Innovative Cybersecurity Startup Wins Sponsored Entry Into University of Arizona Center for Innovation

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is pleased to announce one winning startup of the UACI Sponsored Launch program fueled by City of Sierra Vista and the Southeastern Arizona Chamber Foundation. Southern Arizona based company Port 194 will receive one sponsored year of admission into the UACI incubation program thanks to the generous financial support of the Sierra Vista sponsors. Program entrance includes resources, services and expert guidance to grow a business.

Port 194 provides custom tools, training, and analysis specializing in big data geolocation and visualization.

UACI provides the people, programming and places needed to scale a business.  Access to UACI grants the winning startup with support through a structured 27-point program roadmap. Entrepreneurs have a direct line to UACI’s mentors and subject matter experts who guide them in turning their idea into a product.

“The City of Sierra Vista is excited to sponsor our first business, Port 194, in the UACI Incubator, adding to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city. Our partnership with the Chamber Foundation, SVIDA, and UACI will make significant contributions to improve our economy through growing our local tech-based businesses,” said Tony Boone, Tourism and Economic Development Director City of Sierra Vista.

“Partnerships propel business. The Southeastern Arizona Chamber Foundation’s partnership with UACI, the City of Sierra Vista, and the Sierra Vista Industrial Development Authority via Sponsored Launch represents the convergence of innovative ideas and strategic partnership. Our region, in Southeastern Arizona, is science and tech based. Port 194 offers forward-thinking technology to support other businesses which ensures they are working directly with valid and ethical companies worldwide. We stand in support of Port 194 and we’re eager to see their growth,” said Melany Edwards-Barton, CEO, Southeastern Arizona Chamber Foundation. 

The winning startup was selected because of their work on solutions for real-world problems and for their desire to make a significant difference in the local and global communities through innovation.

UACI collaborates with community organizations to provide sponsored support into the incubator network through a competitive process.  Applications were reviewed by a panel of community champions and the winner was selected by the following panel of judges: 

• Dean Gary Packard, Dean of College of Applied Science and Technology, University of Arizona
• Jennifer Sorenson, Publisher, Herald/Review Media
• Jay Williamson, President and CEO, American Southwest Credit Union
• Vanessa Laurin, Owner, Tell Mama Lounge

Sponsored Launch was created to offset the cost of starting a business 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. Sponsored Launch provides a platform for organizations and municipalities to invest in small businesses while also receiving acknowledgement of their goodwill. This unique collaboration between the incubator and community elevates impact by expanding offerings and stretching resources out to the community. 

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 two decades, the program has directly served over 250 companies, impacting thousands of entrepreneurs who have attracted $105.8M in capital. This is done by providing access to people, programming, and places that help entrepreneurs take their companies from idea to market. With the mission to fuel the Arizona economy, UACI works to help scale science and tech-based startups under the scope of Tech Parks Arizona creating university-based economic impact. Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation.  The year 2023, marks the 20th anniversary of UACI which is supported by the following sponsors: Arizona Cine Equipment; Boyer Company; Caliber Group; City of Tucson Economic Development; Community Investment Corporation; Diversified Print Solutions; Optics Valley; Perkins Coie; Pima County Economic Development; Spencer Fane; Startup Tucson; Southwest Solutions; UArizona BIO5; UArizona McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship; UArizona Research, Innovation and Impact; UArizona Tech Launch Arizona; Town of Sahuarita and Washington Federal Bank.