Encouraging Signs for Southern Arizona's Economy in 2026

After two uneven years, Tucson enters 2026 with cautious optimism. Economists forecast modest but steady growth as hiring and investment resume, driven by greater policy predictability and renewed confidence among business leaders.

At Tech Parks Arizona, we see this momentum reflected every day through continued innovation, collaboration and investment across our campuses. As Carol Stewart, Vice President, University of Arizona, and CEO of UA Tech Parks, shared in a recent Inside Tucson Business article: "In 2026, we expect our comprehensive support ecosystem to continue playing a critical role in helping companies grow, scale and innovate."

Emerging technology clusters, including fusion, optics, aerospace and defense are helping diversify the region's economy and reinforce its long-term strength. While challenges such as interest rates and labor shortage remain, the shift from holding patterns to forward motion is clear, and Tech Parks Arizona is proud to be part of that progress.

Read News Article

Deadline Approaching: IdeaFunding Applications Due February 1

IdeaFunding 2026, Arizona's biggest early-stage pitch competition, is now accepting applications. Led by our incubator network, the UA Center for Innovation, in collaboration with Startup Tucson, offers two application tracks with more than $50,000 in prizes plus sponsored incubation. Founders ready to accelerate their tech, creative or community-driven ventures must apply by February 1.

Read Press Release

Innovation Without Borders

The UA Tech Park welcomed a delegation from Mexico led by José Lever, Assistant Vice President for U.S.-Mexico Affairs at the University of Arizona. Representatives from DIGATEM Mexico and Mexico Solar toured the Solar Zone and learned about the UA Center for Innovation's Soft Landing program for international companies. The visit highlighted opportunities for cross-border partnerships.

See Photos

University-Industry Partnerships Forum

The inaugural UIIN North America Forum will take place March 12-13 in Ottawa, bringing together higher education leaders, industry professionals and policymakers to rethink collaboration opportunities across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Hosted by Carleton University, the two-day event will explore innovative partnership models that create long-term value and global impact. Carol Stewart, CEO of UA Tech Parks, will share strategies for building future-ready collaborations.

UIIN Forum Details

Regional Transportation

Authority Info Session

Employees at the UA Tech Park gathered for an informational and Q&A session hosted by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) focused on how transportation investments shape the region's future. RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega shared an overview of the RTA, the proposed 20-year regional transportation plan and details about the RTA Next funding initiative. The session highlighted how these investments support safer commutes, improved reliability and stronger regional connectivity across Pima County.

RTA Next Info

Eastside Police Annex Nears Completion

Construction is progressing well on the Tucson Police Department's (TPD) Eastside Annex, a 3,300 sq ft building located adjacent to the UA Tech Park off South Kolb Road, scheduled to open in early 2026. Developed as part of the voter-approved Tucson Delivers Safer City Program, the facility will provide TPD with a small base of operations strategically located between major police substations improving response times across the expansive East Division. The annex will house 12 officers and two sergeants, strengthening public safety services for Tucson's growing east side.

Learn More About TPD's New Facilities

UA Tech Park Event Center

Designed to host everything from corporate meetings and conferences to community gatherings and milestone celebrations, the UA Tech Park Event Center offers a flexible, professional setting that brings people together in the heart of campus. Whether you're welcoming industry leaders, connecting teams, or celebrating success, the event center provides a dynamic environment that supports innovation, connection and growth. It's all part of the UA Tech Park experience, where purpose-built spaces and thoughtful amenities help companies thrive.

Watch Our Event Center Video

Community Involvement

Jessa Turner, AVP of Marketing and Communications for Tech Parks Arizona serves as the Western District Liaison for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Southern Arizona Chapter. In this leadership role, she strengthens the region's communications community by fostering collaboration, sharing district-level insights and supporting professional development. She is a key link between Southern Arizona and PRSA's Western District - advancing the growth of PR professionals nationally and strengthening the field locally.

Connect with Jessa

Miriam Fleisher

Office Manager at Micro-Hybrid Electronics, Inc.

Miriam serves as the Office Manager at Micro-Hybrid Electronics, where she plays a key role supporting the finance, sales and marketing teams. In just a short time, she has become the right hand of the company's COO and an important communications liaison with Micro-Hybrid's parent company in Germany. With a professional background that spans from Executive Assistant to the CEO of a large nonprofit to owning her own business, Miriam brings a range of experience, strong organizational skills and pride in a job well done to her role.

Fun Fact: After moving from Colorado Springs to Tucson, Miriam quickly adapted to the community. She has an adventurous spirit and a love for music and games.

Learn About Micro-Hybrid Electronic

Building 9072

Looking to expand your business? Building 9072 is purpose-built to support your growth. This 115,632-square-foot facility offers flexible, multi-use space suitable for office, warehouses, prototyping, assembling, R&D and more. With existing infrastructure already in place, companies can easily customize the environment to meet their exact operational needs. Whether you require a turnkey, plug and play setup or highly specialized facilities, this well-established university research park provides an ideal setting for innovation and expansion.