Check out these STEM-related events happening in Phoenix this week.

Waymo is set to begin testing driverless rides on Phoenix freeways, with initial plans to extend service to Waymo One customers. The Uber-Waymo partnership offers autonomous rides, despite some public skepticism following a Cruise vehicle incident.

Amazon plans to build two large data centers in southeast Mesa, AZ, totaling 908,000 square feet, with each facility having two data halls. Filing documents seek allowances for height and parking, but there is no set date for construction.

NASA confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with Earth's average surface temperature significantly above the 20th-century average, indicating an ongoing climate crisis.

Arizona is set to add 21 new EV charging stations by 2025, with 80% federal funding and private ownership, prioritizing highway locations to boost electric vehicle adoption.

Arizona patients face a billing controversy with SimonMed Imaging, involving overcharges and difficult refund processes, with a former employee criticizing the company's practices. SimonMed defends their transparency and community contributions.

Arizona's House Bill 2477, aiming to name Pluto as the official state planet, passed the House Government Committee vote. The bill celebrates Arizona's role in Pluto's discovery at Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory in 1930.

Arizona's Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers a 10-day boot camp to quickly train semiconductor technicians due to industry demand, with successful job placement rates.

The Arizona Science Center's new 'OceanXperience' exhibit offers a simulated deep-sea adventure aboard the OceanXplorer vessel, with interactive missions for all ages focusing on marine education and conservation.

Microchip Technology Inc. announces pay cuts and factory shutdowns due to a challenging economic climate, as per CEO Ganesh Moorthy during an earnings call.

Artificial intelligence is significantly enhancing golf, with technologies like ShotLink providing real-time shot tracking and AI-driven gear customization, improving experiences for players and spectators.

Arizona maintains its stance of not observing Daylight Saving Time, a practice it has eschewed for over 50 years, primarily due to its warm climate and energy concerns.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch carrying 22 Starlink satellites illuminated the Phoenix sky, seen by many Arizona residents. Launching from Vandenberg AFB, the mission supports SpaceX's high-speed internet constellation.

The White House has allocated $8.5 billion to Intel under the CHIPS Act to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry, impacting Intel's operations in Chandler, Arizona.

Tempe Police manager Wil Price announces retirement amid department controversies, coinciding with whistleblower allegations of retaliation from former officer Anthony Chiaro.

The Queen Creek Police Department in Arizona employs AI to analyze body camera footage, aiming to improve transparency, efficiency, and professionalism in law enforcement.

SpaceX reschedules a Falcon 9 rocket launch to Friday evening for Arizona skywatchers, carrying 22 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Arizona's Auditor General's report criticizes EVIT for financial mismanagement and data mishandling, detailing unauthorized spending and inaccurate program outcome reporting. EVIT leadership intends to address the identified issues.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch was delayed for the third day due to a storm at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission aims to deploy 22 Starlink satellites.

Arizona is set to experience up to 75% of a solar eclipse on April 8, with peak visibility at 11:20 a.m. Despite not being in the path of totality, SE Arizona can expect significant coverage. Viewing requires special glasses for eye protection.

Republic Services provides a recycling guide to Apache Junction residents, emphasizing proper item preparation as part of the city's sustainability drive.

LG Energy Solution is building a $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex in Queen Creek, Arizona, set to start production in 2026 and create thousands of jobs.

SpaceX's launch of 21 Starlink satellites in Arizona created a spectacular view, reminiscent of a comet, as the rocket was visible across the state's night sky.

North America experienced a total solar eclipse which drew crowds, with the path of totality passing through and Mesa seeing a 64% partial eclipse.

The Men's NCAA Final Four and a solar eclipse generated excitement in the US, with interactive events in Phoenix and couples marrying during the eclipse in Arkansas, while safety measures were taken for both people and pets.

Arizona stores are using AI, like Veesion's app, to combat shoplifting, with reported success at places like Big K's Liquor and growing adoption amid varying local theft trends and crackdowns on retail crime rings.

The InnovationHub @ GoodyearAZ celebrates ten years of aiding entrepreneurs with coaching, technical assistance, and free programs, including a popular Business Basics course.

The Affordable Connectivity Program, providing internet discounts, is running out of funds, affecting many low-income households in Arizona and across the US.

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, carrying 20 Starlink satellites into orbit, creating a visible spectacle due to the twilight effect.

The Northern Lights appeared unusually far south in the US, photographed in Arizona, and were expected to be visible for a weekend due to solar flares. A G5 geomagnetic storm caused this rare event.

Electric bikes in Arizona must comply with specific criteria to be classified as such, with different rules for models not meeting these requirements, including licensing and registration obligations.

Tempe, Arizona is recognized by the EPA as a Green Power Partner for its commitment to sustainability and use of renewable energy, aspiring to reach 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Australian company Arizona Lithium Ltd. opens a Lithium Research Center in Tempe, Arizona to advance lithium extraction and processing, aiding the local battery manufacturing industry and mining operations.

The Chino Valley Town Council seeks public input on code amendments for the use of metal storage containers on properties through open houses and email feedback.

Chandler's Brooks Crossing Park is set for a $2 million upgrade, including a new pickleball court, LED lighting, modern playground, and more, as decided by the City Council and community input.

The Navajo Nation is expanding its solar energy initiatives to provide more sustainable power options and connect remote homes to the grid, with ongoing projects and collaborations.

SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, adding 20 Starlink satellites to its constellation. The booster landed on a droneship post-launch.

Arizona hosts an event to attract investments in the semiconductor, aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, showcasing local initiatives and economic opportunities to global business leaders.

The groundbreaking for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona, coincides with a total solar eclipse, marking an ambitious project for astronomical exploration.

Marro Technologies, a Tucson-based startup, streamlines software expenses for businesses by tracking actual software usage to reduce unnecessary licensing costs, with successful client impact and $2.1 million in revenue.

A cybersecurity update from CrowdStrike unintentionally caused global service disruptions, affecting businesses, airports, and emergency services, and prompting a review of reliance on technology.

Cochise County's IT systems experienced disruption from a faulty CrowdStrike update, but election systems were unaffected, as confirmed by the county and an elections systems vendor, ES&S.

The Arizona Technology Council's 12th AADM Conference in Tucson brought together 220+ industry professionals to discuss the regional aerospace, defense, aviation, and manufacturing sectors.

Scientists at ASU, led by Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa, discovered intriguing formations on Mars that could indicate ancient life, but face challenges in bringing samples back to Earth.

A super blue moon is expected to occur in Arizona, providing stargazers with a visual spectacle, and Saturn will make a close approach to the moon during the event.

KoMiCo invests $50 million in a new semiconductor facility in Mesa, Arizona, to support the industry's growth, with plans to open by 2026, creating 200 jobs.

The Arizona Science Center offers free entry for a weekend thanks to a partnership with Fry's Food Stores, excluding optional attractions which cost $5 each.

Scottsdale Police Department is implementing a Drone as First Responder program to enhance emergency response, with protocols to address privacy concerns and each drone costing $308,000.

Fountain Hills is hosting International Observe the Moon Night on September 14, 2024, featuring telescope viewings, a lunar talk by NASA Ambassador Ted Blank, and various activities for all ages.

Aurora Innovation is expanding its autonomous trucking route from Fort Worth to Phoenix, aiming to begin commercial trips in 2025 and transition to fully driverless later that year.

Phoenix's tech talent ranking dropped from 15th to 18th, with a 17.2% tech job increase from 2018 to 2023, as per a CBRE report. The city also saw a rise in young college-educated professionals.

Chandler is implementing a new Advanced Metering Infrastructure, replacing traditional water meters with advanced ones for improved monitoring and billing, supported by grants totaling $1.2 million. Installation starts in late 2024.

Arizona will witness a supermoon coinciding with a partial lunar eclipse, offering a bright and enlarged moon view. Observers can see the events on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. No special eye protection is needed to enjoy the spectacle.

Maricopa's IT Department ensures city services run smoothly, having implemented high-speed internet, cloud software, and robust Wi-Fi areas, with a focus on fiscal efficiency.

Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS may become visible to the naked eye as it approaches Earth, offering a potential spectacle in the autumn sky. Visibility is improving, and digital aides can help locate the comet, which poses no threat to Earth.

Comet C/2023 A3, discovered by Tsuchinshan Observatory and ATLAS, is visible in Arizona after sunset, between Sagittarius and Scorpio, offering a rare sighting that last occurred 80,000 years ago.

The ACC is reviewing the solar panel user fee in APS territory due to public backlash and a legal challenge, potentially impacting future solar policy in Arizona.

Buckeye launches the YourBuckeye app, providing residents with an easy way to report issues, pay bills, and stay updated on city news through their mobile devices.

Microchip Technology Inc. is close to finalizing a deal under the CHIPS Act, alongside TSMC and GlobalFoundries, amid concerns over political implications and potential policy changes.

Students from Mesa, Arizona launched a space experiment on bacterial growth to the ISS as part of SpaceX's resupply mission and educational programs, experiencing the launch in Florida.

ASU researchers, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and 3M, are testing a 'cool roof' coating at the Phoenix Safe Outdoor Space to help reduce heat at the outdoor homeless shelter.

Peoria drafts ordinance for non-residential entities to conserve water by requiring permits for customers using over 50,000 gallons daily, inspired by neighboring cities' policies.

Researchers use tree rings to study ancient solar storms, which could help predict future events and protect modern technology from solar-induced disruptions.

Microchip Technology Inc. plans to close its Tempe factory by September 2025 to cut costs, affecting 500 employees and saving the company $90 million annually.

ChatGPT, enhanced by OpenAI, exhibited its comedic skills by roasting the idiosyncrasies of Phoenix cities, targeting aspects like Scottsdale’s opulence and Mesa's aesthetics, while also recognizing some positive traits.

ASU's "AI Literacy in Design and the Arts" course, led by Professor Lance Gharavi, teaches students to critically understand and ethically engage with AI's evolving role in society and the arts.

Align Technology has relocated its global headquarters to Tempe, Arizona, while Cognite also plans to set up its global headquarters there, signaling Arizona's growing tech sector prominence. Both companies aim to leverage local talent and innovate.

Carvana led Arizona's market growth in 2024, followed by other local firms, while Toast, Revolve, and On Holding doubled their shares on the broader market.

Brainiest, an AI marketing firm from Phoenix, launched a new feature, Astro Brainstorming, to assist small to mid-size businesses in devising marketing strategies using an AI-driven conversation interface.

Carvana Co. shares dropped 11% due to a negative report by Hindenburg Research, alleging financial misconduct and questionable practices by company insiders.

Arizona State University's Research Park will host the National Semiconductor Technology Center, enhancing chip innovation and boosting local job creation.

Phoenix is showcasing its tech ecosystem at CES 2025, with Mayor Gallego's team aiming to attract talent and investors to the city's diverse innovation sectors.

Thiru Thangarathinam launched KeenStack, aiming to grow it into a $50 million consulting firm specializing in ServiceNow implementation and plans to create 150 tech jobs in the Chandler and Phoenix region.

Phoenix startups made a strong showing at CES 2025, highlighting the city's growing tech ecosystem with products like an AI menopause app and a smart pet door.

Arizona State University will host a new CHIPS for America R&D facility aimed at advancing semiconductor research and prototyping, with the site expected to be operational by 2028 and projected to create jobs and boost the regional economy.

Scottsdale residents may vote on Axon's headquarters development after a petition for a referendum, opposing the plan's high-density housing, reached enough signatures for a possible 2026 ballot spot.

Apple announced a major investment in U.S. manufacturing, with multi-billion dollar projects in Arizona and Texas, aiming to create 20,000 jobs and strengthen domestic production.

Carvana has acquired a franchise auto dealership, Jerry Seiner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, which will be known as Casa Grande CDJR, marking its expansion into new-car sales.

Paul Arling, CEO of Universal Electronics, plans to retire by April 2025, prompting the search for a successor. He transformed the company into a leader in home entertainment technology.

ASU's School of Interdisciplinary Forensics offers advanced forensic science education with hands-on experience, mirroring the intrigue of crime shows and providing comprehensive investigative skills.

The former Phoenix chapter of Girls in Tech has become TechWomenAZ and joined Google's Women Techmakers program. Phoenix Group is also rebranding to unify its consumer brands and emphasize its purpose-led business approach.

NASA's HALO module, vital for the Artemis program, has arrived in Arizona for final outfitting with life support and other systems before joining the Gateway lunar outpost.

Amazon has begun drone deliveries in Tolleson, Arizona, offering sub-hour delivery for items up to five pounds within a seven-mile radius of its fulfillment center.

Arizona Corporation Commission explores nuclear energy's role in meeting the state's growing energy demands through workshops focused on educating stakeholders and the public.

SoftBank plans a $1 trillion AI and robotics hub in Arizona and may partner with TSMC and tech firms. U.S. tax breaks are discussed; details on TSMC's role and official statements are pending.

A rapid test developed by Mayo Clinic and ASU for valley fever can deliver results in minutes, a significant improvement over the traditional 23-day diagnosis time.

WeRIDE Microtransit in Peoria is expanding its service area to improve neighborhood connectivity starting July 1, with fares from $1 and user-friendly features like an app for payments and scheduling.

Amazon reports success with its drone delivery service in Tolleson, Arizona, with plans to expand into the broader Phoenix area. The service offers swift deliveries with a fee, and new drones can handle diverse weather conditions.

Coconino County placed in the Top 10 digital counties for the sixth year, recognized for tech achievements like cybersecurity and broadband expansion.

The Arizona Diamondbacks introduced a tactile broadcasting device at Chase Field to help blind and low-vision fans experience the game through vibrations.

Lucid Group partners with mineral companies to secure U.S. battery supply chain, forming the MINAC coalition aimed at domestic sourcing of battery materials for EV production.

Ancestry acquires iMemories to digitize and add user-generated visual content to its genealogy services, enhancing AI-powered storytelling and user experience.

Goodyear equips garbage trucks with thermal cameras to prevent fires caused by discarded lithium-ion batteries, alerting drivers to high temperatures.

The Raines family is suing ChatGPT’s creators after alleging the AI encouraged their son's suicidal behavior, leading to legal and ethical debates over AI interactions.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch created a "twilight effect" visible across the Southwest, carrying 28 Starlink satellites and making a visual spectacle in the sky.

An AI-generated image of Obama as a DJ went viral, crafted with an AI tool by photographer Alexander Peet, igniting discussions on media literacy in distinguishing real from fake content.

Phoenix hosts SEMICON West, a significant microelectronics conference, from October 7-9, highlighting the city's growing status in the semiconductor industry.

SEMICON West, a major microelectronics event, showcased Phoenix's emergence as a tech hub, drawing attention to local industry growth and potential challenges amid a federal shutdown.

Intel begins commercial operations at its advanced Fab 52 in Arizona, poised to produce cutting-edge 18A node chips for Panther Lake processors and Xeon 6+ server processors.

Eight Arizona university research projects received $90,000 grants each for national security technology advancements, including AI and signal encryption.

President Trump issued an order standardizing AI regulations across the US, amid state policy fragmentation and federal challenges to excessively restrictive state laws.

Former NASA JPL director Laurie Leshin has joined ASU as University Professor for Space Futures, returning to Tempe to advise on the university’s space strategy and industry partnerships.

University of Jamestown opened a Health Sciences and Graduate Center in Phoenix with a Pathologists’ Assistant master’s program and a $7M gift to spur research. Local leaders say it will boost lab talent and diagnostics capacity.

Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel are scaling AI training statewide with a new Center of Excellence, expanded labs and bachelor’s programs to feed Arizona employers.

ASU researchers argue that 'prestige' — following perceived experts — likely helped groups survive, but the same tendency can concentrate influence and mislead. The findings come from models, experiments and evolutionary simulations led at ASU's Tempe campus.

Forbes will stage its Under 30 Summit in Phoenix April 19–22, highlighting Arizona’s semiconductor, AI and startup momentum and a new local 30 Under 30 list.

Apache Junction’s council approved a license deal with Google that clears the way for GFiber to be built in the city. Google says construction is expected later in 2026.

Arizona's utility‑scale battery capacity jumped about 129% in 2025 to roughly 19 GWh as Sun Streams 4, Papago and Scatter Wash came online. The projects aim to shore up summer reliability and bring local jobs.

Arizona and Japan signed a memorandum aimed at expanding semiconductor R&D, advanced‑packaging ties and workforce programs linking ASU and local industry with JETRO. Officials expect delegations and pilot programs to follow.

ASU and Freeport‑McMoRan are teaming up on sensors, robots and AI to speed how Arizona mines and processes copper. The pilot aims to cut waste and train local tech workers.

Gov. Katie Hobbs unveiled AZ Fire Cam, a statewide network of AI smoke‑detection cameras meant to spot wildfires earlier and speed alerts to responders.

Spanish CDMO Rovi bought a Bristol Myers Squibb injectable plant in Phoenix and signed a five-year manufacturing pact that preserves local production.

APS says it has brought a utility‑scale battery system online at its Agave solar site to store midday sun and send it out after dark. Executives say the move will ease evening demand and capture surplus generation that would otherwise be curtailed.

West‑MEC opened what it bills as the nation's first K–12 semiconductor cleanroom at its Northeast Campus, aiming to give students industry‑grade training for chip jobs. The new space pairs cleanroom protocol training with robotics and certification pathways.

SRP has commissioned a 55‑MW solar 'living lab' at Copper Crossing near Florence to test PV hardware, forecasting tools and long‑duration storage pilots.

Mayor Kate Gallego celebrated TSMC’s second Phoenix fab as complete, calling it a win for jobs and national security. City leaders point to thousands of direct and indirect roles as tool installation begins.

Taiwan’s JelloX Biotech will work with Mayo Clinic at Discovery Oasis, bringing AI 3D pathology to Phoenix’s growing bioscience corridor.

Syenta opened a 3,500-square-foot lab at ASU Research Park in Tempe on April 21, 2026, and said it will create about 200 skilled semiconductor jobs. The site will demo the company's LEM packaging tech while the startup hires engineers.

Mayor Kate Gallego tapped ASU’s Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan to lead a new Phoenix Quantum Strategy aimed at turning the Valley into a quantum hub. The effort will lean on local fabs, bioscience growth and ASU research.

ASU and Mayo Clinic in Arizona are testing blood and immune markers to detect colorectal cancer earlier, with a special focus on younger adults. The work pairs ASU engineers with Mayo clinicians to move promising tests toward clinical trials.

Knightwerx relocated its headquarters from Camarillo to Scottsdale as it ramps up drone production. The move puts the startup in the Phoenix metro’s growing manufacturing corridor.

ASU and TSMC rolled out a free, accelerated training program that guarantees graduates an interview as TSMC expands its north Phoenix campus.

A new AI reader glitched during Glendale Community College's commencement, skipping several students' names. Officials apologized and re-called missed graduates to walk the stage.

Scottsdale will use Motorola HYPER to handle routine non-emergency police calls, aiming to cut hold times while keeping human dispatchers focused on 911. The city says training and a phased rollout are already underway.

Arizona will lead NNME Southwest, coordinating training and employer partners across five states to tackle a projected shortfall in chip industry workers.

Pat Madden’s Phoenix startup Deus X Defense says it merged drones, guards and sensors into one managed offering and counts about 500 staff after two acquisitions.

Arizona Tech Week's debut logged 419 events and more than 18,000 attendees, spotlighting semiconductors, aerospace sponsors and growing university talent.

Phoenix centers are adding AI‑assisted mammograms and new intraoperative imaging, backed by a large U.S. study that showed higher detection rates. Surgeons say the tools can mean earlier treatment and fewer repeat procedures.

Phoenix is expanding apprenticeships into biomanufacturing to train residents for GLP‑1 drug production, turning regional biotech demand into local job pathways.

TSMC and Amkor signed a decade‑long pact to localize packaging and test services in Arizona, tying TSMC's North Phoenix fabs to an Amkor campus in Peoria.

Edged US opened a 36 MW, waterless AI data center in Mesa, promising to eliminate operational water use while delivering high-density compute and local jobs.