Arizona Innovation Challenge 2022: 15 Finalists Announced by ACA

Arizona Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced, Set to Pitch for Top Honors

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) has unveiled the 15 finalists for the 2022 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a key event aimed at fostering technology advancement and commercialization within the state. These companies will compete in the final round, where judges will select up to 10 winners.

Designed to support early-stage ventures in scaling their operations, the AIC is a testament to Arizona’s commitment to innovation. Past winners, such as Bluetail, Navi Nurses, and VIVAHR, have set significant benchmarks by providing digital solutions and services in various sectors. These companies exemplify the kind of innovation and growth that the challenge promotes.

“This year’s Arizona Innovation Challenge finalists represent some of the most exciting and cutting-edge companies in Arizona,” remarked Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. She further added, “Congratulations to all the outstanding finalists for advancing to the next round of the competition. Best of luck and we look forward to seeing which companies will be selected as AIC awardees for 2022.”

The 2022 finalists come from diverse industries such as IT, Bio & Life Sciences, Cleantech, Renewable Energy, and Aerospace & Defense. They are geographically distributed across Arizona cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler, with representation from Irvine, AZ, and even Cincinnati, OH. Companies like Bannack Medical, BMSEED, CenSyn, Inc., Delta Development Team Inc, OXbyEL Technologies, and Glass Dyenamics showcase the varied and innovative spirit of the competition.

The AIC follows a three-stage judging process that provides valuable feedback to applicants, helping them refine their business approaches. The finalists will present their business ideas to a panel of investors on November 17, with the final selections made by early December. The chosen AIC awardees will then join the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio.

Successful companies will participate in the ACA’s Venture Ready Accelerator. This program connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and experts to enhance their business strategies and prepare for investor engagement through workshops and panels over the following year.

Contact and Further Information

Media Contact: Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority: As Arizona’s premier economic development entity, the ACA aims to bolster the state’s economy through strategic initiatives that include attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones in expansion, and fostering entrepreneurship. More information is available at azcommerce.com, with updates on Twitter at @azcommerce.