Industry Focus
FuEling Innovation
Across Key Industries
Tucson’s dynamic industry sectors converge to drive innovation and economic growth, and at Tech Parks Arizona, we are proud to support this thriving ecosystem. Our region excels in aerospace and defense, biosciences, optics, mining, and renewable energy, with key organizations like the Arizona Technology Council and Southern Arizona Leadership Council fostering collaboration among tech leaders and innovators. With the University of Arizona—a world-class Tier One research university—at the heart of our community, businesses can tap into its vast research expertise and talent.
AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE
Southern Arizona’s clear blue skies, year-round flying weather, and dry climate have attracted aerospace-related businesses since the early 1900s. These qualities contribute to Tucson and Southern Arizona having the fifth-highest concentration of aerospace and defense employees in the country.
Tucson is ranked a top-10 metro for aerospace manufacturing due to its highly concentrated aerospace product and parts manufacturing sector, which has an 8.62 location quotient. This ratio compares a region’s industrial activity level to the rest of the United States. The location quotient means that Tucson is 8.62 times more concentrated in the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry than the average of all metropolitan statistical areas across the country.
BIOSCIENCE
Southern Arizona has become a prominent hub for bioscience, diagnostics, and medical device industries, and is anchored by cutting-edge research institutions, access to funding, and to its educated workforce. The presence of homegrown industry giants such as Roche Tissue Diagnostics further enhances Tucson’s reputation in bioscience. Supportive organizations like the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) foster growth and innovation within the local bioscience
OPTICS
Gaining notoriety as Optics Valley, Tucson is home to a high concentration of optics companies, as well as research activity tied to the University of Arizona and several astronomical observatories located in the mountains of Southern Arizona. The Tucson region is a leader in Arizona’s $3 billion optics industry. Optics Valley, a committee of the Arizona Technology Council, is one of the leading clusters for optics, photonics, and astronomy in the world.
MINING
Tucson has long been a hub for copper mining, a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy for over a century. Today, the city leads the way in mining innovation, driving advancements in automation, sustainability, and technology. With strong ties to research institutions and industry leaders, Tucson is shaping the future of mining on a global scale while maintaining its rich legacy.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Recognized globally as a location of choice for solar energy activities, Southern Arizona’s emerging solar industry promises a bright future. For 85% of the year, the sun shines in Tucson, making it the perfect place for testing, evaluation, and demonstration of solar technologies. Tech Parks Arizona is focused on developing innovation hubs that unite industry and research to advance leading-edge technology. One of the key initiatives underway is the Solar Zone at the UA Tech Park, one of the largest multi-technology solar testing and evaluation sites at the grid level. The Solar Zone is an innovative strategic partnership between the University of Arizona and Tucson Electric Power, where the renewable energy power generated from 10 companies produces a total of 25 MW of power.
