UA Tech Park Renews Long-Term Lease with IBM, Supporting Economic Growth in Tucson

Tech Parks Arizona announced the renewal of a long-term lease with International Business Machines (IBM), extending their partnership for an additional 15 years. The relationship between the university and IBM dates back 30 years, beginning with the sale of the IBM campus near Rita Road and Interstate 10, which helped establish the UA Tech Park in 1994. "IBM's commitment is a testament to the enduring value of our collaboration," said University of Arizona Vice President Carol Stewart, who oversees Tech Parks Arizona. "This renewal reflects the strength of our innovation ecosystem and the exceptional business environment we offer. It not only secures IBM's presence in Arizona but also aligns with our mission to foster economic prosperity and community development."

Delegation Visit to Netherlands & Belgium 

The Arizona Commerce Authority, alongside key business leaders including Tech Parks Arizona, recently embarked on a trade mission to the Netherlands and Belgium to explore advancements in semiconductors, aerospace, nanoelectronics, and digital technologies. The visit offered unique insights into the work of technology leaders and universities and featured an exclusive tour of Imec, the world's leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub with a 40-year legacy.

Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo 

This month, Arizona Technology Council's Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo put innovation center stage. A big congratulations to UA Tech Park tenant, Applied Energetics, which won the Innovation Leader of Year award, and UACI startup Pioneer Neurotech, who was named Startup of the Year at the event. The expo showcased several of the park's innovative companies including Darling Geomatics, Micro-Hybrid Electronics, and US Air Tech. Plus key University of Arizona units from U of A Research, Innovation, and Impact including BIO5, Tech Launch Arizona, UA Tech Park, and UACI.

UEDA Summit

Tech Parks Arizona's Carol Stewart and UACI's Casey Carrillo represented our organization at the recent University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Summit. Carol emphasized the vital role of university-based economic development in the presentation Redefining the Traditional. Casey presented the UACI Sponsored Launch program, recognized as a national finalist for the prestigious Awards of Excellence in economic development initiatives.

Governor's Celebration of Innovation

Join us for the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards presented by the Arizona Technology Council in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority. This year, Tech Parks Arizona will be honored with the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Award! Come celebrate Arizona's best in technology with over 400 of the state's top innovators and business leaders on November 13, 2024.

Pink Out the Park

The American Cancer Society's Pink Out the Park walk at the UA Tech Park, united hundreds of community members from across Tucson to raise breast cancer awareness on October 20. Tech Parks Arizona was proud to sponsor the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event which celebrated hope, progress and the power of community.   

PR Pro of the Year

Jessa Turner, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Tech Parks Arizona, received the PR Pro of the Year award at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Southern Arizona 2024 Impact Awards. Her expertise in strategic communications has elevated the visibility of Tech Parks Arizona and fostered meaningful community connections. Please join us in congratulating Jessa on this well-deserved honor!

Reading Heros Needed

Vail Academy and High School (VAHS), which is located at the UA Tech Park, is seeking volunteers to help with their Reading Heroes program. Volunteers meet with elementary students once a week for 30 minutes to read with them. The program offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact with only a small time commitment.

TENANT HIGHLIGHT

Dimensional Energy

Since joining the UA Tech Park and University of Arizona Center for Innovation in 2022, Dimensional Energy has been pioneering technology to transform carbon dioxide emissions into useful products. They use a patented process to convert CO2 into items like jet fuel, beauty products and wax for surfboards. This innovative approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions by repurposing CO2 into everyday goods which drives the transition toward a sustainable future. Dimensional Energy recently raised $20 million in Series A funding from Envisioning Partners and is supported by investors like United Airlines' Sustainable Flight Fund and Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund.

FEATURED SPACE

Building 9040

Ready to take your business to the next level? Step into a purpose-built environment tailored to support your auxiliary needs while you focus on driving your company forward. This prime second-floor space in Building 9040 boasts 39,953 square feet of flexible, multi-use space, comprising offices, training rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Customize your workspace to perfection, all within the vibrant ecosystem of a premier university research park. Nestled in the heart of the UA Tech Park, this location offers seamless access to a host of onsite amenities, including Café Zona and Starbucks (both conveniently housed in Bldg 9040), a corporate fitness center and event center.

30 Years of Shaping Moments

In 2011, Tech Parks Arizona launched the Solar Zone at the UA Tech Park, one of the largest grid-level, multi-technology solar demonstration sites in the United States. As a pioneering effort in renewable energy, the Solar Zone quickly became a cornerstone for innovation, research, and collaboration, bringing together private and public industry leaders to advance solar technology. The Solar Zone was designed as a living lab for testing and showcasing emerging solar technologies in a real-world environment.

Over the years, the Solar Zone has attracted cutting-edge solar projects and companies from across the globe, creating an ideal ecosystem for driving new discoveries in sustainable energy. At peak operation, the Solar Zone is capable of producing 25 MW, which is nearly twice the daily electrical consumption of the park. This immense capacity underscores Tech Parks Arizona’s role in advancing clean energy and supporting Arizona’s goal of achieving a sustainable future.

With over a decade of accomplishments, the Solar Zone continues to foster a culture of collaboration and sustainability, fueling both the local economy and global advancements in renewable energy. We are proud to see the Solar Zone serve as a model of what’s possible when innovation and sustainability converge!

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Questions? Contact us today info@uatechpark.org / (520) 621-4088