Tech Parks Arizona

Last week, Tech Parks Arizona and University of Arizona Center for Innovation leadership attended the sold-out Arizona Association for Economic Development Fall Forum, connecting with economic development professionals from across the state. Valuable conversations, new insights, and shared learning around evidence-based approaches to driving economic impact.

A tremendous achievement for The University of Arizona and everyone working to advance sustainability across our institution!
Tech Parks Arizona was honored to contribute examples including the Solar Zone, water stewardship efforts at the UA Tech Park, and University of Arizona Center for Innovation support for startups developing clean energy and sustainable technologies. Proud to be part of the impact. 🌱

The University of Arizona has earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability in recognition of efforts across curriculum, research, operations and community engagement to embed sustainability into its academic mission.

The U of A was among the first cohort of 14 institutions to receive this classification, along with Pima Community College and Tohono O’odham Community College. This cohort holds this honor until 2033. https://bit.ly/4Ar5Vn1

⭐People of the Park – Meet Dave Spence, Chief Product Officer, Applied Energetics

Dave Spence is responsible for turning Applied Energetics' cutting-edge technologies into real-world products that protect U.S. and allied forces and defend and secure our nation's future.

Fun Fact: While his work in optics often happens in the dark, Dave prefers the outdoors, spending his free time hiking, taking photographs, visiting the zoo with his kids, and enjoying road trips.

🏈Nothing brings people together quite like a University of Arizona game day!

This past Saturday, the Tech Parks Arizona team enjoyed cheering on the Wildcats alongside several of our valued tenants. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the spirit that makes the University of Arizona community so special.

Bear Down🐻⬇️

We had an incredible kickoff to the University of Arizona football season, connecting with first responders and our amazing community at the home opener! Thank you to everyone who joined us! Don’t forget to wear red and show your Wildcat pride tomorrow. Let’s make it another unforgettable game day!

We were pleased to welcome Sandra Donzella, Deputy Managing Director of the Western Regional Office of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to the UA Tech Park today.

Her presentation highlighted the many resources available to help businesses of all sizes export with confidence, remove barriers to growth, and remain competitive in the global economy. A valuable and insightful conversation about supporting U.S.-made products and services worldwide. 🌎

Fusion energy took center stage at The Chamber of Southern Arizona latest Industry Impact series. Industry and academic leaders discussed how The University of Arizona is advancing fusion energy research and building the foundation for future commercialization and workforce development, helping position the region as a hub for the next generation of clean energy innovation.

Thanks to all the panelists for sharing their insights:
- Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships, University of Arizona
- Jesus "Rene" Lopez Jr., Arizona Corporation Commission
- Dr. Robert O. Hunter, President & CEO, Innoven Energy
- Dr. Horst Hahn Special Advisor to the Senior Vice President for Research & Partnerships, University of Arizona
- Dr. Lukas Gruber, Business Development, Energy, Industrial and Scientific Markerts, Leonardo Electronics US Inc.
- Dallas Dukes, Senior Vice President of Customer and Strategic Affairs, Tucson Electric Power

Remembering and honoring those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

🌎 Yesterday's Southern Arizona CCIM Chapter luncheon highlighted how Southern Arizona is strengthening its position on the global stage. The discussion focused on the recent Taiwan economic mission, foreign direct investment opportunities and the partnerships being forged to support long-term regional growth.

A special thank you to the distinguished panelists for sharing their perspectives and expertise:
• Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development, Pima County
• Mike Czechowski, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Tucson
• Krishna Muralidharan, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona

Collaboration continues to be a key driver of our region's economic success!

Happy Labor Day from Tech Parks Arizona!

Innovation starts with people.

From researchers and engineers to entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders, our community is making an impact. We're especially inspired by teams like the University of Arizona Steward Observatory, whose work on adaptive optics and instrumentation for the Giant Magellan Telescope is helping humanity see farther into the universe and discover things once beyond our reach.
Thank you to everyone whose hard work makes our community thrive.