PHOENIX, AZ (December 3, 2020) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced today the 10 companies awarded in the 2020 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC).
The awardees join the AIC portfolio in one of the largest business plan competitions in the country, designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.
“The Arizona Innovation Challenge attracts talented, innovative entrepreneurs in every competition, and this year was no exception,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We congratulate the 2020 awardees and look forward to the continued development of their cutting-edge technologies!”
The awardees will participate in the ACA's Venture Ready Accelerator, which connects companies with serial entrepreneurs, high-level executives and subject matter experts. The program helps startups refine their business plans, improve go-to-market execution strategies and increase investor readiness. Participants will complete a series of panels and workshops within the subsequent 12 months of the award.
The 10 awardees were selected from 15 finalists announced earlier this month.
A total of 127 applications were received for the 2020 competition. Companies located anywhere in the world may apply, as long as they plan to establish operations and commercialize their product or service in Arizona if they are awarded an AIC grant.
