Startup Company Cell Work, LLC Joins the University of Arizona Center for Innovation
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is pleased to announce that startup company Cell Work, LLC has joined UACI. Cell Work aims to provide all-age informational and visual biology kits to both homes and academic settings. They are working on an introduction to many subjects such as Molecular and Cellular Biology, 3D printing, genetic engineering and synthetic biology.
Cell Work is on a mission is to bring a tangible and educational cell model to the market. Their kit equips both instructors and families with the tools that can be used to create and visualize the essential components of a cell. This cell model can be viewed from home without the need for equipment. It serves as an introduction to the fundamental units of life. This understanding is essential in order for scientists to manipulate any aspect of a cell using genetic engineering, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
Cell Work founder Junnis Hugger is leveraging UACI’s incubation program by utilizing all the resources offered and working closely with the startup incubator team to identify and survey potential customer segments, continue product development and advance their business model.
UACI Executive Director Eric Smith described how UACI is supporting the new startup’s development. “Cell Work has a unique offering that has the potential to be part of the school curriculum around the world. Startups exist to create solutions for real problems and the origin of this product was derived from the founders’ own experiences while learning scientific concepts in the classroom. It is very inspiring,” Smith shared.
“UACI has been an amazing resource. The team here has not only helped us develop our vision but also provide us the guidance to thrive as a company,” Hugger shared. “From the weekly mentoring sessions to the one-on-one counseling to the noontime knowledge meetings we have gained a plethora of new skills and connections, we can’t wait to see how our company grows. Thank you to everyone in this program for cultivating this fulfilling experience.”
Access into UACI provides Cell Work with a structured incubation program including customized business support and the ability to work alongside startups in a fast-paced environment. Along with support, entrepreneurs have a direct line to UACI’s mentors and subject matter experts who guide them in turning their idea into a product. Other tools the incubation program provides are office and lab space, a prototyping center and assistance through a 27-point program roadmap, identifying a target market, product development, marketing resources and much more.
About the UA Center for Innovation
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a startup incubator network with outposts across the Southern Arizona region and a mission to grow scalable science and technology startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy. For nearly two decades, the program has directly served over 150 companies and impacted thousands of entrepreneurs. This is done through providing access to people, programming and places that help entrepreneurs take their companies from idea to market. The UACI is part of Tech Parks Arizona, which brings together university, industry, and community, creating “interactive ground” to advance technology innovation.
