Arizona’s New Initiative to Boost Sustainability Startups
In a move that underscores Arizona’s commitment to sustainability, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) has unveiled a new program under its Plug and Play accelerateAZ initiative. Announced at the Plug and Play Silicon Valley Summit in Sunnyvale, California, this program aims to bolster the growth of startups focused on sustainability across the state.
Launching in Spring 2024
Scheduled to commence in Spring 2024, the accelerateAZ Sustainability program will focus on startups innovating in renewable energy, water resiliency, sustainable mining, circular materials, and carbon neutrality. This initiative will facilitate two cohorts of startups annually, linking them with prominent corporate partners to foster collaboration and growth.
Building on a Decade of Innovation
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, “Over the last decade and more, the ACA has worked closely with our innovation partners to advance our startup ecosystem and create new opportunities for Arizona entrepreneurs. The Plug and Play accelerateAZ Sustainability program represents an exciting new chapter in these efforts.”
Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play, also shared his excitement, remarking, “Our partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority has been incredible, and every time I visit Arizona, I am inspired. We’ve made some great progress in a short amount of time and are excited to expand the Plug and Play accelerateAZ initiative to include Sustainability.”
Expanding on Current Successes
The new sustainability program builds upon the success of the accelerateAZ Advanced Manufacturing program. This ongoing program supports startups with a three-month curriculum focused on business development, strategic growth, and networking. Companies such as Intel, Honeywell Aerospace, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense have been pivotal partners in these efforts.
Earlier this year, Plug and Play accelerateAZ celebrated the opening of its Arizona office, marking a significant milestone in the state’s push for innovation. The first cohort of the Advanced Manufacturing program tackled key challenges in workforce training, supply chain visibility, predictive maintenance, robotics, and automation.
A Global Innovation Network
Plug and Play operates as a leading global innovation platform with a presence in over 50 locations worldwide. The Arizona office aims to unite stakeholders across the state committed to prioritizing innovation within their businesses. By working with program partners, Plug and Play identifies startups poised to address specific industry challenges.
Startups interested in joining the first cohort of the Sustainability program can find more details and apply at PlugAndPlayTechCenter.com/arizona.
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) serves as the state’s primary economic development organization. Its mission is to enhance Arizona’s economy through attracting, expanding, and creating businesses. For further information, visit azcommerce.com and follow them on Twitter @azcommerce.
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is an innovation platform connecting startups with corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies globally. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, it offers corporate innovation programs and startup acceleration initiatives, investing in successful companies like Dropbox and PayPal. More details can be found at pnptc.com.
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