The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is pleased to announce the winning startups for the UACI Sponsored Launch Fueled by the City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Foundation. OncoNexus and Sonoran Robotics will each receive a one-year sponsored entry into UACI which includes the people, place and programming needed to successfully grow and scale their businesses. The UACI Program Roadmap© will help them with everything from refining their business models to obtaining funding through a comprehensive guide and structured programming.
OncoNexus is building a dual output ambient AI platform for patients undergoing cancer. For each visit with a patient, this startup generates two outputs: a billing ready scaffold for the clinic and a clear personalized summary for the patient. Co-Founders, Khatrina Swarup and Dr. Sriman Swarup have witnessed firsthand the challenges patients face during oncology visits, including claim denials, overlooked treatment plans, and communication gaps. Their platform is designed to address these issues by streamlining documentation and improving the patient experience with a personalized action plan.
By joining UACI’s incubator program, they will gain structured mentorship, guidance on infrastructure planning and funding and valuable connections to industry and community leaders.
Sonoran Robotics is developing software that can detect dangerous falls using AI in conjunction with Apple’s body tracking vision framework in real-time. Founder Sean Hall recognized that falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and aimed to close the gap between fall incidents and the arrival of caregivers or emergency services by providing immediate alerts upon detection.
With a prototype of the application ready, they are seeking opportunities for clinical validation, supported by UACI’s incubator program through mentorship and connections to experts experienced in clinical research.
“OncoNexus and Sonoran Robotics exemplify the kind of mission-driven innovation we are proud to support through the UACI Sponsored Launch Program”, shared Casey Carrillo, UACI Executive Director, “Both startups are tackling challenges in healthcare with cutting-edge technology. With the backing of the City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Foundation, we’re excited to provide these entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and community they need to accelerate their impact and growth.”
In alignment with its mission to grow scalable companies that fuel the Arizona economy, UACI has teamed up with the City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Foundation for a third year to support scalable science and tech-based companies within the region.
“Both companies offer innovative solutions to real problems within the healthcare industry,” City of Sierra Vista Tourism and Economic Development Director Tony Boone says. “It’s inspiring to support local entrepreneurs driving meaningful change through their vision and dedication.”
“The Sky Islands Foundation is committed to fostering innovation and growth in Southern Arizona. Partnering with UACI’s Sponsored Launch program aligns us with this mission. We’re proud to help support each of these startups to develop their tech which can make a significant impact in the healthcare industry,” shared Melany Edwards-Barton, CEO of Sky Islands Regional Partnership & Foundation.
A special thanks to the selection committee which included: Melany Edwards-Barton, CEO of Sky Islands Regional Partnership & Foundation, Tony Boone, Tourism and Economic Development Director for the City of Sierra Vista, Dianna Cameron, Economic Development Business Liaison for the City of Sierra Vista, Fanny Weiland, Sky Islands Foundation Board Member, and Jennifer Sorenson, Sky Islands Foundation Board Chairperson.
About City of Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista is the commercial, education, health care, and innovation hub of Southeast Arizona. It boasts two nation-leading cyber security programs at University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology and Cochise College; is located adjacent to Fort Huachuca, which is the U.S. Army’s hub of technology, training, and testing; and is sitting on the cutting edge of space exploration as it pursues steps to become a multi-use spaceport reentry site. Already a forward-thinking city, Sierra Vista supports the growth of the tech-centric businesses that are key to its future.
About Sky Islands Foundation
The Foundation’s purpose includes research and development; educational programs and scholarships, especially programs for workforce development, leadership development, and low-cost programs for emerging businesses; the promotion of economic development in Southern Arizona; promotion of the arts; and other programs that will increase employment, payroll, business volume and the overall quality of life in Southern Arizona.
