UACI Spring Startup Showcase

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) hosted a Spring Startup Showcase on May 16. The event brought leaders together to the UACI bioscience focused incubator in Oro Valley and showcased an exciting lineup of entrepreneurial ventures, insightful discussions, and an update on economic development activities in the region. In alignment with its mission to grow scalable startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy, UACI teamed up with the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Chamber leaders over the past few years to support science and technology early-stage companies.

Soft Landings Spotlight Company

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) welcomed Isolcork all the way from Chile to explore international expansion opportunities into the United States as part of its award-winning Soft Landings program. Isolcork specializes in sustainable cork and rubber solutions for the construction world.  UACI worked with the business to introduce them to local leaders, connect them to governmental officials, and inform them of the resources and tools available through the University of Arizona. 

Solar Prize Finalist 

The American-Made Program Solar Prize Round 7 finalists have been announced! A total of 10 startups were each awarded $100,000 in cash prizes and $75,000 in technical support vouchers by the U.S. Department of Energy for their solar innovations. UACI provided programming for all participants and direct mentorship for 6 out of 10 finalists. UACI is honored to be a part of their success and wishes them luck on the final pitch in September. UACI is a Power Connector selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to mentor and support participants.

Plug and Play AccelerateAZ

Plug and Play AccelerateAZ, a program of the Arizona Commerce Authority, launched two "Batches" of compressed cohort-style acceleration programs with access to corporate partners. UACI startups were among the top contenders showcasing their technology for Sustainability Selection Day (Batch 1) and Manufacturing Selection Day (Batch 3). UACI startups included: US Air Tech, Lunewave, Revolute Robotics, Sylvan Source, SorbiForce, Carbon Utility and Ampcera.

American-Made Challenge: Science Synthesis Prize  

As new renewable energy technologies are developed and integrated into the electric grid, there continues to be new areas of opportunity and challenges that must be addressed. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity invites graduate students, researchers, industry partners, and key stakeholders to apply for the American-Made Science Synthesis Prize: Identifying Key Barriers to Renewable Integration. A total of $125,000 in prizes will be awarded.     

UA Design Day

UACI director Anita Bell lent her business expertise to judge student capstone projects at the Craig M. Berge Design Day. All senior University of Arizona engineering students take a capstone course and complete design projects. Teams design, build and test tools and technologies in areas ranging from aerospace to electronics and from energy to medicine. The seniors presented their projects to industry judges and the general public and competed for thousands of dollars in awards for innovation and excellence. 

Startup Spotlight: ClearCore

Clear Core gives financial institutions access, clarity, and insight into their data to better serve their members, strengthen their communities, and reach their strategic goals.

DOE Office Hours

UACI is providing support to the Department of Energy through the Science Synthesis Prize via office hours and mentorship. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and science enthusiasts are invited to join us for this event. Whether you’re working on groundbreaking research or developing a new technology, UACI experts can provide guidance, answer questions, and provide mentorship. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow innovators and accelerate your project! 

SelectUSA Investment Summit

SelectUSA Investment Summit, a high-profile event to facilitate business investment connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations, will take place in June 23-26, 2024. Tech Parks leader Carol Stewart will speak on a panel discussing the topic of Joining an Accelerator or Incubator at the Select USA Investment Summit on June 25. She will discuss how incubators play a crucial role in helping early-stage founders support their startup journey! 

Camp Cleantech

Camp Cleantech is a startups-only event designed for high-level climate-tech and cleantech entrepreneurs to get all the insights, and networking in one place. Delve into a series of workshops curated by the nation’s top incubators and accelerators, covering everything from community and corporate partnerships, to financing and manufacturing, to pilots and value propositions. Beyond workshops, engage in fun community activities, from fly casting to cook-offs, embracing Colorado’s innovative spirit and active lifestyle. With plenty of interaction with instructors and collaboration with fellow attendees, Camp Cleantech is the perfect low-pressure event to take your startup to the next level. Hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Wells Fargo from August 12-14 at CSU Spur in Denver, Colorado. 

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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.