2024 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Program

NOVEMBER 13 | CHATEAU LUXE

PROGRAM 5:00-5:45PM Check-in + Networking 5:45PM Ballroom Opens for Dinner 6:15PM Opening WELCOME Carey Peña, Founder + CEO, Inspired Media 360 OPENING REMARKS Steven G. Zylstra, President + CEO, Arizona Technology Council Alex Iuorio, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Avnet, Board Chair, Arizona Technology Council Sandra Watson, President + CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority GOVERNOR’S WELCOME Governor Katie Hobbs

PROGRAM CONTINUED AWARDS CEREMONY INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Intel Tech Ten Outstanding Tech Representative of the Year Outstanding Tech Senator of the Year AccountabilIT People’s Choice Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Honeywell Future Innovators of the Year Award Presentation American Express Educator of the Year Award Presentation COMPANY AWARDS Benchmark Innovator of the Year – Academia Innovator of the Year – Large Company BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona Innovator of the Year – Start-Up Company Innovator of the Year – Small Company MSS Transformation Leadership Award Judges Award CLOSING REMARKS Steven G. Zylstra 8:00-8:30PM Networking

PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS 8:00PM

ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies.

Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To learn more, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org or follow AZTC on X @aztechcouncil.

PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS 8:00PM

ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X at @azcommerce.

STATE OF INNOVATION Congratulations to Arizona Technology Council’s 2024 Annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation winners and finalists! The Arizona Commerce Authority is proud to support this event and recognize the achievements of the state’s future-forward organizations and companies. Arizona’s vibrant tech ecosystem contributes significantly to the state’s strong economy. Thank you to the outstanding leaders working to develop solutions that make Arizona and the world a better place.

Learn more at azcommerce.com

Carey Peña is an Emmy award–winning journalist, television personality, and podcast host.

A natural born storyteller and innate advocate, Peña is determined to create content & connection. It’s why the award-winning journalist and public figure founded Inspired Media 360, a causedriven media and content firm dedicated to informing, advocating, empowering and inspiring.

In 2022, after witnessing the toll the pandemic took on everyone, Peña co-founded Arizona’s Center for Positive Media. Using her talents to identify and amplify stories of impact and paths to healing, she created shows like YouTube’s “Good Morning Sunshine” and “The Next Chapter” podcast.

A believer in paying it forward and giving back, she continues to emcee for the many charities and causes she champions in Arizona and across the United States.

With an expansive social media following, it's more than the numbers for Peña. It’s about making authentic connections with her audience, and sharing meaningful content with the community to help improve lives - one story at a time.

MENU Pan Seared Rosemary Chicken Melon and Prosciutto Salad, Wisconsin Bleu Cheese, Fresh Baby Basil, Fig Balsamic Drizzle Decadent Chocolate Cake | Seasonal Fruit Galette

TECH 10 AND LEGISLATIVE WINNERS OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY SENATOR OF THE YEAR Sen. David Gowan, District 19 Gowan has proved to be a champion of the business community during his tenure as a legislator. He has always been an advocate of a balanced budget complete with the incentives needed to attract and retain both businesses and their needed workforce. He has been instrumental in extending key economic development tools essential to the growth of the technology industry and supports lowering the tax burden on businesses and reducing red tape that companies may face.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR Rep. David Livingston, District 28 Livingston has been a long-time supporter of the technology agenda and has worked to reduce regulations during his tenure in the Legislature. He also championed the continuation of the Arizona Commerce Authority to ensure Arizona can compete with other states to attract companies with high-paying jobs. He understands the importance of programs that incentivize the behaviors to not only grow, attract and retain business but also increase the funds in the state’s coffers to pay for other key priorities, which is important to him in his role as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

TECH 10 AND LEGISLATIVE WINNERS TECH 10 LEGISLATORS SENATORS Sen. Ken Bennett, District 1 Bennett has proved to be a considerate and pragmatic legislator. He chairs the Education Committee and has shown that he prioritizes Arizona’s youth being prepared for the workforce. He has sponsored legislation for the Council, including SB1183 to support STEM workforce development program appropriations.

Sen. Priya Sundareshan, District 18 Sundareshan is running for reelection to make Arizona a leader in renewable energy, balance water resources through conservation and efficiency, and fully fund public schools. During her first term, she has proved to be a staunch defender of voting rights, as well as an advocate of renewable energy and smart water policy. With an engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and law and natural resources economics degrees from The University of Arizona, she approaches issues with a science-based decision-making style.

Sen. Brian Fernandez, District 23 Fernandez is a proven champion of his district who is running for reelection to ensure everyone in his rural community can achieve the American Dream. Having a technology background as a software developer, he understands his industry is essential to Arizona’s healthy and thriving economy. He is supportive of more

TECH 10 AND LEGISLATIVE WINNERS funding for STEM education and community colleges as they offer pathways to address the access to talent that Arizona’s innovative companies need to be successful. He fights to invest in safe, reliable infrastructure; sustainable water; and renewable energy for all Arizonans.

Sen. Flavio Bravo, District 26 Bravo has focused his career on assisting immigrants, particularly DACA students, and is running for reelection to continue to advocate his community. He understands the housing and economic policy challenges the state is facing. He is very supportive of STEM education and increasing the availability of affordable housing so quality teachers are encouraged to stay in Arizona. He also supports finding policy solutions to grow workforce opportunities in technology by providing students with afterschool opportunities and companies the necessary workforce to help Arizona’s economy prosper. He has supported programs with proven economic results.

Sen. Frank Carroll, District 28 Carroll takes an innovative approach to crafting legislation and has sponsored measures to address workforce development issues in Arizona. He shows a real understanding of the technology community and its impact on economic development. He takes his time to look at the entire picture before making any decision and has been supportive of the technology agenda. Ensuring Arizona’s infrastructure needs are being met has been a top priority as he has advocated key investments and a long-term strategic plan to address Arizona’s growth and transportation needs.

TECH 10 AND LEGISLATIVE WINNERS REPRESENTATIVES Rep. Justin Wilmeth, District 2 Wilmeth, the House Commerce chairman, has proved to be a pro-business, protechnology conservative. He has advocated and supported policies that ensure Arizona advances innovation and supports the expansion of companies in Arizona.

He is a strong advocate of trade and has led efforts to secure funding for Arizona’s trade offices with key partners, ensuring the continued flow of international commerce through the state.

Rep. David Marshall Sr., District 7 Marshall has been in the House for one term and shown himself to be a thoughtful legislator. He is a conservative member who fights for legislation that gives his constituents more economic development opportunities and ensures that the youth are prepared for available high-quality, high-paying jobs. Marshall sponsored legislation for the Council that would have created a statewide STEM ecosystem that focused on bringing funding to rural Arizona to support government, businesses, constituents and communities for more STEM-focused opportunities, which in turn would bring more high-paying opportunities into his district.

TECH 10 AND LEGISLATIVE WINNERS Rep. Seth Blattman, District 9 Blattman is a small business owner who understands the importance of sustainable economic growth and a stable business environment that allows companies to thrive. He believes in the need to enhance the quality of public education Arizonans receive, ensure all students have access to educational opportunities, and implement infrastructure that can support the growing technology industry. His background in running his family’s manufacturing business helps him understand the importance of programs that propel innovation if done fairly and equitably.

Rep. Alma Hernandez, District 20 Hernandez has been a champion of the priorities of the technology industry during her time at the Legislature. She is a pragmatic legislator who has proved she works tirelessly to accomplish her legislative priorities, which include antisemitism, health care, education and economic development. She has successfully sponsored several pieces of legislation that benefit her community. She also has supported policies that result in collaborations between companies and educational institutions, and prioritize investment in infrastructure and policies that increase commerce and provide high-quality jobs.

Rep. Michael Carbone, District 25 Carbone quickly proved to be a rising star in the Legislature during his first term as he has been a strong advocate of the technology and business communities while ensuring jurisdictions have the tools necessary to attract and retain businesses to their communities. He understands the importance of high-quality, high-paying jobs and ensuring a pipeline of workers is being developed in the state’s education system to meet those workforce needs. He advocates long-term plans to meet Arizona’s infrastructure, transportation and water challenges to keep up with the growth.

2024 FUTURE INNOVATORS OF THE YEAR FUTURE INNOVATORS OF THE YEAR Rishabh Sreepathy, Grade 10, Desert Mountain High School, Scottsdale – FungiBug: Detection of Fungal Infection via A Rapid, Accurate, Handheld, Small Volume Blood Diagnostic Device Aditya Lakshminarasimhan, Grade 11, BASIS Scottsdale – Elucidating Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Host Protein Interactions: Graph Attention Networks (GAT) and Structural Visualization Brad Wu, Grade 10, Arizona College Prep High School, Chandler – A Rigid-Elastic Hybrid Finger Exoskeleton Rehabilitation System (FERS) for Stroke Patients with Motor Impairment Vinesh Kothari, Grade 12, BASIS Mesa – Development and Life Cycle Analysis of a Novel MineTailings Derived Cementitious System for Use in Sustainable, Multifunctional Applications FUTURE INNOVATORS HONORABLE MENTIONS Iraj Shroff, Grade 9, BASIS Chandler – Natural Aqua Purifier: A Novel and Sustainable Water Purification Approach Utilizing Natural Coagulants for Easy Implementation in Rural Regions Sohini Mallick, Grade 12, University High School, Tucson – The Function of p53 in Intestinal Epithelial Wound Healing

2024 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR Michelle Landreville, Paradise Valley High School – CREST, Phoenix TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONORABLE MENTION Pradip Misra, Bagdad High School, Bagdad

2024 AWARD FINALISTS + WINNERS INNOVATION AWARD FINALISTS AND WINNERS Innovator of the Year Small Company Finalists Air2O – Phoenix Nikola Corporation – Phoenix Phantom Space Corporation – Tucson BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona Innovator of the Year - Start-Up Finalists Blackstar Orbital Technology – Sierra Vista iCRx Inc. – Tucson Swift Coat – Phoenix Judges Award Finalists Arizona State University, Arizona STEM Acceleration Project Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Rio Salado College

2024 AWARD FINALISTS + WINNERS People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award Winners Kathleen “KJ” Jolivette, vice president/general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder, Phantom Space Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner Tech Parks Arizona, University of Arizona – Tucson Innovator of the Year Large Company Winner LiveOps – Scottsdale Benchmark Innovator of the Year Academia Winner Valley Fever Center for Excellence – Tucson The MSS Business Transformational Leadership Award Edwards – Chandler

People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award

Jim is the founder of several entrepreneurial startups, including Phantom Space, Vector, StratSpace and Vintage Exotics Competition Engineering and is a Founder and Managing Partner at Wolverine Capital. He is the Author of the book "Breaking All The Rules - The Inside Story Of The New Space Race"and "Two Hours Until Dawn - 25 Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Auto Racing". He was on the founding team at SpaceX where he was the first VP of Business Development, and has held positions at NASA and the French Space Agency. Jim also served early roles with successful startups including Iceye, Skybox Imaging, York Space Systems and PlanetIQ. StratSpace has a long history in pivotal technical, financing and M&A roles in the aerospace industry’s most influential and innovative players until it was acquired in 2020.

Jim’s career also includes assignments at the French Space Agency CNES, the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and has resulted in experience in over 46 satellite flight missions including the Iridium Next space telephone system, the Lightsail solar sail mission and Osiris-Rex which will return asteroid samples to the Earth. Cantrell is a world recognized technical innovator and has received numerous professional awards, is the author of twenty technical papers and has pioneered the concepts of software defined satellites, micro launch vehicles and space situational awareness sensors.

A mechanical engineer by profession, Cantrell also actively participates in road racing and has participated numerous times in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, the 24 Hours of Daytona Classic, SCCA championships in GT-1 and the World Racing League endurance racing championships. He is also a known expert and author on the Maserati automotive marquee.

He currently resides in Tucson with his wife Angela and his many children.

People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathleen ‘KJ’ Jolivette is the vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. In this role, she is responsible for a portfolio of rotorcraft capabilities and aircraft that includes the AH-6 Little Bird, AH-64 Apache, H-47 Chinook, MH-139 Grey Wolf, V-22 Osprey and future vertical lift solutions. Jolivette is responsible for program execution, customer satisfaction and business growth, overseeing operations and a staff of over 9,000 in Arizona and Pennsylvania, while serving and supporting customers in the United States and more than 20 countries.

Following eight years of service in the supply field with the U.S. Army, stationed in both Germany and St. Louis, KJ joined Boeing in 2002 as an intern, and her career has since soared through positions of increasing responsibility within Finance, Global Services, Investor Relations, Supplier Management, International Business Development and Program Management.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Lindenwood University, an executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and is a member of the Army Aviation Association of America, the Association of the United States Army and the Vertical Flight Society.

KJ grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and is a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Throughout her Boeing career, she’s worked to expose more Native American students to professional opportunities, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math by working with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, an organization dedicated to expanding Native American students’ access to careers in STEM, and was named its 2020 Professional of the Year. Jolivette also partners with the Native American Heritage Association and the Boeing Employees Indigenous Network, Women Inspiring Leadership and Veteran Engagement business resource groups.

Recently, KJ was named one as one of the 2024 Most Influential Women in Arizona by Arizona Business Magazine.

AWARDS CRITERIA ED DENISON BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR Presented to an individual who contributes to Arizona’s technology industry through sustained growth of their business or company. Any individual in a leadership position employed by an Arizona-based business, or division of a corporation operating in Arizona may be nominated for this award. Leadership qualities such as entrepreneurship, community involvement and management expertise will be considered. Award is limited to individuals residing in Arizona five years or more.

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: START-UP COMPANY Presented to a company or business unit in a technology industry that has achieved significant business success, and technical innovation or scientific achievement in the past calendar year and meets the following requirements: Must be actively selling or developing a commercially available product or service for less than 24 months.

Must be generating revenue and/or receiving funding.

Must demonstrate technological innovation or innovation involving technology and potential commercial viability.

Company or business unit must be based in Arizona.

Innovation must be developed in Arizona.

Must have a management structure of one or more persons.

Profitability is not a requirement.

AWARDS CRITERIA INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: SMALL COMPANY Presented to a company or business unit in a technology industry that has achieved significant business success (including profitability), and technical innovation or scientific achievement in the past calendar year and meets the following requirements: Must be in operation for 24 months or more Must be generating less than $50 million in annual revenues Company or business unit must be based in Arizona Innovation must be technological in nature or involve technology Innovation must be developed in Arizona Innovation may have been in previous years INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: LARGE COMPANY Presented to a company or business unit in a technology industry (no limit on the duration of the project) that has achieved significant business success (including profitability), and technical innovation or scientific achievement in the past calendar year and meets the following requirements: Must be in operation for 24 months or more.

Must be generating $50 million or more in annual revenues.

Company or business unit must be based in Arizona.

Innovation must be technological in nature or involve technology.

Innovation must be developed in Arizona.

Innovation may have been in previous years.

AWARDS CRITERIA INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR: ACADEMIA Presented to a department or office within an accredited higher education institution that has achieved success through innovation in the past calendar year and meets the following requirements: Each department or office may submit one project for consideration.

Has achieved success through research and development.

Must demonstrate technical innovation or scientific achievement, and potential commercial viability.

Institution must be based in Arizona.

Open to both college students and faculty.

Has contributed to economic development within Arizona through teaching, research or other academic pursuits.

TRANSFORMATION AWARD The MSS Business Transformation Award is presented to an executive or an organization (profit or not-for-profit) that has achieved significant business success driving positive, transformational change in their organization with measurable outcomes in 2021 and meets the following requirements: The organization must be in operation for 3 years or more.

Must be generating $25 million or more in annual revenues.

Company must have its headquarters and/or significant operations in Arizona.

Transformation may have started in previous years and achieved measurable outcomes in 2021.

The leader achieved success by demonstrating the traits and character of a transformational leadership.

THANK YOU The Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority would like to show appreciation to all the people who contributed to the success of this great event. We thank you for your time, your effort and your commitment to Arizona’s technology community. Moreover, a special thanks to all the volunteers: AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona, The University of Arizona Eric Miller, PADT, Inc. Jeff Koenig, Desert Angels ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL STAFF Darryle Emerson, Director, Programs + Events Angelica Espinoza, Bookkeeper Leslie Marquez, Director, Marketing + Communications Karla B. Morales, Vice President, Southern Arizona Regional Office Jamie Neilson, Director of Operations, Southern Arizona Regional Office Don Rodriguez, Editor Ron Schott, Executive Emeritus, Phoenix Diana White, Chief of Staff Victor White, Administrative Assistant Deborah Zack, Vice President, Membership Services Steven G. Zylstra, President + CEO STUDENT/TEACHER JUDGES The Council would like to recognize and thank the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) for their participation in selecting the Future Innovators and Teacher of the Year Award winners and honorable mentions.

THANK YOU MARKETING, PR + GRAPHICS Leslie Marquez, Director, Marketing + Communications Alec Robertson, Brodeur Partners Don Rodriguez, Editor VIDEO PRODUCTION Tammy Schultz, Avnet, Video Services Misty Wilson, Editor, Quantum Leap Productions EVENT PRODUCTION James Coudright and the team at Phoenix Technology Audio Visual

Governor’s Celebration of Innovation 2024 Sponsors

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