Building Idaho’s Innovation Pipeline: From Student Ideas to Industry Impact
Moscow, ID — During Idaho Entrepreneurs Week 2025, the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), in partnership with the University of Idaho College of Business and Economics, played a central role in advancing Idaho’s innovation ecosystem — connecting students, founders, educators, and industry leaders across multiple days of programming focused on the future of work, entrepreneurship, and technology-enabled growth.
Hosted on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, ITC’s engagement across Day 3 and Day 4 highlighted a clear and intentional throughline: supporting talent at every stage — from student ideation to scalable innovation.
Day 3: Inspiring the Next Generation at Idaho Pitch
On Day 3 of Idaho Entrepreneurs Week, ITC President and CEO Diane Temple joined University of Idaho faculty and leadership to support Idaho Pitch, a signature student pitch competition showcasing emerging entrepreneurial talent.
Temple delivered a keynote to students centered on turning ideas into impact — emphasizing the importance of confidence, communication, and adaptability alongside technical skill. She also served as a pitch competition judge, offering direct feedback and encouragement as student teams presented innovative business concepts.
The event highlighted the depth of talent across the University of Idaho, with students demonstrating not only strong ideas, but also collaboration, professionalism, and readiness to lead.
The success of Idaho Pitch was made possible through the dedication of University of Idaho faculty and staff, including George Tanner, Director of the Idaho Entrepreneurs Program, Tiff Reiss, Adjunct Faculty, Britnee Christen, Student Experience Coordinator, and Lori Rock, Marketing and Communications Manager, whose collective efforts ensured a meaningful and high-impact experience for participating students.
Day 4: Idaho Innovation & Tech Forum — Building Forward Together
Momentum continued on Day 4 with the Idaho Innovation & Tech Forum, co-hosted by the Idaho Technology Council and the University of Idaho as part of Idaho Entrepreneurs Week.
The forum convened entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration are actively shaping Idaho’s economy and workforce.
The morning opened with a keynote from Diane Temple, titled:
“AI and the Future of Work: See the Shift and How We Build Forward.”
Her remarks challenged attendees to move beyond awareness and into action — emphasizing the responsibility of leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs to intentionally shape how technology impacts people, work, and opportunity across Idaho.
A featured Fireside Chat bridged industry and academia, featuring University of Idaho leaders deeply engaged in research, entrepreneurship, and applied learning:
- Tiff Reiss, Adjunct Faculty in Entrepreneurship
- Arch H., Assistant Vice President for Research
- Matthew Swenson, Director of Interdisciplinary Capstone Design & Associate Professor
Moderated by George Tanner, the conversation explored how interdisciplinary education, applied research, and industry partnerships translate into real-world innovation.
The forum concluded with Innovation Lightning Chats, spotlighting Idaho founders building across sectors:
- Shawn Schneider, Founder of Eldil Ai.ai
- David Foucachon, Co-Founder & CEO of Veritas Surgery
- Jeff Mau, Founder & Head of Strategy at Tenicor
Moderated by Stefan Haney, Managing Principal at Vantage International, the session underscored how vision, execution, and adaptability are driving innovation across Idaho.
Building the Future, Together
Reflecting on the impact of Idaho Entrepreneurs Week and the importance of connecting students to industry, Mya Groza, Associate Dean and Professor of Marketing at the University of Idaho College of Business and Economics, emphasized the value of experiential learning and collaboration:“From Idaho Pitch to the Innovation & Tech Forum, we saw ideas move from the classroom to real-world application,” said Groza.
“These experiences help students understand how innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology intersect — and how they can lead in that space.”
Reinforcing ITC’s long-term commitment to Idaho’s innovation ecosystem, Diane Temple highlighted the organization’s statewide approach: “The Idaho Technology Council is committed to supporting Idaho’s technology ecosystem statewide,” said Temple.
“By partnering on events like this and traveling across the state, we’re intentionally engaging with students — our future leaders — as well as small business owners and entrepreneurs to ensure innovation and opportunity reach every region of Idaho.”
Through continued collaboration, on-campus engagement, and community partnerships, the Idaho Technology Council and the University of Idaho are helping ensure Idaho’s next generation of innovators is prepared to lead — from the classroom to the marketplace.
About the Idaho Technology Council
The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for innovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org.
