U of A innovation powerhouses merge to boost Arizona impact

Tech Launch Arizona, the commercialization arm of the University of Arizona, has incorporated resources and programming previously managed by Arizona FORGE and will focus on building opportunities for enterprising student entrepreneurs while further strengthening Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. FORGE was the university unit dedicated to providing students with hands-on entrepreneurship experience and opportunities to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. 

TLA has a long history of success in supporting innovation and commercialization at the university, and this move will expand its portfolio to provide entrepreneurship support to students in addition to the U of A faculty, researchers and staff the office currently serves. Over the past decade, TLA has worked with inventors to register over 3,000 inventions and parlay intellectual property developed at the university to launch more than 140 startups. The office has also helped execute more than 600 licenses for U of A inventions to companies to move those inventions into the marketplace. 

“I am excited to combine the power of TLA and FORGE to create a stronger, more streamlined innovation ecosystem that starts with the student experience,” said Interim Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Elliott Cheu. “This integration will ensure that all members of our community—from students to seasoned researchers—have access to the services and expertise needed to bring their ideas to life.”

According to a recent impact study by Rounds Consulting, centered around activity between 2017 and 2022, TLA startups and business activity supported more than 2,500 jobs and produced more than $1.6 billion in economic activity for the region.

Building on that foundation and under the leadership of the new Student Ventures director Derick Maggard, the student-focused programming retains its original core services for student entrepreneurs, now strengthened by the extensive resources of TLA. This includes a commercialization network with over 500 expert volunteers, TLA’s best-practices Venture Mentoring Services program, training for science-oriented entrepreneurs through the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps, or NSF I-Corps, and an expert staff with decades of experience in technology commercialization, intellectual property protection, and high-tech entrepreneurship. The new student-focused programming places particular emphasis on undergraduates.

TLA Associate Vice President Doug Hockstad is excited and optimistic about the evolution of the office.

“While our work has led to national recognition of the U of A as a leader in technology commercialization, like most commercialization offices, to date we’ve largely focused on university-owned intellectual property. This is a natural evolution of the services we provide to our incredible student body interested in entrepreneurship and developing their ideas into startups. It’s a new challenge and an incredible opportunity for TLA to grow, and Derick and the team are diving in, full steam ahead.”

Maggard, a seasoned entrepreneur, brings a diverse background spanning business development, strategic partnerships, investments, operations, marketing, and new venture management. Prior to his work at TLA, he served as executive director of Virginia Tech's Apex Center for Entrepreneurs for nine years, where he built connections between the university, student entrepreneurs, and regional companies. Maggard’s mentorship has helped numerous startups get off the ground and reach key milestones. 

 “The launch of this new student-focused program marks a pivotal step in our mission, offering unparalleled resources, mentorship, and support to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders who will make a real-world impact,” said Maggard. “I am excited to lead this initiative with a dynamic team, whose expertise and passion will be crucial in guiding our students to take action, overcome challenges, and achieve remarkable success.”

Through its Student Ventures program, TLA will provide students with opportunities to discover, learn and practice entrepreneurship. Maggard is excited to get his message out to all U of A students.

“If you’re looking to join a community of fellow entrepreneurs, get expert support and experience innovative programming, TLA Student Ventures will be the place for you,” he said. “We’ll give you hands-on experiences and collaborative opportunities to empower you and explore how far your ideas can go.”

To learn more, reach out to Derick Maggard and subscribe to the monthly TLA newsletter.