TLA Impact Software/App Challenge

Working individually or in teams, identify a problem and conceptualize your software or mobile application solution. Students are encouraged to include faculty, researchers and staff on their teams. You will then propose both the perceived challenge and the potential solution to address the unmet need in one of the Award Categories.

TLA will partner with selected teams, awarding a total of up to $150,000 to be divided up between projects with the most promising ideas. Awards per project will be based on the funding requests and the discretion of TLA to maximize the number of ideas or projects funded.  

Following completion of the project, Awardees will present their final solution at a pitch competition hosted by TLA for the university and local Tucson ecosystem for an opportunity to win prizes. Additionally, all stakeholders will meet to discuss outcomes, ensure a thorough understanding of the commercialization factors and, if appropriate, identify next steps, including additional resources to prepare the technology for commercialization. 

Proposals should address at least one of the following categories. If they address multiple categories, all the better!

HUMAN HEALTH

SPACE EXPLORATION & OPTICAL SOLUTIONS

NATIONAL DEFENSE & SECURITY SYSTEMS

RESILIENCE: WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY SOLUTIONS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: CREATING JOBS AND MAKING BETTER WORKPLACES

• Projects will be evaluated by a panel include experts from TLA, FORGE and industry.
• Project teams must include an undergraduate or graduate student.
• Must meet all eligibility, terms and conditions.
• Results should be completed and funds spent within six (6) months.
• Project must address a clear challenge.
• Solution should result in a minimal viable product.
• Funds may be used for prototype design and outsourcing of services. Other uses will be considered.

To enter the TLA Impact Software/App Challenge, complete the proposal document. Considerations include:

• A description of the perceived problem, proposed solution and desired outcomes.
• Potential markets and projected customers.
• Explicit differentiation from existing solutions.
• Approximate cost and timeline to develop a solution. 

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

• Application must be submitted by April 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM MST.
• All UArizona full-time, part-time, and online undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Students graduating in May 2021 are eligible to participate.
• Individual(s) or team(s) may apply. Team submissions are encouraged. There is no limit on team size. Along with students, teams may include, but are not required to include, UArizona staff, researchers, faculty and staff.
• Proposal should address one of the categories of focus.
• Proposal idea/invention is not yet licensed or otherwise obligated to a third party.
• Award may be divided into milestones with incremental funding awarded as milestones are met or otherwise adjusted based on reviewing feedback and at TLA discretion.
• Assessing projects for awards involves bringing technologies to TLA's team of professionals and domain experts (internal, community and industry), identifying the opportunities as well as pitfalls.
• Following assessment of projects, some project teams may receive feedback to help formulate the scope of work and may require revisions at TLA’s discretion.
• Projects must be completed and funds spent within six (6) months.
• Awardees will be invited to compete for additional prizes at a pitch event hosted by TLA.
• Eligibility, Terms & Conditions are subject to change.