During this time, the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) team continues to support startups, the innovation ecosystem and the community at large. We have extended our portfolio of activities to support the startups facing new obstacles and to help overcome the challenges we face together. ~ The UACI Team

Innovation Challenge - Outdoor COVID-19 Testing Design Proposals

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation in collaboration with The Regional Partnering Center launched an innovation challenge to the community at large to design an innovative outdoor medical consultation and testing booth to safely triage patients for COVID-19.

Proposals will be reviewed by project partners and experts in the industrial, mechanical and engineering fields. The Regional Partnering Center will provide the winner with funding that would help cover the cost of preparing the plans and mobilizing the outdoor testing booths. Winners will be announced during the week of April 13.

The Tipping Point with Zach Yentzer Program

Hear how the University of Arizona Center for Innovation is supporting startups through these uncertain times with virtual mentoring, Zoom lunches, filming pitches and collecting resources that cultivate success during the storm. Radio show host Zach Yentzer discusses the new landscape with Executive Director Eric Smith.  

Virtual Pitch

Bob Freitas of Sundial Energy was scheduled to compete at a pitch competition for a large grant, but the competition went virtual. We rolled up our sleeves and quickly helped him get his virtual pitch filmed. Staying true to the spirit of innovation, UACI continues to be creative and test the limits as we help companies adapt.  

New Startup Joins Incubator - IMERSHEN

IMERSHEN LLC has joined the UACI incubation program. After being admitted, IMERSHEN jumped right in by utilizing all resources offered and working closely with the startup incubator team to identify and survey potential customer segments and continue product development to advance their business model.  

Growing Up: Welcome to Vertical Farming

Entrepreneur and ASU professor of chemistry Zhihao Chen has created a new system for growing food. In a time when grocery stores are struggling, these vertical farms could sit in the corner of a market parking lot. Chen joined the University of Arizona Center for Innovation startup incubation program to expedite his market launch.

The Foundation is Set

Concrete has been poured and the foundation is set for The University of Arizona Center for Innovation at Oro Valley, Southern Arizona's newest bioscience-focused incubator. The operation is on schedule and plans to open in the fall of 2020.

The UACI Team

Like many organizations, the UACI team has gone primarily virtual. Still, the productivity never stops. At a virtual UACI team meeting earlier in the week, three new team members were brought in to help the startup support team. Nothing like cats, dogs and babies to brighten your day!

#AZTogether

We are stronger together. Please know that the University of Arizona Center for Innovation and Tech Parks Arizona stands with you.



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The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a key component of Tech Parks Arizona which brings together university, industry and community to advance technology innovation. UACI is the University of Arizona's startup incubator network with outposts across the Southern Arizona region with a mission to grow scalable startup ventures that fuel the Arizona ecosystem.