#AZTechWeek: Tempe to unveil innovation ecosystem

Post Date:04/03/2026 3:00 PM

Tempe, AZ - Tempe's strong history as a city built by entrepreneurs and innovators will be on display during AZ Tech Week next week at a panel discussion with some of Tempe's key technology leaders.

The City and Tempe Chamber of Commerce will host a featured panel, "Tempe Talks," on April 9, bringing together leaders from government, academia and industry to discuss how Tempe can support the next phase of the digital economy.

Event Details:

• Thursday, April 9, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Hundred Mile Brewing Company, Tempe
• Hosted by: Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Hundred Mile Brewing Company
• Free registration: Tempe Talks - AZ Tech Week

Timed with the event, a new report, "Strengthening Tempe's Startup and Innovation Ecosystem," will be released, outlining actionable strategies to support founders and bolster collaboration across the public and private sectors.

"Tempe continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub of innovation, driven by its dynamic urban environment and Arizona State University's growing global influence," said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. "The next phase of innovation is about execution and scale, and we are continuing to create an environment where companies can start, grow and expand right here in Tempe."

The report was developed in partnership between the City of Tempe and Arizona State University's Project Cities Initiative, where a team of students worked with Tempe and its stakeholders to identify opportunities to enhance growth, connectivity and support within the local startup ecosystem.

Tempe's connected infrastructure, dense urban core, key partners and strong business climate have helped its economy evolve into a system that enables ideas to move quickly from concept to commercialization.

As part of implementing the report's recommendations, the City has partnered with Freeway, the Phoenix region's premier resource dashboard for the startup ecosystem. This partnership will improve access to critical tools, networks and entrepreneurs across Tempe and the Greater Phoenix area.

"We're excited to welcome the City of Tempe as a Freeway city partner," said Daniela Santangelo, Founder, Freeway. "Through our shared mission of connecting talent, capital, and community, we look forward to working together to power the startup dashboard with greater visibility into Tempe's companies and workforce and amplifying the innovation taking place across the city."

The April 9 panel will build on the report's findings and Freeway resources, along with expert advice, to focus on what the next generation of the innovation ecosystem requires.

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Media Contact: Savannah Driskill, 480-435-5999, [email protected] Tempe Economic Development: Lisa Hausz, [email protected]