Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Semifinalists in the Spring 2017 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (March 30, 2017) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced 25 semifinalists in the Spring 2017 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a bi-annual business plan competition for promising early-stage companies in high-growth industries.

The ACA provides $3 million in grants – $1.5 million in the spring and $1.5 million in the fall – to the most qualified, innovative startups and early-stage companies. Recipients receive up to $250,000 each in capital to grow their businesses, advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona.

Arizona has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship – and programs like this help foster and retain talent right here in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Congratulations and best of luck to the semifinalists! I can’t wait to see their final pitches, and watch them grow in Arizona.

The 25 Spring 2017 Arizona Innovation Challenge Semifinalists are as follows:

A total of 149 applications were received for the Spring 2017 round from companies across Arizona and one company from California looking to relocate to Arizona. The judges assessed each company application on a set of criteria including technology potential, marketing strategy, quality of management team and economic impact. 

The Spring 2017 semifinalist companies represent the following high-value industry sectors by percentage:

Every applying company that meets the AIC’s eligibility requirements will receive constructive feedback generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. All semifinalists also will be considered for participation in Venture Ready, the ACA’s mentor program that connects early stage companies with high-level CEOs to further refine business plans and investor pitches.

Media Contact

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845.1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit azcommerce.com for more information and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.