Change in Name for University Research Parks
The Office of University Research Parks, which directs the UA Tech Park, UA Bio Park and the Arizona Center for Innovation has changed its name to Tech Parks Arizona as part of University’s transformational efforts in moving University research innovations to market.
Tech Launch Arizona was recently created to foster an innovation ecosystem at the University of Arizona, revitalize technology transfer and connect to commercialization resources in Southern Arizona and beyond. The name change reflects that Tech Parks Arizona is an integral part of Tech Launch Arizona.
“The name change serves as a formal acknowledgement of the interrelationship of the units and the importance of each function. Completing the name with the word “Arizona” strengthens the connection to the University as well as to the State,” said David Allen, UA Vice President and Executive Director of Tech Launch Arizona.
Tech Parks Arizona will continue to play a significant role in economic development and technology commercialization by creating environments that promote research, education, technology innovation and commercialization, as well as high technology business development and attraction.
There has been no change in management. Bruce Wright, Associate Vice President for University Research Parks will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Parks.
About the UA Tech Park
The UA Tech Park(link is external) advances the University of Arizona’s research mission and its efforts at technology development and technology commercialization. The UA Tech Park contributes $2.4 billion annually to Pima County’s economy. It is one of the region’s largest employment centers hosting approximately 50 businesses and organizations that employ nearly 7,000 people. The UA Tech Park is also home to the Arizona Center for Innovation, a technology business incubator, and two educational institutions – UA South and Vail Academy and High School. The UA Tech Park has been nationally recognized as one of the premier university research parks in North America.
About the UA Bio Park
The UA Bio Park(link is external) is designed to meet the infrastructure needs of the growing bioscience industry in Tucson and the state of Arizona. The Bio Park is where scientific discovery connects with entrepreneurial business to advance new technology in to the marketplace. It incorporates a strong emphasis on community engagement and workforce development to grow local expertise. The 65 acre Bio Park campus is part of a larger 350-acre planned community called The Bridges, which includes residential and retail establishments. This is one of the city's largest infill projects and the first big urban-core development to mix homes, stores and jobs in a single site.
About the Arizona Center for Innovation
The Arizona Center for Innovation(link is external) (AzCI) is a business incubator and innovation center that promotes and accelerates technology commercialization, helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful companies. AzCI has served over 75 companies since inception in 2003. AzCI is a component of Tech Parks Arizona which is part of the initiative Tech Launch Arizona – a new approach to managing the commercialization of technologies at the University of Arizona.