Arizona Trade Mission to Taiwan Delivers: New Global Semiconductor Company in Pima County 

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is pleased to welcome Taiwan-based startup, Jiann Sheng Machinery & Electric Industrial Co., LTD (JSEDM) into its incubator program, marking a direct outcome of the Taiwan trade mission led by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). The company’s arrival strengthens Southern Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem and expands international manufacturing and economic ties. 


Through sponsorship from Pima County Economic Development, JSEDM will join UACI’s virtual program, gaining access to mentorship, the UACI Program Roadmap© and its expansive digital resource hub. This marks the first phase of JSEDM’s expansion into the U.S. market, starting in Arizona.  


“The goal is to have our machines at Tech Parks Arizona for both demonstration and test trials, allowing us to introduce new cutting solutions to the Arizona market,” shares Tsung-Hsun "Tony" Yang, R&D Manager at JSEDM. “Joining UACI provides us with the guidance and regional insight needed to understand our customer base better and move closer to that goal.”  

 

Celebrating Black Innovators

This Black History Month, UACI proudly highlights five groundbreaking inventions by Black innovators. Black history has always been central to progress by shaping ideas that save lives, spark joy, and move the world forward. We celebrate the resilience, vision, and brilliance that continue to inspire innovation today and into the future. 

 

Chariot Command Documentary Feature

UACI startup client Chariot Command was recently featured in a documentary focused on Western Canada’s busiest outdoor farm show — Ag in Motion. The feature highlights CEO & Founder Andrew John Leaman and the innovative ag-tech that Chariot Command is bringing to the industry. Their cutting-edge use of thermal imaging helps detect issues in farm equipment early, reducing downtime and keeping farmers in the field when it matters most.

 

IdeaFunding Update

The premier pitch competition, co-led by UACI and Startup Tucson, has selected its round one founders following a highly competitive application process. This year’s event features two tracks: the Tech Track and Creative/Community Track. More than 40 founders will receive customized mentorship and pitch training based on their track, with UACI focusing on supporting science and technology-based startups. Participants will then pitch in front of a live panel of judges—getting them one step closer to the main stage event. Stay up to date on all things IdeaFunding by following UACI on LinkedIn.

 

Call for Judges

Become a judge for the Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) Science and Engineering Fair. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers in Arizona and nurture students’ passion for science. Judging for high school projects will take place on Tuesday, March 3 at the University of Arizona Student Union.  

 

Role Mint

UACI startup client, Role Mint, is an AI-powered career navigator that turns professional aspirations into achievable outcomes. Instead of leaving growth to guesswork, Role Mint identifies precise skill gaps and delivers clear, data-driven pathways to help individuals reach the roles they want. 


The platform also strengthens the hiring ecosystem—connecting motivated learners with resources and giving recruiters access to candidates with verified, role-aligned skills, reducing friction on both sides. By linking learners, educators, and employers, Role Mint is building a smarter path to career success. 

 
 

Friday February 20

Arizona Technology Council’s Southern Arizona Women in the Workforce

Join the four-part series “Elevate Yourself in 2026” designed to help women in the Arizona tech community grow their skills, navigate modern workplace challenges, and celebrate a decade of community. This is part one of the series held virtually from 12 – 1 pm. 

 

Thursday March 5

Flinn Foundation Bio Capital Conference

Join bioscience founders, investors, ecosystem partners, and service providers for a full day of networking and learning. The conference will be at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus at Park Central in Midtown Phoenix.

 

Saturday March 7

Greater Tucson Leadership’s 73rd Annual Community Impact Awards

For more than 70 years, Tucson has gathered to recognize the people who shape our region's future through service, leadership, innovation, and heart. The Community Impact Awards celebrate those extraordinary leaders while fueling the development of those who will follow.

 

Tuesday March 10

SIPS: A Startup Social

Join Startup Tucson for a morning of networking and conversation with Tucson’s entrepreneurs, creatives, and startup-curious folks. Grab a coffee or tea at Harley’s Coffee Co. from 9 – 10 am. 

 
 

March 24 - 29

TENWEST 2026

Hosted by Startup Tucson, join the largest creativity and entrepreneurship festival in the southwest. For six days

in Downtown Tucson, founders, creators, innovators, and community builders come together across multiple summits, venues, and experiences to connect, learn, and move their work forward.

 

April 6 - 12

AZ Tech Week

Powered by the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Tech Week is the state’s first decentralized tech conference—bringing founders, investors, tech leaders, and innovators together for a week-long celebration of innovation.

 
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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.