University of Arizona Center for Innovation Announces Startup Sponsorship Opportunity with Startup Tucson
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) has teamed up with Startup Tucson to sponsor one promising startup team with resources, facilities, services, and expert guidance to grow their business. The year-long program will also foster networking opportunities for its participants.
In alignment with its mission to serve as a business incubator and fuel Arizona’s economy through startup support, UACI seeks collaborations with other regional organizations. UACI has had a long-standing relationship with Startup Tucson and has collaborated to successfully support startup businesses through many events such as IdeaFunding, one of Arizona’s largest entrepreneurial conferences, and pitch competitions.
UACI Sponsored Launch Fueled by Startup Tucson is an expansion in the partnership, whereas startups will be provided incubation services free of charge for one full year and receive access to a vast network of mentors associated with both organizations.
"We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with UACI to include Sponsored Launch. The program is such an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneur and team that's ready to accelerate their growth and is a natural extension of the support services offered by our organization. We think this is a great new step in continuing to develop the support and mentorship pipeline for diverse founders in Southern Arizona," said Liz Pocock, Startup Tucson CEO.
The enhanced program will offer customized business support to ensure that the winning startup team has a successful journey through a 27-point venture development roadmap. The UACI incubator network helps entrepreneurs develop a business plan, perform a market assessment, implement product validation, prepare a business pitch presentation, secure funding, and much more for a successful launch into the market. UACI provides dedicated space for startups where they can work alongside other entrepreneurs in a fast-paced environment.
“We are thrilled to partner with Startup Tucson on this Sponsored Launch Program. We have always had a strong relationship with them, and this new collaboration is a natural next step in our joint service to the entrepreneurial community of Southern Arizona,” stated Eric Smith, Executive Director of UACI.
The application window for submissions opened on May 16, 2022, and will close on June 10, 2022. After a review and interview process, the winning teams will be announced on June 29, 2022. The selected team will receive a year of sponsorship at the incubator and office space. The total prize package is valued at $10,000.
For more information and to apply click here.
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. For nearly two decades, the program has directly served over 160 companies and impacted thousands of entrepreneurs. This is done by providing access to people, programming, and places that help entrepreneurs take their companies from idea to market. Startups go through a structured program that takes them through a continuum of education provided by mentors, advisors, and community collaborators. UACI also provides access to service providers, industry cluster groups, interns, and connections to potential customers and strategic partners. Entrepreneurs utilize various physical spaces that include offices, wet and dry labs, meeting rooms, a prototyping center, collaboration areas, and the infrastructure to support these spaces. UACI is part of Tech Parks Arizona, which brings together university, industry, and community, creating “interactive ground” to advance technology innovation.
About Startup Tucson
Startup Tucson is a community-oriented nonprofit, committed to supporting the dreamers, builders, and makers that fuel the economic future of our vibrant city. Startup Tucson was founded in 2012 on the heels of one of the first Startup Weekends in Tucson. Startup Tucson has continued to serve as an advocate, educator, and connector for entrepreneurs. They serve over 3,000 entrepreneurs each year with over 300 active members in their network membership. Their alumni have brought over 44 million dollars of investment and over 400 new jobs in the short years since their founding.
