INNOVATION

THE START UP STATE AND START UP NATION

Arizona is the best state in the nation for entrepreneurship, innovation and emerging technology. And Israel is, of course, the Start Up Nation. The two states share an understanding of the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

This is further confirmation that Arizona is the best place for Israeli businesses—and those from other countries—to bring new technologies and new business models to market. In addition to its thriving innovation ecosystem, Arizona’s top talent and business-friendly, streamlined regulatory environment make it the ideal location to advance technology.

A CULTURE OF INNOVATION

Arizona’s pro-innovation environment enacts trailblazing, technology-driven policies, enabling the state to be at the leading edge of innovation in many areas.

PLUG AND PLAY ACCELERATEAZ

Global innovation platform Plug and Play recently opened its latest office in Phoenix, Arizona focused on advanced manufacturing. Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities and government agencies. The global innovator chose Arizona for its newest location due to the state’s robust startup community. Within advanced manufacturing, Plug and Play will focus on key sectors such as automotive, semiconductor and aerospace and defense. This partnership continues to spotlight Arizona’s startup ecosystem and will support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

TECH ADOPTION

In March 2021, Arizona became the first state to offer digital copies of driver’s licenses and state identification cards as part of a sweeping partnership with Apple. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport now utilizes the digital ID at security checkpoints.

AUTOMATED VEHICLES
In 2015, Arizona was the first state in the nation to have an executive order formalizing support for testing and operation of self-driving vehicles. Arizona’s close relationships with the industry, warm and sunny climate, and modern infrastructure enables the state’s leadership in testing and developing automated vehicles. In 2018, an executive order was signed creating the Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM), a consortium of global industry leaders, the brightest minds in academia, and government leaders committed to advancing automated vehicle safety, science and policy.

FINTECH SANDBOX
In 2018, Arizona was the first in the nation to provide a proving ground for companies within the financial technology sector. The FinTech Sandbox offers visionary thinkers a platform to test unique, tech-based services and products without onerous regulations.

PROPTECH SANDBOX
Arizona established the first in the nation PropTech Sandbox in 2019. The Sandbox removes barriers to business entry, providing companies with a controlled testing environment without excessive regulatory burdens and costs.

UAS
Arizona is the premier place in the world to responsibly test, deploy and advance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology and policy. The AZSkyTech program was established in 2018 by the Arizona Commerce Authority to develop safety, security and privacy protocols for UAS.

NEW HEIGHTS IN THE WEST

"We are proud to be a part of the outstanding technology and business community here in Prescott, Arizona."

Mike McCormack, President & CEO, CP Technologies

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5G TECHNOLOGY
In 2017, legislation was signed making Arizona the first state in the nation to streamline the deployment of technology enabling next-gen 5G wireless communication, which is needed to support and scale our state’s vital digital networks and attract new and exciting tech companies. Following this deployment, Verizon and Sprint chose Phoenix as one of the first U.S. markets to receive their respective 5G Ultra Wideband and True Mobile 5G, respectively. The networks promise faster mobile speeds and pave the way for technology advances in automated vehicles and telemedicine.

CYBERSECURITY
Expertise from cutting-edge companies, access to top talent and support from academic and public sectors have positioned Arizona as a national cybersecurity leader. As the fourth most concentrated business & financial services industry, Arizona’s cybersecurity companies are of high value to the state.

HOME SHARING
Arizona has embraced new, innovative business models, namely the sharing economy. In 2017, first-of-its kind legislation was enacted enabling all Arizonans to participate in the 21st-century economy by streamlining the process for home sharing platforms to collect taxes and remit them to the Arizona Department of Revenue.

RIDESHARING
By reducing limitations to business success, Arizona supports enterprise and job growth. The state’s strong support of the sharing economy was reinforced when in 2015, legislation was signed to embrace ridesharing services and operations in Arizona. Rather than oppose this 21st-century solution to getting people where they need to go, the state welcomed it and removed barriers to its open operations.

#1 MOST INNOVATIVE

AHEAD OF MIT AND STANFORD
FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED
NINE CONSECUTIVE YEARS

(U.S. News & World Report, 2016-2024)

TOP 5 IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

SINCE 1989 WHEN THE RANKINGS BEGAN

U.S. News & World Report, 2024

EDUCATE. INNOVATE.

Arizona’s trio of state universities, plus its community colleges and private institutions, drive innovation in the state, preparing students for promising careers in top industries.

Arizona State University (ASU), the most innovative university in the U.S., and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), the leading research university in Israel, partnered on a study-abroad experience and a research program for students. The research agreement combines ASU’s innovative nature and BCU’s extensive research capabilities to enable collaboration across shared strengths in cybersecurity, nanotechnology, robotics, medicine and sustainability.

The University of Arizona’s primer innovator community, Tech Parks Arizona, facilitates business commercialization. Tech Parks Arizona has a collaborative partnership with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on joint research projects that explore arid land agriculture and water.

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