Venture Catalyst Program
Launch a venture-ready startup around a breakthrough University of Arizona technology
Want early access to the program? You've come to the right place.
The University of Arizona produces world-class research. But not all breakthrough inventions move forward — not because they lack potential, but because the right founder never found them.
The Venture Catalyst Program solves that. We are recruiting experienced operators, entrepreneurs, and commercialization leaders and match them with high-potential, curated university technologies. We then provide support and funding to launch the journey from validation to venture.
Interested? Read on, but please be sure to do two things before you go anywhere:
- Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to receive updates about the program as they become available.
- Join us for one of our Venture Catalyst Program Informational Webinars.
What are the elements of the program?
The Venture Catalyst Program offers four key benefits to help participants move from engagement launch of a high-tech startup.
Curated Technologies
Every opportunity is pre-analyzed for market need, commercial opportunity and competitive positioning. You focus on execution — not searching.
De-Risked Capital
Compete for up to $50,000 internal funding to address technical and commercial uncertainty before you license — a capability most programs don't offer.
Venture Bootcamp
Powered by NSF I-Corps and mentored support, participants complete structured customer discovery, business model validation, and investor-ready pitch development.
Seed Investment
Qualified ventures pitch directly to TLA's affiliated seed fund — giving you a built-in path from validated startup to funded company.
How will the program work?
| Select & Apply | Review our portfolio of curated technologies and identify your top selections. Apply to the program, providing your background and why you are interested in your selected opportunities. |
| Interview and Matching | Interview with our team and get matched to technologies aligned with your expertise and domain. Meet with inventors and start to build your commercialization thesis. |
| Pitch for De-Risking Capital | Compete for up to $50K in milestone-based internal funding by presenting your proposal to the TLA investment panel. |
| Plan and Execute | Execute on customer discovery, prototype validation, customer pilots, and investor preparation — with programming and mentor support throughout. |
| Pitch Day & Seed Investment | Qualified ventures present to TLA's seed fund and invited investors for follow-on financing. |