Honoring a Legacy: Senator Lela Alston and the Transformation of Arizona’s Bioscience Landscape

When discussing the architects of Arizona’s booming innovation economy, state lawmakers and bioscience pioneers alike point to a common champion: Senator Lela Alston. Recognized with the prestigious AZBio Public Service Award, Senator Alston has spent decades in public office laying the institutional, educational, and legislative groundwork that turned central Phoenix into a nationally recognized epicenter for life sciences and medical discovery.Continue reading

Arizona Innovation Challenge 2026 – SAS Companies

The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), one of the largest business plan competitions in the country, is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by assisting early-stage ventures to scale. All applicants receive feedback on their business plan from experienced entrepreneurial judges.

AIC awardees receive $100,000 of non-dilutive funding and three months of customized support with an ACA-designated partner.Continue reading