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(Tucson, Arizona) The Office of University Research Parks, which directs the UA Tech Park, UA Bio Park and the Arizona
Center for Innovation has changed its name to Tech Parks Arizona as part of University’s transformational efforts in
moving University research innovations to market.
Tech Launch Arizona was recently created to foster an innovation ecosystem at the University of Arizona, revitalize
technology transfer and connect to commercialization resources in Southern Arizona and beyond. The name change
reflects that Tech Parks Arizona is an integral part of Tech Launch Arizona.
“The name change serves as a formal acknowledgement of the interrelationship of the units and the importance of each
function. Completing the name with the word “Arizona” strengthens the connection to the University as well as to the
State,” said David Allen, UA Vice President and Executive Director of Tech Launch Arizona.
Tech Parks Arizona will continue to play a significant role in economic development and technology commercialization
by creating environments that promote research, education, technology innovation and commercialization, as well as
high technology business development and attraction.
There has been no change in management. Bruce Wright, Associate Vice President for University Research Parks will
continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Parks.
About the UA Tech Park
The UA Tech Park advances the University of Arizona’s research mission and its efforts at technology development and
technology commercialization. The UA Tech Park contributes $2.4 billion annually to Pima County’s economy. It is one of
the region’s largest employment centers hosting approximately 50 businesses and organizations that employ nearly
7,000 people. The UA Tech Park is also home to the Arizona Center for Innovation, a technology business incubator, and
two educational institutions – UA South and Vail Academy and High School. The UA Tech Park has been nationally
recognized as one of the premier university research parks in North America.
About the UA Bio Park
The UA Bio Park is designed to meet the infrastructure needs of the growing bioscience industry in Tucson and the state
of Arizona. The Bio Park is where scientific discovery connects with entrepreneurial business to advance new
technology in to the marketplace. It incorporates a strong emphasis on community engagement and workforce
development to grow local expertise. The 65 acre Bio Park campus is part of a larger 350-acre planned community
called The Bridges, which includes residential and retail establishments. This is one of the city's largest infill projects and
the first big urban-core development to mix homes, stores and jobs in a single site.
About the Arizona Center for Innovation
The Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) is a business incubator and innovation center that promotes and accelerates
technology commercialization, helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful companies. AzCI has served
over 75 companies since inception in 2003. AzCI is a component of the Tech Parks Arizona which is part of the initiative
Tech Launch Arizona – a new approach to managing the commercialization of technologies at the University of Arizona.