The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona EP60

Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid growth.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, your hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller are joined by Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas; Martijn Pierik, Sr. Vice President & Partner at Kiterocket; and Vic Narusis, Executive Vice President of Industry Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Together, they’ll discuss with our hosts why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment, what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversations at this year’s show.

 

Here are links to the organizations and events mentioned in this episode:

 

• SEMICON West: www.semiconwest.org
• SEMI: www.semi.org
• Kiterocket: www.kiterocket.com
• Arizona Commerce Authority: www.azcommerce.com

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel      www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil 

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: 

     www.aztechcouncil.org

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

     www.padtinc.com

 

The following is a ten-point summary from MS Copilot of the episode:

Here’s a 10-bullet summary of AZ TechCast Episode 60: "The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona": [www.aztech...ouncil.org]

1. Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, driven by major investments and strategic positioning.

2. Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the first time in October 2025, marking a significant shift from its traditional location in Silicon Valley.

3. SEMICON West is the largest semiconductor event in North America, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

4. Guests include Joe Stockunas (SEMI Americas), Martijn Pierik (Kiterocket), and Vic Narusis (Arizona Commerce Authority), who discuss Arizona’s growing role in the industry.

5. Arizona’s appeal lies in its business-friendly climate, infrastructure, and talent pipeline, making it a magnet for semiconductor companies.

6. Workforce development is a key theme, with emphasis on building a skilled labor force to support the industry’s rapid expansion.

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability are highlighted as critical areas shaping the future of semiconductor innovation.

8. Supply chain resilience is another major topic, especially in light of recent global disruptions and the need for domestic manufacturing.

9. The move of SEMICON West to Phoenix symbolizes Arizona’s rise as a tech hub, reinforcing its national and global relevance.

10. PADT, Inc. and the Arizona Technology Council continue to support innovation and growth, helping connect industry leaders and promote Arizona’s tech ecosystem.