Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Semifinalists for the 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge

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The Arizona Commerce Authority announced 26 semifinalists have been selected for the 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC).

The AIC is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.

“Choosing this year’s 26 semifinalists from a competitive pool of more than 100 applicants for this round was no easy task,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are incredibly impressed every year with the caliber of companies applying for this competition. Congratulations to each of the semifinalists and good luck in the next round!”

The 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge semifinalists include:

Company Industry  Location
 Ampcera Inc Advanced Materials Tucson, AZ
Better Agency, Inc IT – Software Mesa, AZ
Biomotum, Inc Bio & Life Sciences Flagstaff, AZ
Bluetail, Inc. IT – Software Phoenix, AZ
BMSEED LLC Bio & Life Sciences Phoenix, AZ
CIRQ+ IT – Hardware Scottsdale, AZ
Denture Care Hub Bio & Life Sciences Santa Rosa, CA
Desert Saber LLC IT – Software Oro Valley, AZ
Dorm Room Movers IT – Software Scottsdale, AZ
EnKoat LLC CleanTech/Renewable Energy Phoenix, AZ
Gelco Products Bio & Life Sciences Anthem, AZ
Hoolest Performance Technologies Bio & Life Sciences Tempe, AZ
My Little Mascara Club IT – Software Tempe, AZ
Navi Nurses Bio & Life Sciences Phoenix, AZ
Oryx Additive Inc Advanced Manufacturing Tempe, AZ
OXbyEL Technologies, Inc. CleanTech/Renewable Energy Phoenix, AZ
OZZI IT – Software Phoenix, AZ
Paramium Technologies Advanced Manufacturing Tucson, AZ
ReSuture Bio & Life Sciences Surprise, AZ
Rixon Technology IT – Software Chandler, AZ
SaiOx Inc Bio & Life Sciences Tucson, AZ
SchoolCues IT – Software Phoenix, AZ
TapRoot Interventions & Solutions Bio & Life Sciences Phoenix, AZ
Tectonicus Constructs CleanTech/Renewable Energy Bisbee, AZ
The Patient Company Bio & Life Sciences Scottsdale, AZ
VIVAHR IT – Software Phoenix, AZ

In total, 110 applications were received for the 2021 competition, representing the following sectors:

  • IT/Software: 51 or 46.4% of applications
  • Bio & Life Sciences: 31 or 28.2% of applications
  • CleanTech/Renewable Energy: 8 or 7.3% of applications
  • Advanced Materials: 7 or 6.4% of applications
  • IT/Hardware: 7 or 6.4% of applications
  • Advanced Manufacturing: 4 or 3.6% of applications
  • Aerospace & Defense: 2 or 1.8% of applications

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. Judges will now select 15 finalists that will pitch their startups in-person before a panel of investors. The judges will choose up to 10 companies as AIC awardees for 2021. 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.

2021 AIC Schedule

  • October 4 – 17, 2021: Semifinalist Applications Open
  • October 20 – November 19, 2021: Semifinalist Judging Round
  • November 10, 2021: Finalists Announced
  • November 17, 2021: Final Pitches
  • December 1, 2021: Awardees Announced

Up to 10 companies are added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio following each round 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.

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