Arizona Commerce Authority Opens Fall 2013 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (August 8, 2013) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced the opening of its fall 2013 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a business plan competition that awards the most money in the country for a technology commercialization challenge.  The ACA will be accepting applications now through September 13, 2013. Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. MST.

The AIC is a bi-annual business plan competition that awards qualified, innovative start-ups and early stage companies up to $250,000 each in grant funding capital to grow their businesses – advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona.

The ACA commits $3 million annually to the AIC — $1.5 million is awarded in both the spring and the fall to the world’s most promising technology ventures. Companies receiving awards will be required to commercialize their technology and generate revenue within the subsequent 12 months of the award.

Download the application and submission guidelines here.

Additionally, every applying company that meets the AIC’s eligibility requirements will receive constructive feedback generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process.  These companies will also be given the opportunity to receive a consultation to discuss their business plans and other potential resources to advance their companies. All semifinalists will also be considered for participation in Venture Ready, the ACA’s mentor program that connects early stage companies with high-level CEOs and serial entrepreneurs to further refine their business plans and investor pitches.

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, 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: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.