Tucson Standard

Tech Launch Arizona, the University of Arizona office responsible for commercializing university research and innovation, reported a record number of inventions during the 2024 fiscal year.

Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) received 307 new inventions. This marks an increase from the 298 recorded in fiscal year 2023 and the 303 in fiscal year 2022. Additionally, TLA launched nine startups, executed 72 licenses and options for university inventions, filed 367 patents, and had 78 patents issued.

"We're most excited about the number of invention disclosures we received this year," said Doug Hockstad, associate vice president of Tech Launch Arizona. "This represents a new record for the university, shows continued growth and means that our pipeline is strong."

A key component of TLA's strategy to boost commercialization is its Faculty Innovation Ambassadors program. In eight colleges with active research pipelines yielding numerous inventions, TLA engaged leading faculty members experienced in commercialization. These ambassadors provide information on inventions, licensing, and startups to colleagues and students. A series of events will introduce these ambassadors to their college communities in the fall.

Fiscal year 2024 also saw success in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps), which prepares academic inventors to move innovations from lab to market. Twenty-seven University of Arizona teams participated through the Desert and Pacific Region I-Corps Hub. TLA leaders aim to surpass this number in 2025.

"This year also saw our first-ever I-Corps cohort dedicated to social innovation," Hockstad said. "We had ten teams from three institutions in two states participate, verifying that impactful innovation can come from even unexpected work; it's not just traditional fields like physical and life sciences anymore."

Social innovation refers to research addressing significant social challenges such as poverty or issues related to healthcare, education, and sustainability.

To further support startups, TLA launched its Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund in FY24. With $1.5 million raised and another $500,000 available in matching funds, this early-stage seed fund aims to help startups navigate the "valley of death"—the critical period when they face high failure risk due to limited financial resources. Fundraising continues with a goal of growing the fund to $5 million; investments will begin once it reaches $2 million.

Students will be involved in fund operations for firsthand experience with entrepreneurship and investment decisions. Student startups are eligible for funding alongside faculty and staff ventures.

"The timing couldn't be better," said Hockstad. "As we expand our scope of services for students, the fund will be yet one more way we can provide students with first-hand experience of entrepreneurship and investment."

In FY24, TLA helped launch nine startups:

- Ancerix: Commercializing medical devices for orthopedic surgical procedures.

- Rivixl: Developing low-cost green hydrogen production technology.

- iSeniCare: Producing a frailty assessment tool for non-ambulatory patients.

- Vanport Technologies Inc.: Commercializing flood plain mapping technology.

- CulturaSTEM Learning: Developing culturally responsive teaching tools.

- OD Infinite: Developing mixed-reality safety eyewear for laser environments.

- AQVac: Commercializing an orally-delivered viral vector platform for finfish diseases.

- Hypknowledge: Developing sleep assessment applications.

- Agenevo Pharma Inc.: Developing small molecules targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Expanding its focus beyond faculty and researchers, TLA introduced a Student Ventures group aimed at fostering student entrepreneurship by integrating student-focused services previously part of Arizona FORGE into TLA programs.

"We are also rebooting our Commercialization Network and Venture Mentoring Services programs this fall," said Hockstad. "It's going to be an exciting time for people to engage with our teams and explore pathways that might expand their work's impact."

More results from FY24 along with plans for FY25 will be detailed in TLA’s annual report due out this fall.