Tucson, Ariz. (Nov. 11, 2026) - Startups supported by the University of Arizona Center for Innovation Startups (UACI) generated an economic output of $260.5 million in 2025, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by Stiletto Consulting, an international market research and strategic planning firm.
Innovation Startups are at the forefront of economic development and innovation.
UACI is a startup incubator network with outposts across Southern Arizona. As part of Tech Parks Arizona, a nonprofit organization advancing university-based economic development, UACI helps science and technology startups scale, supports business retention and attracts foreign direct investment to the region. Together, Tech Parks Arizona and UACI connect startups and established technology companies with the University of Arizona’s research, talent and resources.
Since 2003, UACI has directly served more than 300 companies and impacted thousands of entrepreneurs. Companies supported by the program have attracted more than $200 million in external capital. UACI provides access to the people, place and programming entrepreneurs need to take their ideas from concept to market.
The annual study reinforces UACI’s role as an economic engine, noting that its startup clients generated $94.4 million in revenue and secured $10.3 million in grants in 2025. Collectively, these companies supported 1,218 jobs and contributed $21.5 million in tax revenue, demonstrating how commercializing innovation creates lasting economic value for Arizona.
"At UACI, the metrics that are important to us are not only the breakthroughs achieved by individual startups, but also the broader impact those innovations have on Arizona's economy and communities," said Casey Carrillo, Chief Innovation Officer for UACI. "These results demonstrate how supporting entrepreneurs and emerging technologies create jobs, attract investment and strengthen Arizona's innovation ecosystem."
UACI also garnered national recognition earlier this year when TIME Magazine named it among America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators for 2026, recognizing its role in helping science and technology startups launch, scale and create measurable economic impact.
UACI maintains an active portfolio of approximately 45 to 50 startup companies, with a high concentration in the bioscience sector. Approximately one-third of client companies are developing innovations in biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics and medical devices. Together, these startups are helping drive economic growth while advancing technologies that improve lives and have the potential for global impact.
Recognizing the unique needs of these ventures, UACI has made targeted investments in specialized support services, including affordable rent-a-bench laboratory space, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification, expert guidance from an on-site lab manager and access to shared scientific equipment. These resources help early-stage bioscience companies accelerate research and development while reducing the barriers and costs associated with bringing breakthrough technologies to market.
"Innovation districts thrive when great ideas, talent and opportunity converge," said Carol Stewart, CEO & President of Tech Parks Arizona. "Tech Parks Arizona’s recent recognition as a top ranked innovation district in the US reflects the strength of the collaborative ecosystem, we have cultivated to help innovators succeed. The economic impact generated by UACI startups demonstrates the long-term value of investing in innovation and entrepreneurship.”
UACI supports startups across industries including life sciences, climate technology, aerospace, software, advanced manufacturing and engineering. Through mentorship, educational programming, networking opportunities and specialized facilities, the program continues to help entrepreneurs build thriving companies that contribute to Arizona’s long-term economic growth.