The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced today 10 companies have been selected as awardees for the 2023 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). The AIC, a program launched by the ACA in 2011, aims to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.

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The 10 companies will be added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio and participate in the Venture Ready Accelerator, another program of the ACA, 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.

The 10 awardees were selected by judges after pitching their startups in-person before a panel of investors on November 17. The 2023 awardees were selected from an initial pool of 100 applicants in August, which were narrowed down to 30 semifinalists in October, and then 15 finalists in November.

“We couldn’t be prouder of all of the startups participating in this year’s challenge,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The AIC spotlights the amazing talent and passion of Arizona’s brightest entrepreneurs, making for an incredibly competitive event each year. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and participants and we look forward to continuing to support Arizona’s innovative startups.”

Since 2011, 130 startups from over 2,700 applicants have been selected as AIC awardees. Previous AIC Awardees include successful startups like CampusLogic, Paradox, GT Medical Technologies, Trianual, botco.ai, and Ampcera.

The 2023 Arizona Innovation Challenge awardees are:

Now that the judging rounds are complete, all AIC applicants 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.

To learn more about the 2023 AIC Awardees, click HERE.