Wire*— They’re some of the state’s biggest names in business, technology and politics, and they’ll soon share their words of wisdom when Techstars Startup Week PHX, powered by Chase for Business, takes over the George Washington Carver Museum later this month.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Arizona Commerce Authority CEO Sandra Watson, Nextiva CEO Tomas Gormy and PATH Chief Marketing and Communication Officer Carla Sandine are among those who’ve signed on as keynote speakers for the free, five-day event slated for Monday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 23, 2018.

Photo Credit: TechStars Startup Week PHX Powered by Chase for Business

“Our startup community is critical to Arizona’s economy, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s Startup Week,” Gov. Ducey said. “As a former entrepreneur, I know first-hand the type of resources that startups need to be successful, and it’s been a consistent theme in my approach to economic development. Arizona is leading the nation when it comes to growing our economy, and our startup ecosystem continues to play a role in this growth.”

Ducey joins additional keynote speakers representing a broad range of industries.

Take Todd Nordstrom, a weekly contributor for Forbes and Inc. magazines, whose insight on business practices have reached more than 10 million readers, or bluemedia President Darren Wilson, whose claims to fame include helping more than 200 business concepts get off the ground.

Additional keynote speakers include California Closets Chief Executive Officer Neil Baltar and LaneTerralever CEO Chris Johnson, while more than 100 other guest speakers have also signed on for the event. View the complete list online.

Vertical Days Offer Attendees Immersive Industry Experience

Looking to maximize the Techstars Startup Week PHX experience by attending an all-day seminar focusing on a specific area of interest? Vertical Days are designed just for that, and they offer fully immersive, one-day sessions dedicated to specific topics.

Think Artificial Intelligence Day, on the docket for Monday, Feb. 19, or MedTech Day, hosted by Scientific Technologies Corp., sponsored by WebPT and set for Tuesday, Feb. 20, which seeks to educate and inspire those representing biomedical or health-tech companies.

“The healthcare landscape is changing dramatically and rapidly. More and more innovators are entering the health tech space and challenging legacy systems, and there are several Arizona companies helping to lead that charge,” said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, the co-founder and president of WebPT, the MedTech Day official sponsor. “MedTech Day is all about shining a light on local biomedical and healthcare software disruptors, sparking meaningful discussion about the state of the industry, and identifying where the greatest need and opportunity exists. As one of the first health tech companies in the Warehouse District, we’re excited to sponsor this important event and inspire more innovators to join us in one of Phoenix’s most iconic downtown neighborhoods.”

Scientific Technologies Corp., too, now calls the bustling Warehouse District home, and the company will serve as the host for the MedTech Day special event.

“Our move to the Warehouse District in January and the timing of this year’s Startup Week makes hosting MedTech Day a perfect fit as we embark on the next chapter at Scientific Technologies Corp. and place a renewed focus on the impact we have locally,” said company Owner Mike Popovich.

SaaS Day, slated for Wednesday, Feb. 21, targets the state’s software startups, while a Blockchain Conference planned for Thursday, Feb. 22 offers education, support and networking opportunities for those in Arizona’s fast-evolving Blockchain economy. Meanwhile, Friday’s Main Street Day, taking place at Arizona State University’s Grant Street Studios, presents an opportunity for the community’s artisans, musicians and other creative minds to come together and celebrate local small business culture.

“Arizona State University values entrepreneurship as a core part of our institutional mission,” said Ji Mi Choi, Associate Vice President of Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU, who is leading entrepreneurship and innovation in service to students, faculty and the community. “We are particularly pleased to partner with Phoenix Startup Week to highlight and celebrate the myriad and diverse Main Street entrepreneurs who are essential to the vibrancy of our local neighborhoods and are a foundation of national economic strength.”

Chase for Business Basecamp At The Center Of All The Action

Looking to network, grab a snack or sneak in a few minutes to charge the phone or laptop? Attendees can stop by #ChaseBasecamp daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. throughout Techstars Startup Week PHX to arrange meetings, conduct coworking sessions or simply stop by and spend time with some of Arizona’s established and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Conveniently located in the center of all the action at the George Washington Carver Museum, Chase Basecamp promises a plethora of activities for visitors, from speaking engagements to one-on-one mentoring opportunities featuring CEOs, entrepreneurs and developers from across the state.

Visitors could even potentially find themselves on the receiving end of a grant from Chase Bank (more info to follow!) after visiting Chase Basecamp, so make sure to stop in, whether to rub elbows, seek guidance or simply make an impression on potential investors.

For more about TechStars Startup Week PHX, or to check out a complete list of speakers and events, visit PHXStartupWeek.com.

Featured Photo Credit: TechStars Startup Week PHX Powered by Chase for Business

*DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from trusted sources without translation.