Arizona Commerce Authority Opens Application Window for the Fall 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (September 5, 2019) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced it will begin accepting applications for the Fall 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge on Thursday, September 5, 2019. The Arizona Innovation Challenge is the ACA’s business plan competition designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.

Up to ten companies are added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio following each round of the competition.

"Arizona's vibrant innovation ecosystem is a key part of our healthy, growing economy, and the ACA is proud to support entrepreneurs in our state by offering the Arizona Innovation Challenge," said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "Each year, the program identifies the most promising early-stage technology ventures across our state and provides resources and mentorship to help them scale."

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

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.

Applications will be accepted beginning on Thursday, September 5 through Friday, September 27 at 5 p.m MST. The application and submission guidelines, as well as find information about upcoming workshops, are available at azcommerce.com.

Media Contact
Connie Weber, (602) 845-1243, [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.