Thursday, December 18, 2025 Dear ITC Members and Newsletter Subscribers,
As we close out 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the innovation, collaboration, and growth that have defined Idaho’s tech community this year. From groundbreaking advancements to inspiring connections, your support and engagement have continued to strengthen our shared vision for a thriving technology ecosystem. Looking ahead, 2026 promises even more opportunities to connect, learn, and lead together. With new initiatives, partnerships, and events on the horizon, the Idaho Technology Council is excited to build on this momentum and continue shaping the future of innovation in our state. Spark Series- The Exit Playbook: Strategies for Startup Growth and Acquisition - February 19
Come join us from Noon-1pm. This session explores scaling strategies, partnerships, and exit planning, with insights from founders who have successfully navigated high-growth phases and acquisitions.
"We love it when our friends become friends." Warm regards, Diane Temple, President & CEO Betsy Davies, Vice President of Operations Tim Munkres, Mentorship Coordinator |
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Over two days of programming, more than 200 leaders, technologists, educators, and community partners gathered at JUMP Boise for the inaugural WiTECH Summit and its pre-summit VIP Fireside Chat, creating a powerful moment for women in technology across Idaho. |
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During Idaho Entrepreneurs Week 2025, the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), in partnership with the University of Idaho College of Business and Economics, played a central role in advancing Idaho’s innovation ecosystem — connecting students, founders, educators, and industry leaders across multiple days of programming focused on the future of work, entrepreneurship, and technology-enabled growth. |
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The Idaho Technology Council (ITC), in partnership with the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA), proudly hosted Mission 10K, a hands-on workshop designed to equip veteran- and spouse-owned businesses with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue growth opportunities through technology and access to capital. |
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Looking ahead - Spark Series February 19th
From early-stage traction to acquisition or IPO, every startup needs a roadmap for success.
This session explores scaling strategies, partnerships, and exit planning, with insights from founders who have successfully navigated high-growth phases and acquisitions.
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INTRODUCING Ismar Vallecillos
Western Governors University Regional Director of Operations
Describe the business/organization you work for:
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, fully online, accredited university driven by a mission to expand access to high quality, affordable education for working adults across the United States. Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU pioneered the competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through coursework based on their ability to demonstrate mastery, rather than seat time. Serving over 195,000 students and boasting more than 360,000 graduates, WGU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, health professions (including nursing), and teaching. WGU is recognized for its innovative use of technology, commitment to student success, and deep partnerships with employers and workforce development agencies nationwide. The university works to close skill gaps, promote social mobility, and deliver measurable economic impact through education that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to regional needs.
What sets this business apart from others in the industry?
What sets WGU apart is its competency-based model, which lets students advance by demonstrating mastery—not by spending a set amount of time in class. Combined with flat-rate tuition, personalized mentoring, and fully online programs, WGU offers a flexible, affordable, and career aligned education that adapts to the lives of working adults—unlike most traditional or even other online universities. READ MORE CONNECT WITH ISMAR |
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Welcome new individual member, Luke McDonough.
Luke is the Division Director at Beacon Hill. You can find out more about Luke by CLICKING HERE to visit him on LinkedIn |
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INTRODUCING Zach Adams CEO & Co-Founder Pitch Aeronautics DESCRIBE THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION YOU WORK FOR:
I'm the co-founder of Pitch Aeronautics. Pitch Aeronautics provides weather-based data insights to electric utilities enabling them to push more power through existing lines, increase reliability, and decrease wildfire risk. We use a vertical stack of technologies including AI/ML weather software, IoT power-line mounted weather stations, and a ultraprecise drone which can install these sensors and other components on energized power lines. WHAT SETS THIS BUSINESS APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?
We've made the only drone in the world capable of installation different components on energized power-lines. This platform enables us to install IoT sensors and other components at far lower costs and ultimately aggregate better data for utilities. We use this data to provide better forecasts for transmission capacity, wildfire risk, and more. READ MORE
CONNECT WITH ZACH |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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High-Tech Connect Networking Event |
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Join us on December 16, From 5pm to 7pm |
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Submission Workshop |
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Join the 2nd Annual STEM Fair, February 18th 2025 This exciting STEM event is a great opportunity for students to learn of the many options they have for programs, colleges, and careers in STEM! |
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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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WiTECH is more than a conference. It’s a catalyst where real allies come together, practical skills are shared, and women are inspired to own their strengths and reach their full potential as leaders in tech.
At WiTECH, bold ideas spark action, connections grow into collaborations, and leaders, innovators, and allies drive change that expands opportunities and shapes the future of tech.
Because when women lead in technology, everyone wins. Teams grow stronger, products become more inclusive, and solutions solve the problems that matter most. Together, we are shaping a future we are all excited to build. |
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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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Meta plans $600 billion US spend as AI data centers expand
By Reuters // November 7 , 2025 Reuters
Meta Platforms (META.O), on Friday said it will invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure and jobs over the next three years, including artificial intelligence data centers, as the social media giant races to build infrastructure to power its AI ambitions.
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| A better way of thinking about the AI bubble
By Russell Brandom // November 10 , 2025 TechCrunch
People often think about tech bubbles in apocalyptic terms, but it doesn’t have to be as serious as all that. In economic terms, a bubble is a bet that turned out to be too big, leaving you with more supply than demand. The upshot: It’s not all or nothing, and even good bets can turn sour if you aren’t careful about how you make them.
FULL ARTICLE HERE |
| Google’s rolling out its most powerful AI chip, taking aim at Nvidia with custom silicon
By Mackenzie Sigalos and Jennifer Elias // November 6 , 2025 CNBC
The chip, built in-house, is designed to handle everything from the training of large models to powering real-time chatbots and AI agents. In connecting up to 9,216 chips in a single pod, Google says the new Ironwood TPUs eliminate “data bottlenecks for the most demanding models” and give customers “the ability to run and scale the largest, most data-intensive models in existence.”
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. Our goal is simple: to connect Idaho’s tech students with experienced professionals like you, bridging the gap through mentorship, resources, and industry.
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 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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