UACI Joins the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubation Network

UACI is pleased to announce it was selected to participate in the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) Channel Partner network. Each application round, the IN² program relies on these critical partners to send their best and brightest to apply. Funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, IN² harnesses the world-class expertise and facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (Danforth Center). IN² selected companies receive up to $250,000 of non-dilutive awards to validate their technologies at NREL or the Danforth Center and secure the priceless benefit of business connections across the entire IN² network. Startups in the UACI now have a direct connection to the resources and network of IN² UACI was chosen as a Channel Partner for the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator because of its focus on supporting renewable energy startups and its strong network in the Southwest. 

3 UACI Startups Ignite

Arizona Alumni Association featured Wildcat Changemakers in their recent magazine. Three UACI startups founded by UArizona faculty with innovation commercialized through Tech Launch Arizona were included: Paramium Technologies, uPetsia, and AlgaeCell. The inventions showcased in the story highlight the innovative people from the UArizona and how their innovation moved from research to market. Read the article to discover more about technology invented at the University of Arizona.

New UACI Series Showcasing SBIR Success Stories

Are you a startup seeking funding for your innovation? If so, do you know there is over $2.2 billion in federal funding available through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs? UACI startups are extremely successful in securing SBIR grants. Tune in to a new series titled Sipping on SBIR Success to learn about the available resources as well as tips and tricks from award winners. 

Driving Innovation - An Interview with Eric Smith

Zach Yentzer, radio host for Tipping Point on 1030 AM KVOI, speaks with Eric Smith, Executive Director of UACI. They discuss startups and innovation at the University of Arizona. The conversation is centered around how startups need space to grow, mentorship to grow, and funding to grow. The second half of the podcast features UACI collaborator Mayor Murphy from the Town of Sahuarita. Learn more by listening to the podcast on September 14. 

American-Made Solar Prize Update

The American-Made Solar Prize is accepting Round Five applications. Unlike Rounds 1 - 4, Solar Prize Round 5 is structured with two tracks that focus separately on hardware and software components to allow more entrepreneurs to compete in the solar innovation space. Applications for Round 5 are due on October 5. As a Power Connector, UACI is supporting teams with their submissions for the prize.

Startup Spotlight: SolarSpace

David Vili, CEO of SolarSpace was spotlighted in the Vail community and shared how their tech utilizes large mirrors which focus sunlight onto small, multi-junction solar cells, converting the light into energy through a high-efficiency process. He presented his startup at the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce meeting and also wrote an article for The Vail Voice.  

Meet the Founder: Dr. Dave Conelius

Meet the Founder, Dr. Dave Cornelius, DM, MBA, of IMERSHEN, LLC. IMERSHEN uniquely blends personalized AI, AR, Chat, and serious gaming technology for targeted, interactive employee training that produces high-performing teams within any organization.  

Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo Presented by the Arizona Tech Council and Arizona Commerce Authority

Join UACI, Tech Parks Arizona, Tech Launch Arizona, BIO5, Research Innovation and Impact along with 500+ local business leaders at the Tech + Business Expo in Tucson. Come connect and network with your peers, learn about the amazing technology from a variety of companies in optics, biotech, mining, aviation, defense, robotics, aerospace, IT and more. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA and gain insight about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and meet our incredible startups!

LEARN MORE about our startup opportunities and mentorship programs below.

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.