TUCSON, Ariz. (April 17, 2024)—The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), which serves as Tech Parks Arizona's science and technology startup incubator network, is pleased to announce the open call for the UACI Sponsored Launch Fueled by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Town of Oro Valley competition. The winning startup will receive sponsored entry into UACI at Oro Valley, the prestigious bioscience-focused incubator, along with resources, specialized facilities, services, and expert guidance to grow their business.
In alignment with its mission to grow scalable startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy, UACI has teamed up with Oro Valley leaders to support science and technology early-stage companies. The competition launch is part of a growing collaboration between UACI, the Town of Oro Valley, and Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce over the past four years, which has supported several startups in Oro Valley through previous Sponsored Launch programs. Building on the momentum and great interest of entrepreneurs living in the region, the three organizations are making the sponsored entry available again.
The winning startup will receive one sponsored year of admission at UACI, which includes a structured incubation program, customized business mentoring, and the ability to work alongside other startups in a fast-paced environment. UACI provides the people, programming, and space to successfully launch and scale a business. The program offers wet and dry laboratory space, meeting rooms, and assistance through a 28-point roadmap that helps them with everything from refining their business model to obtaining funding.
Application submissions are open now and close on Friday, April 26, 2024. Applicants must meet specific qualifications, including having a startup team that lives or operates in the Town of Oro Valley and is looking to make a significant difference in the local and global community through innovation. Specific application information can be found by visiting the UACI website.
In addition to a one-year sponsored entry into UACI, the winning startup will receive membership in the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. This membership grants access to events, exclusive deals, and connections to a network of businesses in Oro Valley. Moreover, the municipal support from the Town of Oro Valley empowers UACI to drive economic development in the region. The combined value of this package, totaling $10,000, is generously funded by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Oro Valley.
As a region, Southern Arizona has recently experienced an increased interest in entrepreneurship, and the business ecosystem is ripe with educational offerings and promising locations for startup ventures. Oro Valley’s steady population growth, booming bioscience sector, and potential for geographic expansion make it particularly attractive to scalable ventures and innovative technologies.