Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program

A majority of the 2024 Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program cohort, comprising four out of six startups, originate from University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI). Among them, BioBolt Medical, Macula Vision Systems, Metfora, and alum Precision Epigenomics are set to receive $30K in funding, tailored support and access to an exclusive network of bioscience leaders to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. Metfora and Precision Epigenomic are based on research stemming from the University of Arizona and licensed through Tech Launch Arizona. Participation in the program opens doors to a wide range of resources, with the opportunity to accelerate the growth and development of the startups along their entrepreneurial journey to commercialization and become investor-ready.  

Sponsored Launch

UACI is offering a sponsored year in the prestigious bioscience-focused incubator, UACI at Oro Valley. This Sponsored Launch, competition is part of a growing collaboration between UACI, the Town of Oro Valley and Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce which has supported several startups over the past four years. Building on the momentum and great interest of entrepreneurs who live in Oro Valley, the three organizations are sponsoring a startup once again. There is still some time to submit you application! Apply before the end of today, April 26, 2024.   

Clean Economy and Community Impact Summit 

The UA Tech Park hosted The Clean Economy and Community Impact Summit which brought together government, businesses and community leaders to explore how federal investments are spurring private investment in clean tech companies. Prominent leaders including US Senator Mark Kelly, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Governor of the Gila River Indian Community Stephen Roe Lewis presented. After a day of informative panels, it concluded with a tour of UACI startup Dimensional Energy for a firsthand look at how this company transforms carbon dioxide into sustainable aviation fuel.  

International Business Innovation Association (InBIA)

UACI executive director and InBIA board member Eric Smith and UACI director of strategic partnerships Casey Carrillo presented at the International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI38) organized by the International Business Innovation Association. They shared their expertise through peer-led sessions and presentations that revealed best practices to inspire incubation ecosystem leaders from across the world. 

Moonshot Pitch Competition 

Thirty-one groups pitched their business ideas at the Cochise County Rural Moonshot Pitch Competition. During the VIP reception, UACI presented resources available to entrepreneurs and how UACI's programming extends into Sierra Vista and across Southern Arizona.     

Precision Epigenomics 

Precision Epigenomics, a UACI alum launched their first commercial molecular test. EPISEEK™ employs a panel of validated epigenetic markers for the early detection of multiple solid tumors. The technology is based on research from the UArizona College of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and BIO5 Institute and commercialized through Tech Launch Arizona.   

Venture Madness  

Paramium Technologies, a UACI startup with technology developed at UArizona through the Colleges of Engineering, Science and Optical Sciences and licensed through Tech Launch Arizona, was selected to present at the annual Venture Madness Conference which connects investors with the region's most promising companies.     

Startup Spotlight: Isolcork

Isolcork develops sustainable cork and rubber solutions for the construction world. The innovative company creates a multipurpose product to insulate both residential and industrial buildings using a mixture of cork and rubber natural and recycled materials that is prepared with very low environmental impact.

International Day of Light Celebration

Join Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) Sunday, May 19 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Free planetarium programs for all ages! First come, first seated! No Registration Required! Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used by everyone, everywhere, every day. This free, family-friendly STEM event, presented by Optics Valley, offers a captivating experience for all ages. Mark your calendars and get ready to explore the wonders of light with us! Attention Teachers and Students: This event is a great learning opportunity! 

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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.