Draft:Tech Parks Arizona

Tech Parks Arizona

Tech Parks Arizona is a technology-driven initiative affiliated with the University of Arizona (UA). It is designed to foster innovation, attract and retain technology companies, and support talent development in alignment with UA's research, mission, and goals. Tech Parks Arizona operates several key facilities, including the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI). These parks are focused on recruiting companies with ties to the University of Arizona to support technological and economic growth in the region.  

Overview

Tech Parks Arizona is pivotal in advancing innovation within the University of Arizona and beyond. Since its establishment, it has become a central player in fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, facilitating the commercialization of new technologies. The parks are where businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs can collaborate in an ecosystem designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs.

Through its various facilities, Tech Parks Arizona has been instrumental in driving economic development in the region, establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures.

History

The origins of Tech Parks Arizona date back to 1987 when it began as the University of Arizona Office of Economic Development, focusing on regional economic growth. A significant milestone occurred in 1994 when the University of Arizona acquired an industrial park from IBM. This property was transformed into the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, marking the university’s commitment to commercializing its research and providing a collaborative space for businesses and researchers.

The park attracted its first major tenant, Microsoft, in 1996, positioning it as a key player in regional economic development. Since then, the UA Tech Park has grown to become one of the largest employment centers in southern Arizona. In 2001, the Association of University Research Parks recognized the UA Tech Park as the top university research park in North America, highlighting its impact on innovation and economic growth.

In 2003, the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) was established as a business incubator aimed at accelerating technology commercialization. UACI supports entrepreneurs and startups in bringing their innovations to market, helping transform early-stage ideas into viable businesses.

In 2007, the University of Arizona expanded its footprint by acquiring a second property near its main campus to develop another research park, UA Tech Park at The Bridges. This acquisition further strengthened Tech Parks Arizona’s mission to integrate industry and academia, promoting technological advancement and economic development.

Tech Parks Arizona continued to evolve in the following years. In 2010, the office was renamed the Office of University Research Parks to reflect UA's growing emphasis on research-driven economic development. A key initiative launched during this time was the Solar Zone, a facility dedicated to testing and demonstrating new solar technologies. Another notable initiative was the Security Innovation Hub, which focuses on the development and testing of cybersecurity technologies.

In 2013, under the leadership of UA President Ann Weaver Hart, Tech Launch Arizona was created to enhance the university’s efforts in technology commercialization. As part of this initiative, the Office of University Research Parks was renamed Tech Parks Arizona and became part of Tech Launch Arizona, further aligning it with the university’s technology transfer and commercialization goals. Since then, Tech Parks Arizona has played a critical role in supporting the university’s innovation ecosystem.

Facilities

• UA Tech Park at Rita Road: The original research park, located on a former IBM campus, is home to a range of technology companies and serves as a key site for innovation and economic development.

• UA Tech Park at The Bridges: Located closer to the University of Arizona’s main campus, this park fosters collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners.

• University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI): This business incubator supports early-stage startups and entrepreneurs, providing resources and mentorship to accelerate the commercialization of technology.

Contributions and Initiatives

Tech Parks Arizona has contributed significantly to both regional and national technology commercialization efforts. It provides an environment for companies to test, evaluate, and demonstrate new technologies, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and cybersecurity. Its initiatives, such as the Solar Zone and the Security Innovation Hub, offer platforms for companies to collaborate with the university and other partners, driving technological advancements in these critical areas.

Through its efforts, Tech Parks Arizona continues to support innovation, drive economic development, and strengthen the University of Arizona’s role as a leader in research and technology commercialization.