Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Finalists for the 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced today 15 finalists have been selected for the 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). The finalists will advance to the final round of the competition, after which judges will select up to 10 companies as AIC awardees for 2021.

The AIC is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale. 2020 AIC Finalists who were chosen as 2020 AIC Awardees include EnPower, a Phoenix-based battery technology startup, and NeoLight, a Scottsdale-based medical device company that provides empathy-driven, neonatal medical care to newborns.

“Selecting this year’s 15 finalists from the cadre of semifinalists was a challenging task,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Congratulations to all the finalists for advancing to the next round and wish them luck when they pitch to investors this week!”

The 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge finalists include:

The AIC consists of three judging rounds, during which companies receive constructive feedback on their applications generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. The 15 finalists will pitch their startups in-person before a panel of investors on November 17.

The judges will choose up to 10 companies as AIC awardees for 2021 in early December. After all judging rounds are complete, participants will have an opportunity to receive a consultation with the ACA to discuss their application and other potential resources available to help improve their business plans.

Up to 10 companies are added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio following each cycle of the competition. Companies chosen to join the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio will participate in the ACA’s Venture Ready Accelerator, connecting companies with serial entrepreneurs, high-level executives, and subject matter experts. Participants will complete a series of panels and workshops within the subsequent 12 months of the award. The Accelerator helps startups refine their business plans, improve go-to-market execution strategies and increase investor readiness.