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.
