Growing Global: UArizona Center for Innovation makes Right Connections
The most recent endeavor at the University of Arizona Center for Innovation housed at The University of Arizona Tech Park stays true to its spirit of collaboration and growth.
The United States Department of State selected the center to host four international startups as part of its Global Innovation through Science and Technology program.
The incubator was selected because of its capacity to support science and technology startups within a thriving, academic-based ecosystem, and the ability to provide custom programming that helps international entrepreneurs understand how to do business in the United States, refine cultural norms and connect with U.S.-based customers.
The Department of State aimed to connect international startups with a traditional incubator that has a strong network, business resources and research facilities to help them navigate the complicated task of entering the U.S. market. Additionally, it was vital that the business is submersed in the American startup culture.
Shortly, after being selected, the center welcomed the companies: Contract One of Belarus, FindBug of Kosovo, LOOQME of Ukraine and StringersHub of Belarus.
Each of the businesses had a built a track record of success in their home countries before the Tech Park’s exceptional resources and diverse connections allowed the startups to test their companies in the U.S. market. Each business had the chance to build a vibrant network, giving them the opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs, community leaders, industry experts, investors, potential American customers and more.
Ultimately, the international guests’ four-week endeavor in Tucson equipped them with unique connections, valuable data, and relevant experience that it takes to make their businesses thrive in Arizona.
The benefits reciprocated as the priceless experience of absorbing another culture and learning new perspectives was just the beginning of what the University of Arizona gained from the relationship with the global startups. This opportunity sets the scene for a greater international presence in Tucson, bringing the potential for new dollars, expertise, and innovation to the region.
Building on this experience, the center is working to recruit more international companies and formalize its international soft-landing program by working with the International Business Innovation Association to earn certification as a soft-landing accredited site. Continuing to invite international startups to connect through the center and the Tech Park will unlock greater potential for outside funding to channel through to Arizona.
One thing is for sure: The University of Arizona Center for Innovation is making strides to pioneer the boundaries of innovation on a global scale.
