In a notable first, the City of Phoenix strutted their tech and innovation muscles at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Making a splash as the sole U.S. city to take part as an exhibitor, Phoenix didn't just show up, they showed off, drawing in business meetings and fostering connections with CEOs, startups, and the venture capital crowd. According to a statement obtained by the City of Phoenix newsroom, Mayor Kate Gallego boasted about the opportunities seized, positioning Phoenix as a bustling hub for great-paying jobs and a resilient, strong local economy.
It wasn't just talk. Phoenix's brigade to CES included big names and emerging talents like Pawport, Crystal Sonic Inc., thePause Technologies, New Use Energy Solutions Inc. (NUE), MiiHealth, the Foxlink Group, and Mayo Clinic at Discovery Oasis, touching down on everything from pet tech to futuristic health platforms. Kelvin Summoogum, the brain behind MiiHealth, told the City of Phoenix newsroom, "Our innovative health platform is not only assisting loved ones with managing their health and wellness but also elevating their quality of life." The conference provided the perfect stage for these companies to shine, displaying how deep Phoenix runs with inventive prowess.
But it wasn't all show, the City's stint at CES was also a strategic move to reel in new talent and investment. With Andy Lombard of Tesoro.vc singing praises of Phoenix's position as a "global startup leader in tech business," it was clear that the City was there to court serious business and growth. Lombard's venture, Tesoro Accelerator, is set to mentor these budding pros, getting their tech dreams up and running, as per the City of Phoenix.
Onlookers at the conference couldn't help but be wowed by Phoenix's cohort. Mayo Clinic's Dr. Steven J. Lester became a crowd favorite explaining how the MedTech Accelerator program could catalyze collaboration with international players. The doctor, enjoying his time under the spotlight at the My Global Village stage, shared insights into the potential of Mayo Clinic's Discovery Oasis campus to serve as fertile ground for health tech companies. According to the City of Phoenix press release, Dr. Lester expressed enthusiasm about the constructive dialogues with French health tech companies eyeing U.S. expansion opportunities.
Success stories were abundant. Case in point: Phoenix-based Gravitrex, with their tech aimed at revolutionizing post-hospitalization mobility, was a hit. Co-Founder and CEO Kira Burns remarked on the value of the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, "Moving my family from Italy to Phoenix was a big step, but Arizona's supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem and extensive resources have been invaluable in advancing our mission to improve mobility," she explained. CES 2025 wasn't just another conference for Gravitrex, it was a chance to deepen connections with AgeTech partners and stay abreast of tech advancements. Phoenix's knack for fostering a thriving tech scene has racked up impressive figures with 1,872 funded companies and 121 VC investors bringing to life 2,176 funding rounds to date, as detailed on the City of Phoenix release.
The scene at CES 2025 was, ultimately, a testament to Phoenix's burgeoning reputation as an epicenter for technological innovation and business growth. If the buzz and energy at the conference were anything to go by, consider Phoenix's debut a confirmed hit, as the city lays down the welcome mat for tech pioneers and investors alike, signaling a future bright with opportunity.
