Thursday, June 11th, 2026 Dear ITC Members and Newsletter Subscribers, Welcome to this month’s Idaho Technology Council update. It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the halfway point of 2026. While the year seems to have accelerated faster than ever, Idaho’s technology community continues to build momentum, drive innovation, and create opportunities that will shape the months ahead. As we reflect on the progress made so far, we’re equally excited about what’s still to come.
In this edition, we’re sharing member highlights, upcoming events, industry insights, and the stories showcasing the innovation, collaboration, and leadership taking place across Idaho’s technology ecosystem. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to strengthen our state’s position as a growing hub for technology and innovation. Warm regards, Diane Temple, President & CEO Betsy Davies, Vice President & COO Tim Munkres, Marketing Coordinator Mary Simpson, Programs & Events Coordinator |
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The State of Technology: ITC Annual Conference 2026
The room was full before the doors opened. Three days before the conference, every seat was claimed — and by the time the Pioneer Room at JUMP filled with more than 300 of Idaho's technology, agriculture, and business leaders on the morning of May 19, it was already clear this would be more than an event. It was a moment. |
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Join us in Twin Falls for the iTECH Summit, and IDEA² pitch competition. |
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Idaho Technology Council Named Partner as Boise State Secures Historic National Semiconductor Win |
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Idaho State University launches state’s first public 3-year bachelor’s degrees
By IBR STAFF // May 29 , 2026
Idaho State University is rolling out three accelerated bachelor’s degree programs this year, making it the first public institution in Idaho to offer a three-year path to a bachelor’s degree. The programs, all offered through the university’s College of Technology, lead to a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and are designed to move students into the workforce faster and at lower cost than a traditional four-year program.
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| McCall’s Critical Medical Devices wins Boise startup World Cup qualifier By IBR STAFF // June 1, 2026 Chantell Williams, founder and CEO of Critical Medical Devices, beat out competitors at the event hosted by Trailhead and Pegasus Tech Ventures at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place in downtown Boise. She will compete in November for a $1 million investment prize against startups from around the world.
FULL ARTICLE HERE
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| Big Tech turns to Sesame Street, Girl Scouts to deflect scrutiny over kids’ screen time By Rueters // May 14, 2026
Meta and Google enlisted trusted children’s brands such as Sesame Street, Girl Scouts and Highlights magazine to teach kids to use technology in moderation ― even as the companies designed apps that made it difficult for those same young users to unplug, public statements and internal documents show.
FULL ARTICLE HERE |
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Rich Stuppy || Fylan Raphael || Michele Collins || Jeanne Allen || Oscar Nunez || Greg Smith || Sean Wakeley || Patrick Hymel || Mark Olson || Stephanie McDaniel || Cassie Wehr || Andrew Schoppe |
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INTRODUCING Brett Madron Sr Director of Workforce Development College of Southern Idaho DESCRIBE THE BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION YOU WORK FOR:
College of Southern Idaho Workforce Development and Training helps people and businesses build real-world skills that lead to real opportunities. As part of the College of Southern Idaho, the team works closely with employers to offer hands-on training, customized programs, and apprenticeships across areas like manufacturing, healthcare, trades, safety, technology, and professional development. Whether you’re an individual looking to grow your career or a company building your workforce, CSI offers practical, local training designed to meet today’s workforce needs right here in the Magic Valley.
WHAT SETS THIS BUSINESS APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?
What sets CSI Workforce Development and Training apart is its deep connection to industry and real-world operations. My background in local food processing, lumber production, and semiconductor manufacturing brings a practical, firsthand perspective to workforce training. Having worked inside these environments—including advanced manufacturing and high-tech operations—I understand the challenges companies face as they modernize and adopt new technologies. That experience allows CSI to serve as more than a training provider; we act as a strategic partner, helping local employers upskill their workforce in ways that are practical, relevant, and aligned with where their industries are headed.
READ MORE
CONNECT WITH BRETT |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Join our Spark Series, June 18th |
Join us for AI x Ethics: Designing with Intention, a thought-provoking Spark Series session designed for executives, technologists, policymakers, and leaders shaping how AI is built and deployed.
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in everyday business decisions, the question is no longer just what AI can do—but how it should be designed and used responsibly. |
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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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MEMBER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM (ITC M.A.P)! |
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Unlock More with ITC's Member Advantage Program (M.A.P)
What if your ITC membership could actively save you money and power your growth? That’s exactly what the Member Advantage Program (MAP) is designed to do.
MAP connects you to exclusive discounts, premium tools, and high-impact services—so you can spend less time worrying about costs and more time scaling your business. 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 Temple 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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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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