New Corporate Partnerships Propel Arizona’s Sustainability Accelerator Forward
Today, at the Arizona Innovation Expo in Phoenix, a significant announcement was made by Plug and Play accelerateAZ, a program under the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). The Sustainability Accelerator initiative has welcomed three prestigious partners: Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), and EPCOR.
The Sustainability Accelerator is designed to champion startups focused on environmental sustainability by aligning them with established corporate allies. This innovative program targets startups working in renewable energy, water resiliency, sustainable mining, circular materials, and carbon neutrality. Since its inception in May 2024, the initiative has already integrated 11 pioneering startups into its first cohort, with plans to unveil a second cohort by the year’s end.
“We’re thrilled to work with these outstanding Arizona companies and organizations as partners for the Sustainability Accelerator,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The corporate partners’ expertise will strengthen the Sustainability program and enable Plug and Play accelerateAZ to support more sustainability-focused startups. We’re grateful to all of our corporate partners, Saeed Amidi and the entire Plug and Play team for their continued work to advance Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.”
Echoing this sentiment, Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play, stated, “We are excited to launch a Sustainability program in Arizona in partnership with leading companies that share our vision and are ready to make a positive impact on the planet. Together, we can work with innovative startups to drive impactful solutions in sustainability and create lasting change.”
Brian Sherman, CEO of SWSIE, also expressed enthusiasm, saying, “SWSIE is thrilled to be a founding partner with the Sustainability Accelerator. Accelerating startups that advance water security, clean energy transition, and carbon management are paramount to the Engine’s economic development mission. These are the technology levers that will drive sustainable economic prosperity in Arizona and the southwest.”
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies CTO Todd Giles remarked, “Honeywell is focused on creating technologies that drive the world’s transition to cleaner, more renewable energy. We are excited to expand our involvement in accelerateAZ to include the Sustainability Accelerator so we can further shape Arizona’s technology ecosystem and jointly contribute to a greener future.”
Shawn Bradford, Senior Vice President of Regulated US Water for EPCOR, added, “We are very pleased to join accelerateAZ’s Sustainability Accelerator as a founding corporate partner – sustainable growth and innovation are the backbone of our economy and Arizona’s highly desirable business climate. They are also at the core of EPCOR’s business, particularly as it relates to smart water management and new technologies that further that objective.”
The Sustainability Accelerator is the second major initiative by Plug and Play accelerateAZ, following the successful launch of the Advanced Manufacturing program in 2023, which has already seen three cohorts with over 30 startups.
Plug and Play, a global innovation platform active in over 50 locations worldwide, continues to foster connections among stakeholders in Arizona eager to prioritize innovation. Through collaborations with program partners, Plug and Play identifies startups poised to address specific industry challenges.
For further details on Plug and Play accelerateAZ, visit: azcommerce.com/start-up.
About Plug and Play accelerateAZ
Plug and Play accelerateAZ, a program of the Arizona Commerce Authority, was launched in 2023 to foster connections between startups, corporations, government agencies, and universities. The program has initiated the accelerateAZ Manufacturing program and the accelerateAZ Sustainability program to enhance the state’s startup ecosystem. For more information, visit azcommerce.com.
About NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE)
NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) is a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded initiative aimed at transforming climate challenges in the desert Southwest into economic opportunities. The project harnesses STEM education and innovation, uniting over 110 partner institutions across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah to lead in carbon capture, water security, and renewable energy.
About Honeywell
Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a wide array of industries globally. The company focuses on automation, aviation, and energy transition, supported by the Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. For more, visit honeywell.com/newsroom.
About EPCOR USA
EPCOR provides essential utility services to North American communities, serving approximately 828,000 residents across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The company, based in Phoenix, employs more than 600 people.
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