Technology is a constantly improving, and tech companies are always on the lookout for innovators. But how can tech companies find those innovators?

 The Avnet Tech Games is a great place to start. Held at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, students from around the state form teams and compete in a variety of events, from pitching their ideas for greener data centers to building an obstacle course navigating robot.

Along with the chance to show off their technical know-how in front of potential employers, teams also compete for a $1,000 scholarship. Besides technical understanding, teams are also judged on professional aspects such as attire and public speaking.

Another important part of the Avnet Tech Games is networking. Bruce Gorshe, a judge of the EMC Green Data Center Challenge, said everyone can benefit from the experience.

“It’s a real opportunity for students to network and rub elbows with captains of industry, where they can really find out what’s inside a CIO’s mind with regard to what they’re looking for in an employee,” he said.

Networking is a great way for students to find a potential employer and vice versa. When the competitors aren’t battling it out in the games or networking, they can relax by grabbing a bite to eat at a barbeque, playing Minecraft, or controlling a robot that shoots Frisbees at targets.

After the games are over, no matter who wins or loses, competitors know that they’ve gained valuable experience.

“It’s a really good opportunity for the future,” one competitor said. “You can get job opportunities, scholarships and all that. You should join.”