Celebrating Woman of the

UA Tech Park

Throughout March in a celebration of International Women’s History Month, the UA Tech Park highlights individuals from around the campus to celebrate their professional journey, recognize each unique path, and their contributions to our robust science and tech community.This program inspires future generations, promotes diversity.



With the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) at the heart of the UA Tech Park, the campaign provides the perfect platform to showcase several talented women connected to UACI, our incubator network.  Iselda Méndez – Client Services Coordinator, University of Arizona Center for Innovation, Heidi Calderon - Founder, Berry Cultured, Rachel D’Acquisto – Co-Owner, Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea, Lisa Jensen – Owner, Reparvi, Lacey Rao – Founder, BFC Medical

While March is Women’s History Month, we celebrate women-owned startups year-round. UACI averages 26% of the startups supported via incubator programming are women-founded, this compares well above the national average of 6UACI

International Conference on Business Incubation

UACI leadership will be in attendance at the 38th International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI38) organized by the International Business Innovation Association. Entrepreneur support professionals from all over the globe attend this annual conference to connect, explore new strategies, share best practices, learn about current trends and gather tools and resources. UACI Director of Strategic Partnerships, Casey Carrillo, will be presenting a session on Events to Support Entrepreneurs and Impact the Community. Additionally, UACI Executive Director, Eric Smith, a member of the InBIA board of directors, will also be in attendance, further enriching the exchange of insights and expertise.

Desert Pearl Mushrooms Wins Changemakers Grant

Desert Pearl Mushrooms, a current UACI startup, recently received a small business grant from Groundwell Capital’s Tucson Changemakers Program. Desert Pearl Mushrooms was one of 64 local small businesses awarded out of a pool of 500 submissions. The team was selected in recognition of their commitment to community impact and taking the initiative towards lasting business growth. Congrats, Desert Pearl Mushrooms!

TechConnect Magazine

Be sure to check out the latest TechConnect Magazine from Arizona Tech Council. This issue focuses on aerospace, aviation and defense initiatives in the state and highlights how innovation launches from Arizona. Several stories showcase innovation directly related to our community with shoutouts to UACI current startup Macula Vision Systems and program graduates FreeFall Aerospace and Homer Farms.

Advance Your Science & Tech Startup at UACI

UACI supports scalable science and technology companies at all stages of development in Southern Arizona and around the globe. Are you a budding scientist, engineer, or tech enthusiast eager to transform your ideas into viable businesses? With access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship through a 28-point roadmap, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, startups in the science and tech realms will find an ideal environment to thrive and grow here at UACI.  

Startup Success Story Reglagene Expands

Reglagene is expanding to Houston and has been accepted into Texas Medical Center’s (TMC) Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT). This accomplishment puts Reglagene at the heart of emerging cancer therapeutics, connecting it to the largest medical complex in the world and largest cancer center in the United States. Through ACT participation, Reglagene will engage in a nine-month intensive program designed to equip it with strategic insights and partners.  

Startup Spotlight: Alio IT

Alio IT is turning ideas into reality by focusing talent and energy to ensure quality products. Let them be part of the magic in transforming your ideas into digital solutions!

Venture Madness Conference & Expo

The Venture Madness Conference is Arizona’s longest-running capital conference and early-stage pitch event where we connect up-and-coming companies with the region’s most active investors. The 2-day conference features networking, ‘Shark Tank’ style pitches, active investor feedback, audience participation, and an an EXPO where participating companies, including UACI startup Paramium Technologies, get to feature and demo their innovations for attendees.

UArizona Libraries Women’s+ Hackathon 

The Women's+ Hackathon, organized by UArizona Libraries, is a non-competitive event created for women and allies, taking place on April 6-7, 2024. It aims to provide a space for collaboration and innovation through workshops and activities. Registration is open.

TYP ENGAGE Summit 

Hosted at The Refinery located at UA Tech Park at The Bridges, TYP ENGAGE offers a platform for thought leadership and facilitated discussion, uniting influential young professionals across Greater Tucson. At the upcoming event centered on Personal Advocacy, attendees will explore the concept of agency, emphasizing the power each individual possesses to enact meaningful change in their lives and communities. Click to register and join the conversation on activating personal agency for effective advocacy.

International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI38) 

Make plans to travel to San Antonio, Texas to connect and learn from entrepreneurial support leaders from across the globe on April 14 -17 with ICBI38 organized by International Business Innovation Association! Peer-led sessions will focus on relevant topics, expert keynotes will share inspiring insights, and local ecosystem leaders will showcase their programs. 

Arizona Space Institute symposium 

Join The University of Arizona, Research, Innovation, Impact (RII) Space Institute for the 2024 Arizona Space Institute Symposium on Monday, April 22, 2024. This symposium serves as a pivotal platform for experts, innovators, and enthusiasts in the space industry to convene, collaborate, and inspire as they leading experts present their latest research findings and advancements in space exploration. This event covers a wide array of topics crucial to the advancement of space technology and exploration.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA and gain insight about the entrepreneurial ecosystem and meet our incredible startups!

LEARN MORE about our startup opportunities and mentorship programs below.

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.