Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Semifinalists In The 2020 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (October 13, 2020) — The Arizona Commerce Authority announced today 25 semifinalists have been selected for the 2020 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC).

The business plan competition is among the largest in the country and designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.

“Selecting the 25 semifinalists from a very strong pool of more than 120 applicants for this round was no small task,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President & CEO. “The quality of companies applying to the program each year continues to increase – evidence of Arizona’s position as a leading hub for innovation. Congratulations to each of the semifinalists and best of luck in the next round!”

The 2020 Arizona Innovation Challenge semifinalists include: 

In total, 127 applications were received for the 2020 competition, representing the following high-value sectors:

Arizona companies represent 121 applications. The remaining submissions are represented by companies in California (3), New York (1), Wisconsin (1) and one international application from the Netherlands (1).

The Arizona Innovation Challenge consists of three judging rounds, during which companies receive constructive feedback on their applications generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. Companies that move on to the final round will pitch live before a panel of judges. After all judging rounds are complete, participants will also 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.

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

Connie Weber, 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 at @azcommerce.