In a bid to bridge the challenging “valley of death” phase that many startups face after inception, Tech Launch Arizona initiated a strategic campaign in 2023. This campaign aims to create a seed fund specifically designed to support University of Arizona innovations during their most vulnerable periods.
By 2026, the Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund has successfully raised close to 60% of its initial financial target and has commenced its first round of investments.
“We are deeply grateful to the donors who have made the contributions that have allowed us to launch and grow the fund,” expressed Doug Hockstad, TLA associate vice president. “Their passion for U of A innovation and entrepreneurship, paired with their generosity, are truly transforming our ecosystem.”
After a thorough application and evaluation process, the Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund (WPSF) has invested in three startups: CarbeniumTec, LifeSpan Digital Health, and UGenome AI, all of which are commercializing inventions developed at the University of Arizona.
CarbeniumTec
Established in 2022, CarbeniumTec aims to revolutionize how electricity is stored through an innovative organic-based redox flow battery. This development, based on the work of Thomas Gianetti, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, along with Joules Moutet, offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to current battery technologies.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market, are typically limited to four to six hours of storage. CarbeniumTec’s solution is designed to extend this capacity to eight to twelve hours, facilitating the broader application of renewable energy sources.
The founding team includes Gianetti as CEO, Moutet as CTO, and Tucson entrepreneur Philip Lacovara as COO. Over the coming years, the team plans to use the funding to further develop their product and achieve necessary certifications.
LifeSpan Digital Health
Addressing the issue of healthcare professional burnout, LifeSpan Digital Health is developing a software platform named emPower+. This tool offers real-time support for physician and nurse wellness, based on over two decades of research by Dr. Samuel Keim, professor of emergency medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Keim’s research highlights that while some medical residents thrive in stressful settings, others face significant challenges. LifeSpan’s tool seeks to mitigate these challenges, with more than 50% of physicians reportedly meeting clinical burnout criteria.
Co-founded by Jeff Cary, who has extensive experience in mental and behavioral health, LifeSpan has achieved significant milestones, including launching a minimum viable product and securing pilot programs at multiple institutions. The company recently started a pilot with the Department of Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Northwestern University.
UGenome AI
Founded in 2023, UGenome AI is pioneering a platform to tailor therapies based on patients’ genetic profiles. This advancement was developed by Adam Grant, a doctoral student at the University of Arizona’s Cancer Biology Program. The platform provides insights into medication responses, nutrition, and longevity, offering personalized treatment options.
CEO Zachary S. Brooks, who earned his doctorate in bilingual decision making from the University of Arizona, appreciates the WPSF’s support, which is paving the way for UGenome’s future endeavors.
About the Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund
“Our goal is to grow the fund to over $5 million,” stated Hockstad. Unlike conventional investment funds, the WPSF operates on a philanthropic model, with contributions reinvested to create an enduring resource for future University of Arizona startups.
Additionally, the WPSF offers university students experiential learning opportunities by involving them in due diligence processes, fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.
CarbeniumTec and LifeSpan Digital Health have already benefited from the University of Arizona Center for Innovation’s incubation programs. Together with UGenome, they will continue to advance through the expanded services offered by TLA’s newly launched incubator.
For those interested in funding or contributing, more information is available on the Tech Launch Arizona website.
A version of this story originally appeared on the Tech Launch Arizona website.
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