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.  

Sponsored Launch Fueled by the City of Sierra Vista & Sky Islands Regional Partnership

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.  

Through a collaboration and sponsorship with the City of Sierra Vista and the Sky Islands Regional Partnership, UACI is offering a sponsored year at the incubator for one deserving startup with a committed team that is working to solve a significant business or social challenge in the science and technology industry. The total prize package is valued at $5,000.

Applications for the Sponsored Launch Program are open from April 5, 2024- May 22, 2024.

Timeline
April 5, 2024 – May 22, 2024: Opportunity open for applications 
May 23, 2024- June 7, 2024: Judging evaluation and applicant interviews 
June 12, 2024: Winning startup announced 
July 2024- June 2025: 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 
·    The startup is pursuing a sustainable business model 
·    The entrepreneur or team has a strong overall commitment to launch their idea/startup   
·    The team should demonstrate a need for incubation services 
·    The team is making a significant difference in our local and global communities through innovation 
 

Apply today!