In this story and video, we look at a U of A team that took their innovation through one of the most rigorous entrepreneurial training experiences in the nation and was awarded the Spirit of I-Corps award for their exemplary performance and vision.

Behind every patent is a story of persistence, and we’re lucky to have a front-row seat. On April 7, 2026, we gathered to celebrate our 2026 Patent Recipients, a group of researchers and innovators who remind us why we do what we do at Tech Launch Arizona.

According to the report, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Tech Launch Arizona and TLA-linked activities generated $159.8 million in labor income and supported 3,070 jobs.

Hailing from the fields of information science, and electrical, computer and biomedical engineering, this year's newly named Senior Members are each dedicated to creating real-world impact from their innovative research.

Researchers have developed a breakthrough gene-editing strategy to overcome one of the greatest challenges in regenerative medicine: immune rejection. Their solution offers a path toward developing a functional cure for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) without the need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs.

Three U of A startups launched to commercialize innovations developed in the College of Science and the College of Medicine - Tucson have now received an investment that will help them take their next steps and, ideally, lead to follow-on funding. See a video profile of each startup!