Sponsored Launch

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation collaborates with community organizations to provide a sponsored year at the incubator plus cash prizes through a competitive process.  Several deserving startups have capitalized on this opportunity, taking their idea of how to solve a significant business or social challenge to the next level by launching their business with UACI support.   

Sponsored Launch was created to provide more opportunities for startups to successfully launch into the marketplace, while also raising community awareness around the importance of providing support for entrepreneurs at the local level. The Sponsored Launch programs provides a platform for organizations and municipalities to invest in small businesses while also receiving acknowledgement of their goodwill.  This unique partnership between the incubator and community allows us to make more of an impact by expanding offerings and stretching resources out to the community.  

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 startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy. Since inception in 2003, the program has directly served over 300 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.  

 

Sponsored Launch Fueled by the Oro Valley Chamber & the Town of Oro Valley

Through a collaboration between the Oro Valley Chamber and UACI, the Oro Valley Chamber is sponsoring a year at the Oro Valley incubator for one deserving startup to be apart of the state of the art UACI incubator. The sponsored company will have a committed team working to solve a significant challenge in the life sciences, with a clear plan on achieving relevant products and services as a member of the southern Arizona life science ecosystem. The total prize package is valued at $10,000.

Applications are open through May 30, 2025.

Timeline
May 1, 2025 – May 30, 2025: Opportunity open for applications 
June 2, 2025 - June 9, 2025: Judging evaluation and applicant interviews 
June 12, 2025: Winning startup announced 
July 2025 - June 2026: Team participation in the UACI program, companies occupies space at UACI at Oro Valley (company must confirm their date of occupation within 30 days of contract execution) 

Eligibility
·     The startup exists/operates in Northwest Tucson and can take advantage of UACI Oro Valley space and programming OR 
·     The startup is willing to relocate to Northwest Tucson to take advantage of UACI Oro Valley space and programming during the participation time frame (company must confirm their date of space occupation within 30 days of their contract execution) 

·     The startup team can take advantage of UACI programming  
·     The startup is pursuing an innovative solution to a significant challenge in the life sciences 
·     The team has a strong overall commitment to commercializing their innovation 
·     The team should demonstrate a need for incubation services  
·     The team is making a significant difference in our local and global communities through innovation 
·     The team must have at least two founders or team members contributing significant efforts and time to the startup 
 
Submission Package
·     Application Web Form (link below) 
·     Summary Slide (uploaded to form) 
·     Two-minute Video (linked on form) 

Terms & Conditions
·     The winning company will join the Oro Valley Chamber as a condition of award (if not already) 
·     The winning company will provide quarterly updates on business development to the Oro Valley Chamber 
·     The winning team agrees to participate in the development of Oro Valley Chamber promotional materials 
·     The winning team occupies physical space at UACI at Oro Valley Incubator (date of occupation must be confirmed within 30 days of contract execution) 

Apply today!   

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Sponsored Launch Fueled by the City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Regional Foundation

Through a collaboration with UACI, City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Regional Foundation is sponsoring up to two deserving startup for a year of admission at UACI, which includes a structured incubation program, customized business mentoring and the ability to work alongside other startups in a fast-paced environment. The selected company will have a dedicated team focused on solving a significant challenge with a clear plan to develop relevant products or services as part of Southern Arizona’s ecosystem. The total prize package is valued at $10,000.

Applications are open through June 19, 2025.

Timeline
May 9, 2025 – June 19, 2025: Opportunity open for applications 
June 19, 2025 - June 26, 2025: Judging evaluation and applicant interviews 
June 26, 2025: Winning startup announced 
June 2025 - July 2026: Team participation in the UACI program 

Eligibility
·     The startup team lives /operates in the City of Sierra Vista or in Southeastern Arizona OR 
·     The startup intentionally and directly benefits the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona or its residents OR 
·     The startup team employs or plans to employ residents of the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona OR 
·     Startup team intends to deploy its technology in the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona

·     The startup team can take advantage of UACI programming  
·     The startup is pursuing an innovative solution to a significant challenge in the life sciences 
·     The team has a strong overall commitment to commercializing their innovation 
·     The team should demonstrate a need for incubation services  
·     The team is making a significant difference in our local and global communities through innovation 
·     The startup is pursuing a sustainable business model 
 
Submission Package
·     Application Web Form (link below) 
·     Summary Slide (uploaded to form) 
·     Two-minute Video (linked on form) 

Apply today!