Arizona’s growing reputation as a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing and high-tech innovation took center stage this week as SEMICON West 2025, the largest semiconductor industry conference in North America, opened in downtown Phoenix. It’s the first time in the event’s 50-year history that SEMICON West has been held outside Silicon Valley—a milestone that industry leaders are saying reflects Arizona’s growing influence in advanced manufacturing and technology development.

The Phoenix Convention Center is expected to draw around 40,000 attendees throughout the week, including executives from global tech companies, investors, and engineers from across the world. Organizers say registration is up 62 percent from last year, marking the highest attendance in the event’s history. The December event sold out more quickly than expected, forcing organizers to expand floor space to meet demand.

As part of the week’s programming, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council are hosting Arizona Semiconductor Leadership Day, a gathering of more than 600 guests and delegations from 17 countries. The event highlights Arizona’s semiconductor infrastructure, workforce development, and partnerships between the public and private sectors, signaling a high level of confidence that Arizona will soon become a tech hub rivaling California and Texas.

State lawmakers have been quick to spotlight the conference as a symbol of Arizona’s rise in the global tech economy.

“With billions in new investments, Arizona continues to show that we can compete—and win—on the world stage,” said State Majority Whip Frank Carroll in a statement. “This is more than a conference; it’s a recognition of the collaboration and vision that have made Arizona a cornerstone of America’s tech future.”

Carroll stated that he plans to continue supporting industrial growth through policies aimed at strengthening the state’s economy and expanding opportunities for Arizona families. Case in point: Senator Carroll’s integral work in passing Senate Bill SB1543, which Governor Hobbs signed into law on April 19, 2025. The bill created the framework for Axon, the military and law enforcement tech giant, to create its corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

Carroll added. “Our focus now is sustaining that momentum with policies that strengthen our economy, support local communities, and create opportunities for Arizona families.”