AGP Executive Report

Firefighter Innovation: Retired Phoenix captain Mike Cornelius’ SpeedSwivel helps crews connect hoses when building fire fittings are stolen. Nearly 2,000 have gone to about 100 departments, including Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa. Road Safety: Thermal cameras above Phoenix’s I-17 ramps detected 33 wrong-way vehicles in their first six months, allowing authorities to respond before crashes. AI Careers: A University of Arizona professor built an AI tool to help early-career professionals understand how others see them and make career decisions. Chipmaking: The U.S. has designated helium a critical material amid supply risks; the gas is vital to semiconductor production. Intel has also installed production tools at its Arizona Fab 62 as chip demand grows. Water and Data Centers: Gilbert is weighing safeguards for data center growth, including a proposed 650-foot buffer, with a vote delayed until December. PFAS Research: ASU researchers have developed a new way to destroy the persistent chemicals.

Data Centers & Water: Gilbert is weighing rules requiring primary data centers to use reclaimed water for cooling and banning open-loop evaporative systems, as it tries to protect water supplies and nearby neighborhoods. Arizona Research: ASU researchers built a dataset of more than 15.2 million county-to-county distances along real highway and rail networks, offering a better way to study freight costs as diesel prices climb. Mining & Environment: Hudbay and Mitsubishi are moving ahead with Copper World near Tucson, aiming to start construction this year and mining in 2029; the project faces environmental opposition over potential impacts on the Santa Rita Mountains and Santa Cruz River. Space Science: University of Arizona astronomers helped identify 27 exoplanet targets for the planned Lazuli private space telescope, expected to launch by 2029. Defense Technology: Tucson-based Applied Energetics will showcase a pulsed-laser system designed to disable small drones at an Air Force innovation expo in Tucson. Urban Wildlife: ASU researchers are using recordings of calls from roughly 10,000 Phoenix-area bats to explore how sound can reveal urban ecosystems.

Semiconductor Supply: The U.S. has designated helium a critical material, citing its role in chipmaking and risks to global supply. The move could bring more federal support for producers—important as Arizona’s semiconductor industry expands. Data Centers & Water: As AI drives data-center growth, Endeavour and Trevi plan to use waste heat to desalinate water at U.S. facilities, claiming output of up to 200,000 gallons per day per megawatt. Arizona’s data-center impacts are also drawing scrutiny, with the state attorney general probing an Ahwatukee project. Arizona Aerospace: Four Navy Fire Scout unmanned helicopters stored at Davis-Monthan in Tucson are being transferred for Army testing, giving the aircraft a new role after the Navy began retiring them. Skywatching: Saudi Arabia has joined the LaserSETI network, adding its first Asian station to a system that includes a detector in Arizona and monitors the sky for brief flashes that could signal cosmic events. Drone Technology: ZenaTech is developing AI software to automate processing of LiDAR data for land surveys, with the goal of cutting delivery times from days to minutes. The system is still being tested.

Early Detection for Aging Dogs: University of Arizona researchers developed CANID, a 40-minute test that can identify subtle cognitive decline in dogs at ages 7 or 8—years before dementia symptoms typically appear. AI’s Power Footprint: Arizona communities are debating data center impacts as tech companies face growing local resistance. Google is testing another approach elsewhere: paying homes and businesses to cut electricity use at peak times, freeing up grid capacity for data centers. Chipmaking in Arizona: Intel has begun moving production tools into its Arizona Fab 62, with a start targeted for 2028, as the state expands semiconductor ties with Germany’s Saxony region. Water and Pollution: ASU researchers report a new way to destroy PFAS, while a judge upheld a ruling requiring Arizona water officials to use earlier rules when assessing water supplies for homebuilding. Separate research warns the Colorado River Basin lost trillions of gallons of groundwater during three severe drought years.

Semiconductors: Intel has begun moving production tools into its Arizona Fab 62, targeting a 2028 start as AI chip demand surges. TSMC, meanwhile, is scouting Texas for possible expansion beyond Arizona. University Innovation: ASU has topped national innovation rankings for the 12th straight year; a separate $600,000 NASA grant will help Arizona universities train students for AI and aerospace jobs. Water Research: ASU researchers report a new approach to destroying PFAS, while a study finds the Colorado River Basin lost trillions of gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought. Data Center Debate: Arizona officials are weighing the local costs of tech growth: the state attorney general is probing an Ahwatukee data center, and Gilbert is considering a 650-foot buffer around facilities.

Semiconductors: Intel has begun installing production equipment at Fab 62 in Chandler, a major step toward turning its sixth Ocotillo factory into an operating chip plant. Data Centers: Arizona’s growing server-building boom is facing stronger local scrutiny: Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating the Ahwatukee project as a possible nuisance, while Gilbert weighs a 650-foot buffer. Tech companies, facing community resistance nationwide, are promising more transparency and local benefits. Research: ASU researchers say they’ve found a new way to destroy PFAS, the persistent “forever chemicals” that can contaminate water. University Innovation: ASU was named the nation’s most innovative university for a 12th straight year; the school points to its new medicine-and-engineering program as one example of its approach.

Semiconductors: Intel has begun installing production tools at its Arizona Fab 62, which is on track to start operations by late 2028. The company also says it has integrated advanced High-NA EUV lithography into high-volume manufacturing. Arizona Innovation: A state-backed program is advancing two Arizona-built technologies: a haptic motorcycle helmet aimed at reducing rider deaths and software to help utilities manage electricity demand from AI data centers. ASU researchers will help test both before field pilots. Cancer Research: Mayo Clinic researchers found that AI analysis of routine CT scans detected changes in body fat and muscle in the years before pancreatic cancer diagnoses, raising the possibility of earlier risk alerts. The study included patients at Mayo’s Arizona sites. Water: Arizona’s Supreme Court rejected a bid to require a new groundwater review for the San Pedro basin. Separately, researchers estimate the Upper Colorado River Basin lost 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought, underscoring pressure on the region’s water supplies.

Heat Preparedness: ASU launched a first-of-its-kind center to turn research from more than 160 researchers into practical ways to help Arizona and the nation prepare for extreme heat. AI in Education: will.i.am is teaching at ASU for a second year, guiding students to use AI agents to tackle local and rural problems. Water Technology: An ASU-led team developed membranes that capture and chemically break down six PFAS compounds, instead of simply trapping them. Space & STEM: Yuma and Mexican officials signed a science and technology agreement and discussed future collaboration around a proposed spaceport; Price Elementary at Yuma Proving Ground also received a computerized Smithsonian telescope for student astronomy. Agriculture: A new University of Arizona researcher in Yuma is combining field insect data and weather records to help growers anticipate whitefly threats. Copper Industry: Hudbay and Mitsubishi approved construction of the Copper World project southeast of Tucson, targeting first production in 2029. Water & Data Centers: A new map tracks proposed data center campuses and supporting infrastructure on public lands, including in Arizona; the state Supreme Court declined to require a groundwater review of the upper San Pedro basin.

Brain Aging: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging may shift the brain toward using accumulated knowledge and recognizing broader patterns, rather than retaining every detail. Water Cleanup: Arizona State University researchers developed a membrane that destroyed more than 90% of six tested “forever chemicals” during a 58-day lab trial, offering a potential alternative to filters that merely capture the pollutants. Autonomous Vehicles: Waymo reportedly plans to expand its fleet to 20,000 robotaxis by the end of 2027; its Mesa facility outfits imported vehicles with the company’s self-driving technology. Semiconductors: Arizona and Germany’s Saxony region are expanding cooperation in the chip industry, as TSMC Arizona reportedly moves production plans forward amid strong demand. Research and Infrastructure: The University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2 is expanding tropical research, while the state’s first federally funded NEVI fast-charging stations have opened.

Space Science: University of Arizona planetary scientist Andrew Ryan helped investigate why asteroid Bennu’s boulder-covered surface seemed to contradict earlier heat measurements; NASA says it has now solved the mystery. Data Centers: Arizona’s debate over AI infrastructure is sharpening: Pinal County residents helped block a major campus, while a new analysis puts planned U.S. investment at $10 trillion and raises questions about water, power costs and tax breaks. Water Technology: ASU researchers are developing a way to break down PFAS in contaminated water instead of merely capturing the persistent chemicals in filters or waste. Semiconductors: Arizona and Germany’s Saxony region are expanding industry ties, aiming to connect chipmakers and suppliers and strengthen research and workforce links. Brain Research: A University of Arizona paper proposes that healthy aging may shift the brain toward using accumulated knowledge and recognizing broader patterns, rather than retaining every detail. Cybersecurity: ASU researchers are working to anticipate risks from AI-enabled robots and other connected technologies before they threaten people or critical systems.

Water Security: Phoenix strengthened cybersecurity for its water system, including isolating operational technology from the internet; the city says the work was completed in 2024. AI and Infrastructure: At a Mesa town hall, Attorney General Kris Mayes warned data-center growth could raise utility costs and strain communities. TSMC Arizona is also accelerating its production timeline as AI-chip demand surges. Arizona Tech Talent: A $600,000 NASA grant will help Arizona universities prepare students for AI-related aerospace jobs. Research: University of Arizona researchers say healthy aging may involve relying more on accumulated knowledge than fine detail. A separate UA study found early North Americans in New Mexico experienced major environmental shifts within a few generations. ASU researchers also linked faster DNA changes in larger dogs to their shorter lifespans.

Brain Science: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging shifts the brain toward drawing on experience and recognizing patterns, rather than retaining every detail. Copper Innovation: Phoenix-based Freeport-McMoRan is testing a new chemical treatment to recover more copper from mine waste, aiming to build on a leaching target of 800 million pounds a year. Urban Heat Research: ASU researchers are studying how black widows adapt to hotter cities; desert males fared worse in high heat, while researchers say female spiders staying active longer may reflect warmer winters. AI Accountability: Arizona joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT can harm children and mislead users about safety. Chip Manufacturing: TSMC Arizona is accelerating its production timeline as AI-chip demand surges.

Brain & Aging: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging may involve relying more on accumulated knowledge than retaining every detail. AI’s Copper Appetite: Arizona’s copper reserves are drawing attention as data centers, chipmaking and clean energy drive demand, while concerns remain over mining’s water use and environmental costs. Chipmaking: TSMC Arizona is accelerating its production timeline as AI-chip demand surges. Water Security: Arizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit over the federal Colorado River plan, as Lake Mead sinks to record lows. Animal Science: ASU researchers studying nearly 900 dogs link faster aging in large breeds to DNA changes that may drive cellular damage and inflammation.

Brain-Aging Research: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging shifts the brain toward using accumulated knowledge and recognizing patterns, rather than simply losing cognitive ability. Water and Farming: Yuma agricultural leaders say drought is pushing farms to seek higher yields with more efficient irrigation. Mesa, meanwhile, is preparing for a projected loss of nearly 12,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water, or more than one-fifth of its allocation, and may turn to costlier supplies. Semiconductors: TSMC Arizona is accelerating its production timeline as demand for AI chips surges, while the company weighs further U.S. expansion. AI Safety: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has joined a multistate lawsuit accusing OpenAI of exposing children to harm and misleading the public about ChatGPT’s safety.

Brain Science: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging may shift the brain toward using accumulated knowledge and patterns, rather than retaining every detail. Semiconductors: TSMC Arizona is accelerating its production timeline as the company raises its 2026 outlook; AI-chip demand still far exceeds supply. Auto Technology: Chandler-based Microchip and Germany’s Elektrobit are pairing chip hardware with pre-integrated vehicle software tools to simplify automakers’ development work. Space Research: A University of Arizona astronomer will lead a new $20 million NASA mission. Local Tech Policy: Tempe has become the first Arizona city to ban police use of automated license-plate reader cameras, citing privacy concerns. Cancer Research: University of Arizona oncologist Rachna Shroff, 47, is being remembered for advancing clinical trials and expanding cancer research in Tucson.

Privacy Tech: Tempe has become the first Arizona city to ban police and other city agencies from using automated license-plate readers or querying their data, citing privacy concerns. Semiconductors: TSMC Arizona is accelerating its production timeline as AI-chip demand drives strong earnings. Space Science: University of Arizona astronomers used NASA’s Webb telescope to track changing water clouds on brown dwarf WISE 0855, about 7.5 light-years away. Tech Workforce: Gov. Katie Hobbs visited Arizona Western College’s Wellton accelerator, where students train in fields including electric vehicles and automation. Water Security: ASU marked the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative’s progress in developing practical solutions with communities and industry; meanwhile, Arizona plans to join Nevada’s challenge to a federal Colorado River plan that state officials say could bring steep cuts to its allocation. Solar: Arizona is among the nation’s leading states for small-scale solar generation, which has quadrupled across the U.S. in a decade.