Thursday, April 10, 2025 Dear ITC Members and Newsletter Subscribers,
April is shaping up to be an exciting month at the Idaho Technology Council, and we’re thrilled to share what’s ahead!
First up, we’re counting down the days to The State of Technology: ITC Report & Conference — our signature annual event that brings together Idaho’s tech leaders, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the digital economy and the future of innovation in our state. With a dynamic lineup of keynote and featured speakers, including Kelly Loeffler and Adam Rak, plus expert-led afternoon workshops, this is a can't-miss opportunity to engage in the conversations shaping Idaho’s tech future.
We’re also continuing our Spark Series this month, offering practical, expert-led insights into topics like cybersecurity, AI, and biotech. Held the third Thursday of every month at noon, these online sessions are a great way to keep your knowledge sharp and stay connected to Idaho’s growing innovation network.
Looking for a more casual way to connect? High-Tech Connect is back on the last Tuesday of the month from 5 to 7 PM! Join us for an evening of relaxed networking, sponsored by one of our ITC member organizations, ValorC3. Whether you’re new to tech or a longtime pro, this is the perfect way to expand your network over drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and good conversation.
Thank you for continuing to support Idaho’s tech ecosystem — we look forward to seeing you at one (or all!) of this month’s events.
"We love it when our friends become friends." Warm regards,
Diane Bevan, President & CEO Betsy Davies, Operations Manager |
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Eastern Idaho Tech Expo and
VIP Stakeholder Event a Resounding Success! |
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The 1st Annual Eastern Idaho Tech Expo and VIP Stakeholder Event brought together industry leaders, tech innovators, and economic development partners on March 18-19, 2025, for two days of engaging discussions, networking, and groundbreaking technology showcases. Hosted by the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), the event served as a catalyst for strengthening Eastern Idaho’s tech ecosystem and fostering future growth.
The VIP Stakeholder Event on March 18 set the stage for meaningful dialogue among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Speakers shared insights into Idaho’s tech industry expansion, innovation trends, and economic development strategies.
Some of the highlights included. . .
READ MORE
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ITC Attends Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit
By Betsy Davies // April 9, 2025 |
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A Week of Innovation, Inspiration, and Impact: Microsoft TechSpark Fellows Summit and Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit
From March 24th to 28th, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Seattle area and immerse myself in a week full of learning, connection, and empowerment at two transformative events hosted by Microsoft: The TechSpark Fellows Summit and the Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders’ Summit (GNPLS). The experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Connecting Across the Country: TechSpark Fellows Summit
The TechSpark Fellows Summit, held on Microsoft’s Redmond campus, brought together fellows from across the U.S.—each of us working at the intersection of technology and community impact. It was incredibly powerful to be surrounded by such passionate change makers, all dedicated to driving digital equity, workforce development, and economic opportunity in our respective regions. The agenda was packed with. . . READ MORE |
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INTRODUCING Marci Welshmen, HR Manager, JST Manufacturing DESCRIBE THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION YOU WORK FOR
JST is the expert in wet bench design and manufacturer and go-to international wet process and precision cleaning technology solutions manufacturer in the semiconductor, biomedical, food processing, and other clean industries. Our customers regard us as the company that can solve their difficult manufacturing process problems.
Utilizing an onsite electrical and mechanical engineering staff, and a full plastic and metal fabrication facility, JST can provide both design and fabrication solutions for all of your wet processing processes. With teamwork, integrity, good judgment, innovation, and respect, we are committed to improving our
customer's cleaning and handling challenges with quality, cost-efficient, and safe solutions.
CONNECT WITH MARCI
READ MORE ABOUT JST
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INTRODUCING Melanie Rubocki, Corporate Attorney, Perkins Coie
I am a "seasoned" corporate attorney focused on mergers and acquisitions, startup and emerging growth company matters, private equity and venture capital (including all aspects of debt and securities offerings, financings, and transactions), and corporate governance and fiduciary duty counseling.
With my early-stage clients, I assist them with entity formation and equity financings at all stages and generally endeavor to keep them away from any traps for the unwary. As my clients develop to later stage, I help them steer clear of the legal morass that mires business. I have surrounded myself with a team that loves a good deal whether it is a favorable sell-side exit or a buy-side acquisition for growth and market opportunity.
With my investor clients, I guide them to make prudent decisions based on market conditions, avoiding legal pitfalls. I am passionate about partnering with my clients to grow their footprint and by extension the market. Throughout the life cycle, I advise board members and officers about the legal ramifications of their business decisions.
Since as long as I can remember, I have always loved business, securing a Wharton degree. But I also found my passion in the strategy and analytics that go with the practice of law. I have been fortunate to find a career that has allowed me to blend those interests for the past 25+ years and share that convergence with my clients and firm.
CONNECT WITH MELANIE
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QTex AI is on a mission to simplify the engineering process, making it more efficient and innovative. Their flagship product, PartWise, is an AI-powered conversational search platform that enables electrical engineers to find, compare, and select electronic components swiftly and accurately, streamlining the design process. . .
READ MORE
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UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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We are excited to announce the second panel of
ITC's SPARK SERIES!
This is an educational initiative designed to strengthen Idaho’s tech ecosystem through monthly, expert-led online sessions.
Whether you're a tech professional, entrepreneur, or investor, the Spark Series offers the knowledge and connections needed to navigate and grow within Idaho’s evolving tech landscape. |
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Join us on April 17th, at 12pm MT |
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High-Tech Connect Networking at Valorc3! |
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Join us on April 29th, at 5 pm MT |
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Join us on May 6th, at 11:30am MT |
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This event is a great opportunity and we want to get the COMMUNITY INVOLVED There is no shortage of roles or opportunities to be part of this event. Whether it's becoming: a SPONSOR,
a PANELIST, a company that SHOWCASES their product, or a VOLUNTEER.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED
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Every Tuesday from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST, SOFWERX provides a platform for Industry and Academia to showcase their innovative capabilities.
Participants have the opportunity to present their solutions in 30-minute time slots to USSOCOM and other interested government partners, fostering collaboration and potential partnerships. Don't miss this chance to share your expertise and connect with key decision-makers!
SIGN UP HERE |
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FedTech Startup Studio – Seeking Aspiring and Experienced Entrepreneurs |
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FedTech's Startup Studio connects breakthrough technologies from federal and university labs with driven entrepreneurs ready to bring them to market. Through an immersive, months-long program, participants are guided through the lean startup model while navigating the unique challenges of commercializing federally funded innovations. REGISTRATION INFORMATION HERE |
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Check out our new jobs page for ITC Members!
We would love to work with your recruiter to keep our tech talent in Idaho. |
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The State of Idaho Judicial Branch is hiring a CIO.
**More details and a link to the description is at the bottom of our jobs page.
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China says any TikTok deal has to comply with Chinese law April 9, 2025 Reuters
BEIJING, April 9 (Reuters) - China on Wednesday said that any deal for TikTok had to comply with Chinese law, reiterating an earlier stance when asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's move to extend the deadline for the TikTok sale by 75 days. Trump extended the deadline last week after sources said a deal to spin off the U.S. assets of TikTok was put on hold. China had indicated that it would not approve the deal after Trump's tariffs announcement, they said.
Asked about the deadline extension, China "opposes practices that ignore the laws of the market economy, plunder by force, and damage the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises," a spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry said according to a statement posted on its website. "The specific business arrangements must comply with Chinese law, including. . .
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| Crashing the Boys’ Club: Women Entering Cybersecurity Through Non-Traditional Paths
By John P. Mello Jr. // Mar. 25, 2025 TechNewsWorld
Although many women take the traditional IT route into cybersecurity, a large portion (37%) have entered cyber from non-IT or military positions, according to a survey released Friday by ISC2, the organization that maintains and administers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam. The organization reported that a significantly higher percentage of women than men who participated in the same study have leveraged education, professional development, self-initiated experience opportunities, and apprenticeships to pursue their careers.
The report also noted that 56% of women respondents said their organizations are already changing their hiring requirements to bring in more people from non-cybersecurity backgrounds. “This is illustrative of employer efforts globally to widen the potential cybersecurity talent pool without compromising standards,” the report maintained. “This is something that we currently observe not only. . .
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| Scrolling in the Dark: How Screens Steal Sleep and Trigger Teen Depression By PLOS // April 8, 2025
SciTech Daily
Too much screen time can mess with teens’ sleep, and that might be a major reason why depression is on the rise, especially among girls.
A study tracking over 4,800 adolescents found that screen use disrupted both the quality and timing of sleep, which in turn predicted depressive symptoms. For girls, poor sleep was the main link between screens and mood struggles, while boys were affected more directly. The researchers say reducing screen time could ease the mental health burden for young people.
In this new study, researchers followed 4,810 Swedish students between the ages of 12 and 16. They collected data on screen habits, sleep patterns, and symptoms of depression at three points over a one-year period. The researchers found that increased screen time led to deteriorated sleep within three months, impacting both the duration and quality of sleep. Screen time was also found to. . .
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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NEW MEMBER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM (ITC MAP)! |
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What is the ITC MAP Our MAP program provides members of the ITC with discounts and member services for all your business needs! BIO Services Program
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the first organization to contribute to this program. For no fee, ITC members can participate in the BIO Services Program. This is an amazing opportunity for those in the BioTech space or just looking for a cost-savings program to join! Interested in Contributing
Think you have a program that could benefit ITC members? If you are interested in contributing to the MAP program, please reach out to Diane Bevan at diane@idahotechcouncil.org for more information. Please note: you must be a member to participate or create a discount.
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GET INVOLVED WITH THE ITC |
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Interested in becoming more involved? Please consider joining the newly formed Idaho Technology Ambassador Committee, where you will have the opportunity to assist in planning and execution of events, meet new and existing members, and become the welcoming arm of the ITC.
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ADVERTISE IN ITC's TECHWIRE NEWSLETTER |
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TECHBRIDGE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM |
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Dear Tech Leaders, We’re excited to introduce TechBridge, a new mentorship initiative by the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) in partnership with NATCAST. Our goal is simple: to connect Idaho’s tech students with experienced professionals like you, bridging the gap through mentorship, resources, and financial assistance.
Through TechBridge, you’ll have the opportunity to guide aspiring tech talent—especially students from underrepresented, at-risk, and in-need backgrounds—by providing industry insights, professional connections, and access to essential financial resources. Why Become a TechBridge Mentor?
Idaho’s tech industry is growing fast, but many students face barriers to entering the field. We would love to have you as part of this program! Thank you for considering this opportunity to mentor and advocate for Idaho’s tech community. Your leadership will make a lasting impact! Best, ITC Team |
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2025 ITC PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES |
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ITC Board APPROVES 2025 Public Policy Priorities and urges Idaho elected officials to approve making Digital Literacy a HS graduation requirement.
Visit our page to see more about our public policies. |
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