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Thursday Gathering
Innovations in Manufacturing Innovation
Oct 15, 2026, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM MST

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

Event Program
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM MST
Beyond GPA: How Students Can Build Standout College Applications Through Real-World Impact
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4:30 PM - 5:30 PM MST
CleanTech Night: Arizona's Circular Economy Snapshot feat. Stardust Building Supplies
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4:30 PM - 6:30 PM MST
Mentor Hours: Gread Ideas Deserve Great Marketing
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4:30 PM - 6:30 PM MST
Mentor Hours: Recruit, Train & Retain
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5:30 PM - 5:40 PM MST
Welcome to Venture Café Phoenix - Orientation Session
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5:45 PM - 6:15 PM MST
The Future of Manufacturing: HardTech, Automation, 3D Printing & What’s Next
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM MST
Decomposing Venture: Choosing Each Other: The Investor-Founder Relationship
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6:15 PM - 6:45 PM MST
How to Get Your Innovation Made: From Idea to Accurate Quote
Featuring
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Danny Friday
Founder and CEO
Sail
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Alyssa Knowles
Circular Economy Analyst
City of Phoenix Public Works Department
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Caden Mayfield
Vice President
Max Connect
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Eric Miller
Principal & Co-Owner
PADT
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Rachna Nath
Founder and CEO
DRIPBI STEAM ANALYTICS LLC
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Hannah Savage
Investment Lead / Managing Director
Evolution Ventures MinervaFund / Elevate Global IO
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Colin Sellers
Program Manager
Stardust Building Supplies
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Patrick Skeivik
HR & Recruiting Consultant
AZ HR on Call
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Weston Smith
CEO
Lux Precision Manufacturing
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David Szabo
President & CEO
Remedy Medical Manufacturing
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Jeff Wells
Business Development Director, Engineering Services
PADT, Inc.
Location
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