UACI Named Soft Landings Designee of the Year by The International Business Innovation Association

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) was honored by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) as the Soft Landings Designee of the Year at the 36th International Conference for Business Incubation.

UACI first recieved the Soft Landings Designation in 2020 after proving the capability to meet high-level and multi-faceted accommodations needed to ensure that international companies experience a supportive foundation when conducting business in a foreign country. UACI is one of only 50 entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) that have earned the coveted Soft-Landing's designation.

Longan Vision Establishes U.S. Operations

UACI Soft Landings Program participant, Longan Vision has made the decision to establish U.S. operations at the UA Tech Park off Rita Road. The Canadian-based startup company is launching their product and expanding market reach. Longan Vision develops advanced Augmented Reality technology for First Responders to use in dangerous environments enabling them to help save lives faster. UACI is proud to partner with CAID Industries, Farhang & Medcoff Attorneys, Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, Tetakawi and Tucson Electric Power to make the Global Advantage Program happen.

TENWEST is Back in 2022

TENWEST Festival is back in 2022 and will be co-led by Startup Tucson and University of Arizona Center for Innovation and presented by Arizona Commerce Authority. 2022 marks the 6th year of the Festival and 25th year anniversary of Idea Funding, Southern Arizona's largest and longest running entrepreneurship conference and pitch competition. Save the date for November 1-5 for an impact festival filled with changemakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

SunMoksha Receives Greater Good Award

UACI startup, SunMoksha, received the highest recognition Greater Good Award at the 2022 Microgrid Conference hosted by Microgrid knowledge for the work done on Kudagon Island in Odisha, India. The project resulted in residents of the island being more self-sufficient, light being brought into homes at night, electricity for fans and air conditioning, streetlights for safety, and more. Congratulations SunMoksha!

EcoBloc Accepted to Techstars Accelerator

EcoBloc, a member of the UACI Soft Landings Canadian Cohort, was recently accepted into the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator Class of 2022. Companies in this program work to solve global problems, and EcoBloc's sustainable ultrasonic sound pest repellant is a shining example of how technology can be used on a global scale. EcoBloc is one of the 12 members in this class and part of the fifth Farm to Fork Accelerator program Techstars has produced. Congratulations EcoBloc!

AZTechCast Podcast

The latest episode of Arizona Tech Council's podcast featured leaders of Arizona startup incubator networks including StartupAZ, Startup Unidos, and UACI. The podcast is titled "Exploring Arizona's Entrepreneurial Support Hubs" and discusses the evolution of Arizona's regional startup ecosystems over the past five to ten years.

"11 Reasons the World is Watching Tucson"

BizTucson lists "11 Reasons the World is Watching Tucson" and that gave UACI six connections to celebrate. Six of the eleven reasons listed by BizTucson have a direct connection to the work and research happening at the UA Tech Park, UACI outposts, and the University of Arizona including Tucson's title as Optics Valley, The Silicon Desert, and Space City of the Southwest as well as its place in the world as a Bioscience Mecca and Aerospace & Defense Megaregion plus all the mining, mineral, and surface technology developed here.

CarbeniumTec Works to Solve Renewable Energy Challenges

CarbeniumTec technology was developed at the University of Arizona and commercialized through Tech Launch Arizona and then joined UACI winning our Sponsored Launch Fueled by Perkins Coie LLP competition. The startup's goal is to reimagine how large quantities of electricity can be stored in nontoxic batteries. Now, the company is focusing on business growth and refining the technology and plans to build a small scale prototype.

Startup Spotlight: Resonant Energy

Resonant Energy's mission is to use solar projects to build wealth in underinvested communities. This Boston-based solar energy company aims to provide 100% clean energy to 100% of people.

American-Made Solar Prize Round 6: Power Connector Support

As a Power Connector for the American-Made Solar Prize, UACI is hosting an informational webinar to share how UACI and fellow Power Connectors provide support to applicants. This webinar will also feature R&D Labs Solar Prize Round 4 Finalist, who will share their American-Made Solar Prize success and experiences. Join us on Wednesday July 27, 2022 from 11am-12pm PT to learn about the application process for Round 6, how Power Connectors can support your submission, and to learn from past participants.

Apply for DOE Funding to Commercialize Innovative Solar Technologies

Small businesses and large for-profit entities are encouraged to apply for $27 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance American manufacturing of solar energy technologies. The Solar Manufacturing Incubator funding opportunity seeks research, development and demonstration projects that reduce solar energy costs while developing next-generation technologies and boosting manufacturing. Learn more about the funding opportunity during this informational webinar on August 3, 2022 from 12-1pm MST.

Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards

Join Tucson Metro Chamber to mark another year of innovation, business growth and social impact in Southern Arizona. This year's Copper Cactus Awards will be hosted at the Tucson Convention Center on September 23, 2022 from 5-9 PM. It's going to be a fabulous night community celebration.

Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo

The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) proudly present the Tenth Annual Arizona Tech + Business Expo on October 19, 2022 from 12-6 PM at the Tucson Convention Center. Network in person with over 400 business and tech leaders and learn what's new and trending across Southern Arizona's tech industries including transportation, automation, optics, biotech, mining, aerospace, defense, logistics, robotics, space exploration, IT and more.

2022 Governor's Celebration of Innovation

Join Arizona Technology Council in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority to honor technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards on November 8, 2022 from 4-8:30PM at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event will consist of a Tech Showcase followed by a theatre-style awards program.

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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.