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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/

 

Tips from KeyBank - Protecting Yourself from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Imposter Scams

by Tim Munkres • 9 July 2026
Protecting Yourself from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Imposter Scams – Tips from KeyBank

Meet Jeanne Allen

by Tim Munkres • 8 July 2026
Introducing: Jeanne Allen, QA Engineer II, Destination Pet Describe the business/organization you work for: Destination Pet is a company that provides pet services like boarding, daycare, house sitting, and dog walking and grooming. I work on the Yourgi app, which is the online portal for booking appointments for your pets. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I decided to work for Destination Pet because the team there is incredible, and I felt like I could make a difference and help the company grow. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? They really care about their customers and try to make every pet service something to remember. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Working for a tech startup can be hard because the infrastructure isn't set up for development. I enjoy helping set up this infrastructure, so I'm working with the team to make their processes more efficient and enhance communication across teams. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Be curious and excited to learn. With QA, software development, and devops, there's so much to learn, and being curious is an essential part of the job. 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 . Connect with Jeanne on LinkedIn HERE Check out Destination Pet HERE

ITC Hosts Inaugural iTECH Summit in the Magic Valley

22 June 2026
Two-day summit at the College of Southern Idaho unites regional leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators around the theme Tech Powered. Community Led. — marking the Idaho Technology Council's first major event in South Central Idaho.