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Eastern Idaho Tech Expo and VIP Stakeholder Event a Resounding Success

For immediate release:

Idaho Falls, ID – March 25, 2025

The 1st Annual Eastern Idaho Tech Expo and VIP Stakeholder Event brought together industry leaders, tech innovators, and economic development partners on March 18-19, 2025, for two days of engaging discussions, networking, and groundbreaking technology showcases. Hosted by the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), the event served as a catalyst for strengthening Eastern Idaho’s tech ecosystem and fostering future growth.


VIP Stakeholder Event – Driving Collaboration & Innovation


The VIP Stakeholder Event on March 18 set the stage for meaningful dialogue among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Speakers shared insights into Idaho’s tech industry expansion, innovation trends, and economic development strategies.

Highlights included:
🔹 Ryan Harris, CEO of RizeX, led a dynamic networking activity to spark new connections.
🔹 Kurtis Clark,  Technical Services Manager. at BioLogiQ, introduced sustainable cutlery made from potato starch.
🔹 Jason Jenkins, VP of Silver Star Communications, emphasized the importance of connectivity and community collaboration.
🔹 Rich Stuppy, former ITC Board Chair, energized the audience with his passion for growing Idaho’s tech ecosystem.
🔹 Stu Draper, Founder of Stukent/Get Found First, shared his entrepreneurial journey and love for Eastern Idaho.

Keynote speaker Mark Holtermann, CIO of Idaho National Laboratory, highlighted the opportunities to expand Idaho’s leadership in energy and technology.

Additionally, Mayor Jerry Merrill (City of Rexburg) and ITC CEO Diane Bevan discussed Rexburg’s vision for tech growth, while Teresa McKnight, CEO of REDI, showcased Idaho’s success in securing SBIR/STTR grants for small businesses.

The event closed with an inspiring message from Dr. Lori Barber, President of College of Eastern Idaho, who called on attendees to unite in strengthening Idaho’s tech talent pipeline.


Breakout Sessions & Tech Expo – Engaging Discussions & Innovation Showcases


On March 19, attendees participated in thought-provoking breakout sessions led by top tech and business experts on topics ranging from AI and cybersecurity to entrepreneurship and commercialization.


Featured sessions included:
On March 19, the breakout sessions featured industry-leading experts and organizations sharing insights on AI, cybersecurity, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.


Breakout Sessions, hosts, and panelists:

💡 Enhancing Enterprise Performance through the Effective Adoption of M365 & Co-Pilot
  Sponsored by: Slalom Consulting & Microsoft

  • Brandon Showers, Director, Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft
  • David Drinkwine, Senior Director, Modern Work Global Practice, Slalom

💡 Cashing in on Your Bright Ideas: America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR Program)
  Hosted by: Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI)

  • Teresa McKnight, CEO, REDI
  • David Noack, Region VI Director, Idaho SBDC
  • Bam Omotowa, Region VI Director, APEX

💡 Futureproofing with Education - Tech Fluency Augmented with Durable Skills
  Hosted by: College of Eastern Idaho

  • Dr. Henry C. (Chuck) Bohleke, Dean of Business, Technology & Trades, CEI
  • Dr. Matthew Taylor, Dean, Health Sciences, CEI
  • Jacob Haeberle, Interim Dean of General Education, CEI

💡 AI in Action: Streamlining Operations and Strengthening Cybersecurity for Modern Businesses
  Hosted by: MoatIT

  • Ali Khan, Founder/CEO, MoatIT

💡 Beyond the Chatbot: DRIFT Tools for Utility & Industry Filings
  Hosted by: Slalom Consulting

  • Joe Kennedy, Senior Director, Slalom

💡  Technology Resources for Entrepreneurs
  Hosted by: Idaho Entrepreneur Center

  • Ryon Brewer, CEO/Executive Director, Idaho Entrepreneur Center
  • Scott Allred, COO, Idaho Entrepreneur Center

💡 SMART Business Strategic Planning
  Hosted by: Idaho Innovation Center

  • Jared Oviatt, Business Partner, BBSI
  • Garrett Foster, Owner, Prevail—Legacy Builders
  • Bryan Magleby, Executive Director, Idaho Innovation Center

💡 Building AI Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibility
  Hosted by: City of Rexburg & Brigham Young University-Idaho

  • Aaron Denney, Economic Development, City of Rexburg
  • Sidney Palmer, Ph.D., University AI Officer, BYU-Idaho
  • Dave Ashby, Director of Learning Innovation & Technology, BYU-Idaho

💡 From Lab to Launch: The Art of Commercialization
  Hosted by: ISU Bengal Solutions

  • Nikola Layton, Director, Bengal Solutions Research and Commercialization Center, ISU

💡 The Region’s Growing Role in AI Leadership
  Hosted by: Idaho National Laboratory

  • Chris Ritter, Division Director, Scientific Computing & AI, INL
  • Srini Yeduru, Sr. Manager, Micron Technology
  • Edoardo Serra, Associate Professor, Boise State University
  • Brian Smith, Director, Nuclear Reactor Development, INL


Unparalleled Networking & Industry Growth


The expo floor provided a space for startups, established tech companies, and investors to connect, showcase innovations, and explore new partnerships.  On behalf of the Idaho Technology Council, we give our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, exhibitors, and presenters on both days. it is with your collaboration that this event was a success.


Looking Ahead – Save the Date for 2026!

The Eastern Idaho Tech Expo proved that Idaho is on the rise as a technology hub. With overwhelming participation and positive feedback, plans for the 2026 event are already in motion. Stay tuned for updates!


ABOUT IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. Our mission is to build a strong tech community in Idaho by bringing people together, supporting tech education, and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth. Together, we’re making Idaho a top destination for technology and innovation. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies.

 


Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org

Website:  https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

 

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Meet Kurt Temple

by Tim Munkres • 7 October 2025
Introducing: Kurt Temple, Client Director, Technologent Describe the business/organization you work for: Technologent is a women-owned, WBENC-certified and global provider of Information Technology solutions and services for Fortune 1000 companies. With our internationally recognized technical and sales team and well-established partnerships between the most cutting-edge technology brands, Technologent powers your business through a combination of foundational IT disciplines: Data, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud and Security. Together with Professional Services, Financial Services, Service Provider Solutions and our people, we’re paving the way for your business operations with advanced problem-solving that isn't just reactive, but forward-thinking and future-proof. Technologent is the premier global edge-to-edge IT services company that delivers agile solutions for accelerating digital transformation. We bring inspiration and innovation to every organization. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I had the opportunity to work closely with Technologent when I covered a global entertainment and gaming company in Las Vegas while I was at Cisco. Technologent's expertise across architectures is unparalleled. The company always fulfilled the business outcomes the customer was looking for with speed and agility - a true partner that is committed to serving its customers. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? At Technologent, we place your specific business requirements and desired results at the center of each solution. Our primary goal is to simplify technology and focus on a solution, not just a product. With our proven methodology, best-of-breed tools and extensive product certifications, we help you and your IT organization architect, integrate and maintain a secure high-performance business infrastructure. The goal of every Technologent employee is to provide solutions that solve our customers’ biggest, most important technology issues. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Working for large organizations at times can be challenging. As a sales professional, you strive to keep your customer's best interest and strategic vision top of mind. Often times, you have to be the voice of the customer and advocate for them internally to ensure the company stays aligned to your customer's goals. In order to accomplish this I have had to learn how to effectively manage up in each organization - thinking outside the box and effectively communicating with executives to ensure my customer's needs are met. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Trust the process and always be willing to learn in this fast-paced and everchanging industry. Find a mentor. Always be the voice of your customer and listen to their needs. Deliver on what you say you will do. 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 i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn HERE Check out Technologent HERE