November 9, 2026 (Tucson, Ariz.)- Startups supported by the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) generated an economic output of $260.5 million in 2025, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by Stiletto Consulting, an international market research and strategic planning firm.
As part of Tech Parks Arizona, a not-for-profit organization advancing university-based economic development, UACI serves as Arizona’s leading science and tech incubator. Together, Tech Parks Arizona and UACI connect startups and tech giants with the University of Arizona’s world-class research, talent and resources, creating a purpose-built environment. UACI has supported over 300 companies by connecting them with the people, place, and programming needed to bring ideas from concept to market.
The annual study reinforces UACI’s role as a powerful economic engine, noting that the startup clients generated $94.4 million in revenue and secured $10.3 million in grants in 2025. Collectively, these companies supported 1,218 jobs and contributed $21.5 million in tax revenue, demonstrating how innovation commercialized creates lasting economic value for Arizona.
“At UACI, the metrics that are important to us are not only the breakthroughs achieved by individual startups, but also the broader impact those innovations have on Arizona’s economy and communities,” said Casey Carrillo, Chief Innovation Officer for UACI. “These results demonstrate how supporting entrepreneurs and emerging technologies create jobs, attract investment and strengthen Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.”
UACI also garnered national recognition earlier this year, when TIME Magazine named UACI among America’s Best Incubator and Accelerators for 2026, recognizing its role in helping science and tech startups launch, scale, and create measurable economic impact.
UACI maintains an active portfolio of approximately 45-50 startup companies with a high concentration in the bioscience sector. Approximately one-third of client companies are developing innovations in biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics and medical devices. Together, these startups are helping drive economic growth while advancing technologies that improve lives and have potential for global impact. Recognizing the unique needs of these ventures, UACI has made targeted investments in specialized support services, including affordable rent-a-bench laboratory space, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification, expert guidance from an on-site lab manager, and access to shared scientific equipment. These resources help early-stage bioscience companies accelerate research and development while reducing the barriers and costs often associated with bringing breakthrough technologies to market.
“Innovation districts thrive when great ideas, talent and opportunity converge,” said Carol Stewart, CEO & President of Tech Parks Arizona. “Tech Parks Arizona’s recent recognition as a top ranked innovation district in the US reflects the strength of the collaborative ecosystem, we have cultivated to help innovators succeed. The economic impact generated by UACI startups demonstrates the long-term value of investing in innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Since 2003, UACI has supported startups across industries including life sciences, climate technology, aerospace, software, advanced manufacturing and engineering. Through mentorship, educational programming, networking opportunities and specialized facilities, UACI continues to help entrepreneurs build thriving companies that contribute to Arizona’s long-term economic growth.
About the UA Center for Innovation
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a startup incubator network with outposts across Southern Arizona. As part of Tech Parks Arizona, a not-for-profit, UACI advances university-based economic impact by helping scale science and tech-based startups, supporting business retention, and attracting foreign direct investment to the region. In 2026, TIME Magazine named UACI among America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators. For two decades, the program has directly served over 300 companies, impacting thousands of entrepreneurs who have attracted more than $200M in external capital. This is done by providing access to the people, place, and programming that help entrepreneurs take their ideas from concept to market.
