Integro Bank and ASU Partner on Upcoming Event: Cracking the Code, How ASU AI Research Is Unlocking the Next Wave of SMB Growth

The event will present key findings from ASU's latest AI research focused on small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), translating academic insight into practical, actionable strategies local business owners can implement immediately.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Integro Bank, in partnership with Arizona State University, will host the February CEO Club event, "Cracking the Code: How ASU AI Research Is Unlocking the Next Wave of SMB Growth," featuring Hitendra Chaturvedi, Professor of Practice in the Department of Supply Chain Management at the W. P. Carey School of Business. The event will present key findings from ASU's latest AI research focused on small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), translating academic insight into practical, actionable strategies local business owners can implement immediately.

Why it matters

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes competitive landscapes, many SMBs face a widening gap between opportunity and implementation. The ASU research highlights how SMBs can create a better understanding of how to utilize AI to identify high-impact use cases, improve supply chain resilience, deploy AI responsibly, and compete more effectively against larger enterprises.

The details

The February CEO Club event will offer actionable items for business leaders, ecosystem partners, and policymakers who shape Arizona's economic future. For SMB owners, it's an opportunity to understand how AI can directly impact pricing strategy, operational efficiency, and customer acquisition. For strategic partners and service providers, the research offers insight into how to better support SMB clients navigating AI adoption. For policymakers and economic development leaders, the findings provide a data-informed perspective on workforce readiness, innovation adoption barriers, and how policy frameworks can enable responsible AI integration in local business environments.

  • The CEO Club event will be held on February 26, 2026.
  • The event will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

The players

Hitendra Chaturvedi

Professor of Practice in the Department of Supply Chain Management at the W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University.

Elaine Szeto

Chief Innovation Officer & Founder at Integro Bank.

Integro Bank

An FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to helping businesses grow and maximize employment.

Arizona State University

A public research university located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, partnering with Integro Bank on the upcoming event.

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What they’re saying

“This research brings clarity to a space that often feels overwhelming for business owners. Our partnership with ASU equips Arizona's SMB community with real data, practical models, and a starting point to build a responsible roadmap for AI adoption. At Integro Bank, we believe innovation should translate into measurable growth, stronger employment, and lasting community impact.”

— Elaine Szeto, Chief Innovation Officer & Founder (Integro Bank)

“AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present competitive differentiator. Our research focuses on making AI practical and accessible for SMBs. When business leaders understand where AI creates the most value, and how to implement it responsibly, they unlock new pathways for growth, resilience, and innovation.”

— Hitendra Chaturvedi, Professor of Practice (Arizona State University)

What’s next

Seating is limited for the CEO Club event on February 26, 2026. Business owners, executives, partners, and community leaders are encouraged to RSVP to secure attendance.

The takeaway

This event and research partnership between Integro Bank and Arizona State University aim to equip Arizona's small and mid-sized businesses with practical, data-driven strategies to leverage AI and unlock new pathways for growth, resilience, and innovation in their local communities.