Thursday, July 10, 2025 Dear ITC Members and Newsletter Subscribers,
We’re rolling into July with a full lineup of opportunities to connect, learn, and lead in Idaho’s growing tech community. From AI insights to regional networking events, here’s what’s on the horizon at ITC: Spark Series – AI in Action: Practical Applications for Business & Innovation
Join us on July 17 for an in-depth session on how AI is transforming industries. We’ll explore real-world use cases, adoption strategies, and the ethical considerations of AI-driven decision-making. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already implementing it, this session offers valuable insights from leaders on the front lines.
High Tech Connect – Two Events This Month!
We’re hitting the road in July with two High-Tech Connects—our monthly networking event series designed for tech professionals and adjacent industries:
- July 15 – Rexburg (East Idaho), hosted by BYU-Idaho
- July 22 – Mountain Home, hosted by QDeck.ai
Come enjoy relaxed conversation, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to meet others in the industry. These informal gatherings are the perfect way to expand your professional circle.
Save the Date: 2025 Hall of Fame Gala & Idavation Awards – October 16
This year’s theme, Uncharted Brilliance, celebrates the innovators shaping Idaho’s future. Nominations are now open, and the deadline to submit is July 31. Know someone leading with bold ideas and transformative impact? Nominate them today and help us spotlight Idaho’s finest. We hope to see you at one of our events this month—and don’t forget to mark your calendars for October’s big celebration!
"We love it when our friends become friends." Warm regards, Diane Bevan, President & CEO Betsy Davies, Operations Manager |
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Nominations for 2025 Hall of Fame & Ideation Awards are Still Open but Closing SOON! |
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In an era defined by rapid transformation and relentless innovation, Uncharted Brilliance honors the pioneers lighting the way forward. This year’s theme celebrates the daring visionaries, bold technologists, and creative problem-solvers navigating new frontiers in technology—with clarity, courage, and brilliance. From emerging startups to industry-defining breakthroughs, Idaho’s tech ecosystem is expanding with purpose. As we step into the unknown, we shine a spotlight on those whose brilliance doesn’t just respond to change—it shapes it. Join us as we honor the spirit of exploration, celebrate excellence in leadership and innovation, and recognize the extraordinary impact of those charting tomorrow’s course today. . .
Nominations are open until July 31st SUBMIT ONE TODAY! |
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INTRODUCING
Andy Binder, President and CEO, Idaho Regional Optical Network Inc. DESCRIBE THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION YOU WORK FOR:
The Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-speed, fiber-optic connectivity to Idaho?s nonprofit and public-sector communities, including education, research, healthcare, and government institutions. As a mission-driven organization, IRON focuses on delivering cost-effective, scalable, and high-performance networking solutions that empower its members to advance their work in the public interest. WHAT SETS THIS BUSINESS APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?
After a successful career in the private sector, I joined the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) because I want to give back to the people of Idaho and make a lasting and meaningful difference in our communities. I believe that connectivity is a cornerstone of opportunity, and I?m passionate about bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved areas of Idaho. Expanding access to. . . READ MORE
CONNECT WITH ANDY |
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Natcast Launches NSTC Top Workforce Solutions Recognition Program to Promote Effective Semiconductor Workforce Development Initiatives |
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WASHINGTON, D.C., June 26, 2025
Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated by the Department of Commerce to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) established by the CHIPS and Science Act, today announced the launch of the NSTC Top Workforce Solutions program. The latest initiative under the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE), this annual recognition program complements the recently announced 2025 NSTC Workforce Awards by evaluating and showcasing highly effective programs that strengthen the semiconductor workforce in the United States. By increasing the visibility of exemplary initiatives, this program will encourage. . .
READ MORE |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Rexburg High-Tech Connect EAST Networking! Hosted by BYUI |
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Join us on July 15th, at 5 pm MT |
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We are excited to announce the next panel of ITC's SPARK SERIES! |
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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 July 17th, at 12pm MT |
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Mountain Home High-Tech Connect Networking! Hosted by QDeck.ai |
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Join us on July 22nd, at 5 pm MT |
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Help Shape the 2025 Tech Track at Boise Entrepreneur Week! |
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Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW) is Idaho’s largest event dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. This year, we’re teaming up with the Idaho Technology Council and Intracom to ensure the Tech Track reflects the most relevant topics, tools, and voices in the industry today.
On Wednesday, October 1st, we’ll deliver three engaging sessions that explore the future of technology — and we want your input!
Whether you’re a founder, engineer, product manager, student, or investor, your insights will help us build a Tech Track that sparks meaningful conversations and real-world impact.
What We’re Looking For We want to hear from you about: - The topics and technologies you want to learn about
- Speakers you’d love to hear from - Formats that work best for you (panels, workshops, keynotes, etc.)
- Challenges your organization is facing around tech - Interest in joining the Tech Track committee or nominating a presenter Submit Your Input This short form should take less than 2 minutes to complete.
Submit the Tech Track Survey |
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SAWTOOTH STEM EDUCATOR'S AWARD |
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The Sawtooth STEM Educator Award recognizes outstanding Idaho educators who go above and beyond to inspire students and advance excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This year, three educators will be selected—one from each of the following categories: - K–6 STEM Educator
- 7–12 STEM Educator
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Higher Education STEM Educator (college, university, or other post-secondary setting)
LEARN MORE AND MAKE A NOMINATION TODAY |
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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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CoreWeave to buy Core Scientific in $9 billion deal to meet AI power needs By Manya Saini and Pritam Biswas // July 7, 2025
Reuters
CoreWeave will buy crypto miner Core Scientific (CORZ.O), opens new tab in an all-stock deal valued at about $9 billion, it said on Monday, as AI infrastructure firms race to secure the energy and data center capacity needed to power surging demand.
Bitcoin miners' energy-intensive sites and power contracts, built during the crypto boom, have emerged as prime targets for AI companies expanding their computing infrastructure. The deal will help in the immediate elimination of more than $10 billion of cumulative future lease overhead to be paid for existing contractual sites over the next 12 years, CoreWeave said. The offer values Core Scientific at $20.40 per share, representing a premium of . . .
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| Modernizing Identity Security Beyond MFA By Mike Engel // June 24, 2025
TechNewsWorld
For the past 20 years, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has been regarded as the gold standard for replacing passwords to achieve strong authentication. While one-time passcodes (OTPs), hardware tokens, and push notifications have enhanced protection against identity-based attacks, MFA no longer offers ironclad security. Phishing, social engineering, and man-in-the-middle attacks continue to bypass MFA. Meanwhile, users face an increasingly frustrating authentication experience. Clearly, MFA is past its prime. Several factors have contributed to the downfall of MFA.
First, many MFA implementations, such as SMS OTPs and email codes, are vulnerable to. . .
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| Microsoft and the microbiome: Viome works with tech giant to optimize AI for molecular health
By Supantha Mukherjee // June 4, 2025
Reuters Viome, a life sciences startup founded by veteran tech entrepreneur Naveen Jain, announced a collaboration with Microsoft to scale its molecular analysis platform — part of what Viome describes as a new era of AI-powered preventive health and wellness.
Viome says Microsoft’s cloud and AI infrastructure — specially tuned for its purposes in conjunction with the tech giant — will allow it to process biological data more efficiently. The idea is to expand access, reduce costs, and accelerate data processing and diagnostics. For Jain, it’s a full-circle moment.
Before founding such companies as InfoSpace, Intelius, and Moon Express, he was. . .
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! Member Benefits on NetSuite
NetSuite is a unified, cloud-based business management platform helping tens of thousands of customers across the globe automate core processes and provide real-time visibility into operational and financial performance.
Organizations of all sizes and across dozens of industries run on NetSuite and its applications for finance, supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources, professional services, ecommerce, and more.
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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