Arizona's innovation ecosystem will take center stage at the inaugural AZ Tech Week, a series of events across the state highlighting emerging technologies and entrepreneurship. The University of Arizona is playing a central role, hosting more than 20 events that showcase cutting-edge research, foster new partnerships and connect ideas with real-world impact.

AZ Tech Week, organized by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the Arizona Venture Alliance, is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. The week offers opportunities for industry partners, investors, students and community members to engage with the discoveries and collaborations shaping Arizona's innovation ecosystem.

AZ Tech Week, organized by the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the Arizona Venture Alliance, is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. The week offers opportunities for industry partners, investors, students and community members to engage with the discoveries and collaborations shaping Arizona's innovation ecosystem.

"AZ Tech Week is a vital catalyst for the convergence of academic discovery, commercial application and the creation of new industries. At the University of Arizona, we lead a billion-dollar research enterprise specifically designed to translate complex ideas into real-world solutions," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships at the U of A. "We are building the essential infrastructure for Arizona's economic future. By aligning our strategic research with the needs of industry partners and incubating new startup companies, we are cementing Arizona's position as a global destination for innovation."

The U of A is hosting more than 20 events, including behind the scenes tours of research facilities, workshops on navigating the frontiers of AI, hands-on demonstrations and interactive lectures. Together, these programs offer attendees a firsthand look at how research leads to innovation while creating opportunities to build partnerships that link academia to industry and the startup ecosystem.

One of the week's signature events is Arizona's Fusion Future, a panel discussion where industry experts and university researchers will explore the science and opportunity behind fusion energy in Arizona. The April 8 event will break down the fundamentals of fusion – how it works, why it matters, and how recent breakthroughs are bringing the promise of clean, virtually limitless energy closer to reality.

Panelists will also discuss why Southern Arizona is uniquely positioned to become a national hub for fusion innovation, engineering and workforce development. Horst Hahn, special advisor to the senior vice president for research and partnerships, will moderate the panel.

Also April 8, Partnering for Impact will focus on strengthening academic-industry collaboration to drive innovation and economic growth. Hosted by Tech Launch Arizona, the event will explore how universities and companies can work together more effectively, using the growing relationship between the U of A and Honeywell Aerospace as a real-world example. The panel will be moderated by Linda Bixby, chief research and partnerships officer at the U of A.

AZ Tech Week reflects the momentum building across the state's technology sector. The Arizona Commerce Authority reports that total venture capital investment has increased by more than 330% since 2010, which is well above the national average.

Universities play a vital role in advancing innovation through convergent research that brings together experts from multiple disciplines to tackle complex challenges and develop solutions with real-world impact. Partnerships with industry and government help move research into the marketplace to benefit society. 

With events stretching from Tucson to Phoenix to Yuma, U of A events at AZ Tech Week offer opportunities to connect with: Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, Arizona Institute for Resilience, BIO5 Institute, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, Office of Research and Partnerships, Office of Responsible AI, Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory, Tech Launch Arizona, Research and Partnerships Core Facilities, University of Arizona Center for Innovation, Steward Observatory and U of A Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.

Registration information and a full list of the U of A events participating in AZ Tech Week can be found at research.arizona.edu/aztechweek.