Plug and Play Expands to Arizona, Pioneering New Ventures in Advanced Manufacturing
PHOENIX, AZ (March 15, 2023) — Plug and Play, a renowned global innovation platform, is setting its sights on Phoenix, Arizona, thanks to a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). The new Arizona office will serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing, with plans to later incorporate sustainability and health sectors. A launch event on April 5th will herald the office’s opening, during which 10-20 startups will be chosen for Plug and Play Arizona’s first cohort.
Governor Katie Hobbs expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, Arizona is thrilled to facilitate this groundbreaking partnership with global technology leader Plug and Play. Plug and Play sets the standard for accelerating innovation and collaboration, finding the next generation of breakthrough technology. Their new office in Arizona will be a powerful force connecting promising startups with leading industry companies to create deep social and societal impact.
Reflecting on the welcoming business environment in Arizona, Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play, remarked, There are only a few special places in the world where key stakeholders such as governmental entities, local entrepreneurs and VCs, and business or university leaders welcome you with open arms. Everyone I’ve encountered in Arizona has been incredibly supportive and motivated to create the most business-friendly community possible. I’m incredibly excited to launch Plug and Play Arizona and help accelerate the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Grand Canyon State.
Plug and Play operates in over 50 locations globally, uniting stakeholders eager to prioritize innovation. The Arizona office will focus initially on advanced manufacturing, delving into areas such as the supply chain, mobility, and IoT. Program partners will collaborate to identify startups that can address industry-specific challenges.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, shared her excitement about the collaboration, stating, We are incredibly excited to partner with Plug and Play to take Arizona’s startup ecosystem to the next level. Plug and Play’s Arizona office will be a catalyst for innovation in key target industries like advanced manufacturing, supply chain, sustainability and more. We are so thankful to Saeed Amidi and the entire Plug and Play team for making this premier partnership possible and we can’t wait for the promising collaborations ahead.
The decision to establish the new office in Arizona was influenced by the state’s vibrant startup ecosystem and the strong synergy between startups, industries, government, and educational entities that fosters innovation.
Selected startups will engage in a three-month program designed to enhance business development, strategic growth, and networking. In conjunction with the ACA, Plug and Play will facilitate connections within their ecosystem and potential access to capital.
Interested corporations and startups can find more information at pnptc.com/arizona.
Registration for the Plug and Play Arizona launch event is available here.
Contact: Alyssa Tufts at the Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a prominent innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital, universities, and government agencies. Based in Silicon Valley, it operates over 50 locations across five continents, offering corporate innovation programs and supporting partners throughout their innovation journey. The platform has invested in numerous successful companies such as Dropbox, Guardant Health, and PayPal. More information is available at pnptc.com.
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s primary economic development organization, focused on attracting, expanding, and creating businesses to strengthen Arizona’s economy. It targets out-of-state companies, assists existing businesses in growth, and helps entrepreneurs establish new ventures in key industries. Further details can be found at azcommerce.com and on Twitter at @azcommerce.
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