PHOTO: (Left to Right) Mayor of Oro Valley Joe Winfield, Jake Fussell and Iman Daryaei with Darya Pharmaceuticals, Kristen Sharp with Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce

Tucson, Ariz. (July 30, 2025) – The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is pleased to announce that Darya Pharmaceuticals has been selected as the winning company for the UACI-sponsored launch, fueled by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Town of Oro Valley. Darya Pharmaceuticals will receive a one-year sponsored entry into UACI at Oro Valley. This bioscience-focused incubator location provides resources, specialized facilities, services, and expert guidance to help businesses grow. The UACI Program Roadmap© will help them with everything from refining their business models to obtaining funding through a comprehensive guide and structured programming.

Darya Pharmaceuticals is a full-stack service company specializing in the radiopharmaceutical industry, offering comprehensive support for cutting-edge preclinical studies, including radiochemistry, in vitro assays, and in vivo validations, all powered by state-of-the-art technologies. The startup was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for its strong commitment to advancing the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals designed for both diagnosis and treatment, demonstrating significant potential for impact in the field.

The company sets itself apart by offering comprehensive, end-to-end preclinical research services for pharmaceutical companies, covering the full spectrum of testing required to develop radiopharmaceuticals more efficiently and effectively, ultimately accelerating the path to market. In its initial phase of development and research, the company has actively engaged with the University of Arizona, utilizing the Animal Facility and the Radiation/Bioimaging Core. As they join the UACI program, Darya Pharmaceuticals will receive targeted support in finance and human resources, along with physical lab space to support the expansion of their team and specialized pharmaceutical services.

“We’re enthusiastic about the opportunities available at the UACI at Oro Valley location, especially the increased visibility, strong infrastructure, and access to supportive resources that will help drive our growth within the Town of Oro Valley’s expanding bioscience ecosystem,” shared Iman Daryaei, COO of Darya Pharmaceuticals.

“We are thrilled to have Darya Pharmaceuticals apart of the UACI ecosystem in partnership with Oro Valley,” shared Casey Carrillo, Executive Director of UACI, “Their innovative approach to accelerating the development of radiopharmaceuticals aligns perfectly with our mission to support science-driven startups solving real-world problems.”

In alignment with its mission to grow scalable companies that fuel the Arizona economy, UACI has teamed up with Oro Valley leaders to support science and technology early-stage and emerging growth companies. Over the past five years, the collaboration between UACI, the Town of Oro Valley, and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has successfully supported multiple biotech companies through previous Sponsored Launch programs.

“We’re excited to welcome Darya Pharmaceuticals to the Oro Valley community. With the support and resources of the UACI incubation program, we’re confident they’ll reach key milestones in their growth. We look forward to the innovation and impact they’ll bring—both here in Oro Valley and on a global scale,” shared Kristen Sharp, CEO and President of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce.

A special thanks to the selection committee, which included Kristen Sharp, Chris Markley with Raytheon, and Sean Burcham with Vega Americas.

TUCSON (July 30, 2025) — Project Blue has been in the headlines and media in recent weeks as the project progresses through the public process with the City and County.  Thank you to the Pima County Board of Supervisors and staff for taking the important first step in support of this project. Our attention is now focused on the Tucson City Council as they consider annexing the property into the City of Tucson and the development agreement on August 19.

Now, it’s time to make our opinions heard.  As the new Chamber of Southern Arizona, representing 1,500 businesses in our region, we need to make our voices loud and clear that we support responsible and sustainable economic growth in this region. Project Blue represents a clear benefit to all of us.  See my Op-Ed submitted to media last week here or here to add to the growing support base from important leaders and constituents.

What can you do?

• Visit our Yes on Blue Campaign page here to submit a support letter to Mayor and Council in 30 seconds or less.
• Utilize the resources in our Yes on Blue Campaign Toolkit here to further support Project Blue and encourage others to as well.

The kind of investment that Project Blue represents is few and far between – a once-in-a-generation opportunity.  $3.6 billion capital investment, $100 million in new reclaimed water infrastructure, 3,000 construction jobs and $250 million in new tax revenue from a single project would represent a monumentally positive shift for our community. If you’ve never taken action before, we need you now.  Please make your voice heard before August 19.

Regards,

Joe Snell

See Fact sheet here: FINAL-Community-Centered-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Tucson, AZ (July 8, 2025) — Fans of Si Charro! Concepts’ acclaimed Charro Steak will be pleased to learn that a second location of the beloved Sonoran-style steakhouse is set to open this August at the Casas Adobes Plaza, located at Oracle and Ina—home to popular destinations like Wildflower, Loop Jeans, and Whole Foods.

The new Charro Steak North will bring the same elevated experience and commitment to quality that has made the original downtown Tucson location one of the most celebrated steak and seafood restaurants in the country. Since opening in 2016, Charro Steak has earned a loyal following for its dedication to using local ingredients, sustainably sourced seafood, and 100% grass-fed, all-natural beef butchered in-house and mesquite-grilled to perfection.

Ray Flores created Charro Steak following his personal battle with cancer and his discovery of the health benefits of clean, hormone- and antibiotic-free proteins. The new Northside location will continue this mission of mindful, flavor-driven dining.

The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Gary Hickey, who shared, “I’m so excited to bring the amazing food we’ve been serving downtown to the Northside of Tucson and to surrounding communities like Oro Valley and Marana.”

To prepare for the opening, Charro Steak North will host job fairs at the new location, 7109 N. Oracle Rd, on July 8–9 and July 11–12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The restaurant is hiring for all positions.

For more information, visit www.sicharro.com.