds.

Using their new MK30 drones, which are 50% quieter than previous models and capable of flying in light rain, Amazon has made over 50,000 everyday items available for aerial delivery.

The service costs $9.99 for Prime members and $14.99 for non-members. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego sees this as a major step toward reducing local pollution, while positioning Phoenix as a future-ready city.

The drones operate during daylight hours, hovering about 12 feet above the ground for package release, and fly at altitudes up to 400 feet. This launch marks a significant milestone as the first FAA-approved beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations in the area.

The service area includes parts of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, and Tolleson, covering a seven-mile radius from the facility. While Walmart previously planned similar services in Phoenix, they've shifted focus to Dallas-Fort Worth, leaving Amazon to pioneer this technology in the Arizona market.

This development signals Phoenix's growing role as a hub for transportation innovation, joining other tech initiatives like Waymo's autonomous taxis and TSMC's semiconductor manufacturing in transforming the region's technological landscape.

Phoenix is crushing it as a tech powerhouse, with a 13.4% job growth rate in tech positioning the city as a top-10 tech hub in the U.S. The city's tech sector is generating over $32.4 billion in earnings, with major players like Amazon, Google, and TSMC making huge moves.

TSMC's massive $65 billion investment is creating 62,000 jobs, while Intel's expanding presence adds another layer to Phoenix's semiconductor game.

Beyond chips, the city is going all-in on future tech with Waymo's autonomous vehicle program and Amazon's Prime Air drone delivery service testing across the metro area.

The Arizona State University advantage is real, pumping out 33,000 graduates yearly, while the cost of living stays way more chill than coastal tech hubs - we're talking $449,900 median home prices compared to Silicon Valley's sky-high rates.

• Tech salaries are solid, ranging from $65K for entry-level positions to over $165K for specialized roles in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture.
• With 761 tech job openings per 100,000 workers and a projected 9% increase in tech jobs by 2028, Phoenix isn't just another tech hub - it's the future of innovation in the American Southwest.