Jay Larsen is founder and CEO/President of the Idaho Technology Council, which is the voice from industry focused on growing technology and innovation in Idaho. Larsen is a native Idahoan who obtained his BA from Brigham Young University and his MBA from Boise State University. Telecommunication has been the industry where Jay has spend 22 years of his career, with start-up long distance companies and has managed and led teams with U S WEST Cellular, AirTouch Cellular, Qwest Communication, and Verizon Wireless in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah. During these 22 years, Larsen led teams that pioneering and implementing new wireless technologies. He also managed through several mergers and acquisitions. He has served on a U. S. Congressman’s staff as Director of Economic Development. Jay’s key areas of focus are organizational development, marketing, networks, innovation, and leadership. He has served on several boards focused on helping further Idaho talent and the development of innovation. Some of these boards are: Idaho Workforce Development Council, Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance, Boise State University College of Business and Economics Industry Advisory Board & CS Industry Advisory Board, Boise State University Foundation Board, Bronco Athletic Association, INBRE Advisory Board, Idaho K-12 CS Leadership Team. Larsen has coached several sports teams and lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife (who have been blessed with four sons) and their Jack Russell terrier.
The Idaho Technology Council is the voice from industry to drive innovation and technology in Idaho. We have conducted over 20 focus groups with business leaders and the three areas that we focus are growing talent, access to capital, and getting ideas to the market. We produce the Idaho Knowledge Report and the Idaho Deal Flow Report so we can measure innovative success. We believe in INNOVATIVE DISRUPTION– which helps companies develop products and services that meet their customers demands today, but more importantly, in the future.