Sponsored by Legacy Sponsor: The City of Phoenix
What does it really take to turn a great idea into something you can manufacture and bring to market? Join us for an evening focused on the rapidly evolving world of HardTech, hardware startups, and modern manufacturing. We’ll explore the latest technologies transforming how products are made — including automation, advanced robotics, and the growing accessibility of 3D printing — and then dive into the practical side of getting your own innovation manufactured. Hear from experts about what manufacturers need to provide an accurate quote, what innovators commonly get wrong, and how to avoid costly surprises along the way. Whether you’re developing your first prototype, building a hardware startup, or looking to understand what’s next in manufacturing, this evening will provide practical insights for moving from idea to prototype to production.
Sponsored by: PADT
In Partnership With: Arizona Technology Council Manufacturing Catalyst Committee
Meet Stardust Building Supply, a Reuse organization that facilitates and performs Deconstruction as opposed to demolition, as a means of diverting building supplies, construction materials, and home goods from the landfill. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste today makes up more than 40% of total waste, contributing to our already overflowing landfills, which are much larger than any other waste category. With recent studies projecting that landfills in the United States could run out of capacity by 2036 or earlier, it's safe to say that this issue deserves our immediate attention. In this conversation, we will discuss the ins and outs of deconstruction and the benefits it provides to both the environment and local communities.
In Partnership with: ExtendEV and Power48
Arrive early for your chance to connect with Caden Mayfield, Vice President and Max Connect. Meet with Caden to learn how to build a strong brand, find the right audience and then turn attention into customers.
Mentor Hours meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots.
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
Arrive early for your chance to connect with Patrick Skeivik, HR & Recruiting Consultant with AZ HR On Call. Meet with Patrick to discuss how to recruit the right people while developing you high potential employees that will lower regrettable attrition.
Mentor Hours meetings begin at 4:30pm and run in 15-minute slots.
Please note: Mentor Hours are first come first served and must be done on-site at the event. A sign-up sheet will be located at the room where the mentor is stationed, so be sure to stop by early to secure your spot.
In partnership with Resolution Resource Group
Whether you're attending for the first time or looking to get more involved, this orientation is the perfect place to begin. Learn what Venture Café Phoenix is all about, discover the content and networking opportunities available each week, and explore how to make the most of your experience. We'll share tips for building meaningful connections, navigating the Thursday Gathering, engaging with the community, and finding the people, programs, and resources that can help you achieve your goals. Come ready to ask questions, meet fellow newcomers, and leave feeling confident about making Venture Café part of your innovation journey.
Manufacturing is rapidly evolving as new technologies reshape how products are designed, produced, and brought to market. This session will explore the latest innovations transforming the industry, from automation and advanced robotics to the growing commoditization and accessibility of 3D printing. We’ll look at how these advances are lowering barriers for HardTech and hardware startups, enabling faster prototyping, more flexible production, and new approaches to bringing physical products to market. We’ll also explore how emerging technologies are changing traditional manufacturing models and where new opportunities are emerging for entrepreneurs, innovators, and established manufacturers alike.
Sponsored by: PADT
In Partnership With: Arizona Technology Council Manufacturing Catalyst Committee
In Partnership with:
Evolution Accelerator and Ascentria Search Partners
You have an idea. but how do you actually get it made? This practical panel will demystify the process of turning an innovation into a manufacturable product. We’ll discuss what manufacturers need to know to provide an accurate quote, what information and specifications innovators should have ready, and the common mistakes that can lead to inaccurate estimates, unexpected costs, or production delays. Hear directly from manufacturing experts about what they wish hardware startups and innovators knew before requesting a quote, and get practical advice for navigating the path from prototype to production.
Sponsored by: PADT
In Partnership With: Arizona Technology Council Manufacturing Catalyst Committee

