TheraCea Pharma Awarded $275,000 NSF SBIR Grant for Advanced Cancer Diagnostics

TheraCea Pharma has been awarded a $275,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), with the University of Arizona as a key sub-awardee. The grant will support the development of innovative diagnostic tools for the rapid and conclusive assessment of therapy effectiveness in cancer patients, with potential applications in neurological disorders. The company, founded to commercialize University of Arizona technology, builds on research from the BIO5 Institute and was mentored through Tech Launch Arizona. TheraCea Pharma is part of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), where it continues to leverage foundational scientific research to develop a new class of diagnostic agents focused on early detection of treatment efficacy. This breakthrough approach aims to provide patients and healthcare providers with faster, more accurate assessments of cancer therapies, ultimately enhancing treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Tech Parks Arizona Wins Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Award  

Tech Parks Arizona was honored as the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year at the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards. Presented by the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority, this prestigious recognition highlights Tech Parks Arizona’s significant contributions to advancing technology, supporting tech startups, and fostering strategic industry partnerships. The award, coinciding with the 30-year anniversary of Tech Parks Arizona, celebrates its role in creating and nurturing the UACI incubator network, fostering the growth of startups while staying true to its core mission of university-driven economic development.

Arizona Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced

The Arizona Commerce Authority has announced the 15 finalists for the 2024 Arizona Innovation Challenge! These innovative teams are one step closer. Next up, these finalists will pitch their projects in-person to the selection committee. From there, up to 10 teams will be chosen to receive the prestigious award. A special shoutout to the startups affiliated with UACI, both current and alumni: airth.io, Carbon Utility, LLC, Metfora, Precision, Epigenomics Inc, SorbiForce 

UACI Bridges Arizona-Sweden Mining Innovation  

The Bridging Horizons: Mining Innovations in Arizona and Sweden virtual summit, held on November 14, brought together experts from Southern Arizona and Sweden to discuss 21st-century mining, focusing on technological advancements, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Hosted by the UACI, the Town of Sahuarita, the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce, and Swedish Mining Innovation, the summit provided insights into global mining practices and fostered international collaboration, attracting over 100 participants virtually. 

Carbon Utility Wins AZ FAST Grant 

Congratulations to Carbon Utility, a UACI startup, for securing the Arizona FAST Grant! This funding, awarded by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), will accelerate their mission to develop sustainable technology solutions. We are proud to support their journey and grateful for ACA’s commitment to fostering innovation in Arizona. 

Startup Spotlight – Valence Intelligence Systems 

Welcome Valence Intelligence Systems to the UACI. Based in Tucson, Valence is transforming space-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) with a cutting-edge 24-satellite constellation. Their use of AI-driven algorithms enables real-time, precise signal localization within tens of meters, seamlessly integrating with military systems for cost-effective, high-frequency coverage. Led by experts in satellite systems, signal processing, and machine learning, Valence collaborates with top institutions such as University of Arizona and Georgia Tech to drive technological advancements. We look forward to supporting their journey as they revolutionize space-based intelligence and continue to push the boundaries of innovation. 

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is proud to announce we are working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO) and Water Power Technology Office (WPTO) to provide support for the 2025 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Release II funding opportunity.

Phase I projects explore the feasibility of innovative concepts with awards of up to $200,000 (depending on the topic) over nine months. 2025 Phase I Release II topics were announced on November 12, 2024.

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is excited to provide support in the form of educational opportunities, mentorship and office hours.

Learn more about the topics and the resources available to first-time applicants in an informational webinar on November 21, 2024 at 9:00 am MST.

Now is the time to prepare, with the mandatory letters of intent due in the new year.

If you have any questions or would like to receive applicant support, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Tucson after5 Holiday Tech Mixer

Join Arizona Technology Council and Tech Parks Arizona for the upcoming Tucson after5 Holiday Tech Mixer! Celebrate the ending of an incredible year and commemorate Tech Parks Arizona's 30-year legacy at Technology’s Best Address! The mixer will be on December 3 from 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at UA Tech Park, Event Center, 9030 S Rita Road, Suite 302, Tucson, AZ 85747 

Connect with industry pros, discover cutting-edge tech from UA Tech Park companies, and see how we’re creating thriving environments through university-industry collaboration. Mark your calendar and pull out your ugliest sweater—this is one party you won’t want to miss! RSVP Required.

Arizona Photonics Days

Optics Valley and the Arizona Tech Council are proud to present the Arizona Photonics Days conference once again at the UA Tech Park. This multi-day event offers a platform for optics and photonics professionals to connect, learn, and network. The program will highlight key technologies in astronomy, biomedical technology, laser technology, sensing and metrology and quantum technology. Attendees can look forward to daily keynotes, over 25 presentations, 20+ company spotlights, and ample networking opportunities. Optional lab and facility tours will also be available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay at the forefront of the optics and photonics industry.

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

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.