Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Semifinalists For The 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (October 6, 2021) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced today 26 semifinalists have been selected for the 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC).

The AIC is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.

“Choosing this year’s 26 semifinalists from a competitive pool of more than 100 applicants for this round was no easy task,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are incredibly impressed every year with the caliber of companies applying for this competition. Congratulations to each of the semifinalists and good luck in the next round!” 

The 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge semifinalists include:

In total, 110 applications were received for the 2021 competition, representing the following sectors:

• IT/Software: 51 or 46.4% of applications
• Bio & Life Sciences: 31 or 28.2% of applications
• CleanTech/Renewable Energy: 8 or 7.3% of applications
• Advanced Materials: 7 or 6.4% of applications
• IT/Hardware: 7 or 6.4% of applications
• Advanced Manufacturing: 4 or 3.6% of applications
• Aerospace & Defense: 2 or 1.8% of applications

The AIC consists of three judging rounds, during which companies receive constructive feedback on their applications generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. Judges will now select 15 finalists that will pitch their startups in-person before a panel of investors. The judges will choose up to 10 companies as AIC awardees for 2021. After all judging rounds are complete, participants will have an opportunity to receive a consultation with the ACA to discuss their application and other potential resources available to help improve their business plans.

2021 AIC Schedule

• October 4 - 17, 2021: Semifinalist Applications Open
• October 20 - November 19, 2021: Semifinalist Judging Round
• November 10, 2021: Finalists Announced
• November 17, 2021: Final Pitches
• December 1, 2021: Awardees Announced

Up to 10 companies are added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio following each round of the competition. Companies chosen to join the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio will participate in the ACA's Venture Ready Accelerator, connecting companies with serial entrepreneurs, high-level executives, and subject matter experts. Participants will complete a series of panels and workshops within the subsequent 12 months of the award. The Accelerator helps startups refine their business plans, improve go-to-market execution strategies and increase investor readiness.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [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 @azcommerce.