Connections and programs to help U of A startups grow and scale
People, services and support to help startups grow and scale
Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) turns University of Arizona innovations into scalable, fundable ventures. We provide high-value resources and connections to advance UA-affiliated startups toward commercialization and investment readiness.
This program is designed for:
- UA-Affiliated Founders: Faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs building companies around licensed University of Arizona IP.
- Driven Teams: Entrepreneurs ready to move with urgency, focus, and discipline to gain market traction and raise capital.
- Early-Stage Ventures: startups – from any industry – at the prototype, pre-seed, or seed stage.
Participation in the incubator does not require equity or program fees.
What You Gain
Startups follow a milestone-driven path to build a strong business position and prepare for professional investment.
- Market Validation: Support for customer discovery and assistance gaining early traction.
- Strategic Roadmap: Hands-on help with business models, go-to-market strategy, and regulatory pathways.
- Investor Readiness: Direct assistance with pitch execution and fundraising strategy.
- Expert Network: Access to experienced founders, operators, clinicians, and domain experts.
- Curated Community: Small-group roundtables and live "Pitch & Polish" sessions.
- Resources: Fast track access to the Wildcat Seed Fund and Wildcat Investor Network, plus discounted or complimentary workspaces (office, wet/dry labs) and a business mailing address.
Built for Funding
While the incubator does not take equity or directly invest, it is deeply connected to capital pathways.
Founders are positioned for early engagement with the Wildcat Seed Fund, the University of Arizona’s pre-seed investment vehicle, as well as the Wildcat Investor Network and external venture capital partners.
We prepare startups to enter real conversations with aligned investors.
Program Structure
The incubator operates on a rolling basis, allowing companies to enter when ready and engage for up to two years.
- Founder Roundtables: Peer-to-peer sessions to share insights and solve challenges.
- Venture Roadmap: A structured framework with defined milestones, guide by mentors/advisors, to ensure steady progress.
- Active Engagement: Participants are expected to engage and maintain momentum toward commercialization.
Ready to Build?
If you’re working to bring University of Arizona technology to the world through a startup and ready to take the next step, we want to hear from you.
Apply to the Tech Launch Arizona Startup Incubator and start building.
Fill out the TLA Startup Incubator Application
For more information about incubation services at Tech Launch Arizona, contact:
Derick Maggard
Director of Startup Incubation and Growth
derickm@tla.arizona.edu
Additional Community Incubation Resources
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI)
For science and tech-based startups commercializing innovations outside of University of Arizona intellectual property, UACI provides the people, place and programming needed to move ideas from concept to market.
Startup Tucson
For local founders ready to take their next steps from idea to growth, Startup Tucson offers programs, mentors and a community built for Southern Arizona's entrepreneurs.