Sponsored Launch

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation collaborates with community organizations to provide a sponsored year at the incubator plus cash prizes through a competitive process.  Several deserving startups have capitalized on this opportunity, taking their idea of how to solve a significant business or social challenge to the next level by launching their business with UACI support.   

Sponsored Launch was created to provide more opportunities for startups to successfully launch into the marketplace, while also raising community awareness around the importance of providing support for entrepreneurs at the local level. The Sponsored Launch programs provides a platform for organizations and municipalities to invest in small businesses while also receiving acknowledgement of their goodwill.  This unique partnership between the incubator and community allows us to make more of an impact by expanding offerings and stretching resources out to the community.  

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a startup incubator network with outposts across the Southern Arizona region and a mission to grow scalable science and tech based startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy. Since inception in 2003, the program has directly served over 300 companies and impacted thousands of entrepreneurs. This is done through providing access to the people, place, and programming that help entrepreneurs take their companies from concept to market.  

Sponsored Launch Fueled by the City of Sierra Vista

Through a collaboration between UACI and the City of Sierra Vista up to two deserving startups can win a year of admission at UACI, which includes a structured incubation program, customized business mentoring and the ability to work alongside other startups in a fast-paced environment. Eligible companies should have a dedicated team focused on solving a significant challenge in science or tech with a clear plan to develop relevant products or services as part of Southern Arizona’s ecosystem. The total prize package is valued at $10,000.

Timeline
September 28, 2026 – October 30, 2026: Opportunity open for applications 
November 2 - 6, 2026: Judging evaluation and applicant interviews 
November 9, 2026: Winning startup announced 
December 2026 - December 2027: Team participation in the UACI program 

Eligibility
·     The startup team lives /operates in the City of Sierra Vista or in Southeastern Arizona OR 
·     The startup intentionally and directly benefits the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona or its residents OR 
·     The startup team employs or plans to employ residents of the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona OR 
·     The startup team intend to deploy its technology in the City of Sierra Vista or Southeastern Arizona

·     The startup team can take advantage of UACI programming  
·     The startup is pursuing an innovative solution to a significant challenge in science or tech 
·     The team has a strong overall commitment to launch their idea 
·     The team should demonstrate a need for incubation services  
·     The team is making a significant difference in our local and global communities through innovation 
·     The startup is pursuing a sustainable business model 
 
Submission Package
·     Application Web Form (link below) 
·     Summary Slide (uploaded to form) 

Terms & Conditions
·     The winning company will provide quarterly updates to the City of Sierra Vista 
·     The winning team agrees to participate in the development of promotional materials