The University of Arizona (U of A) is having a remarkable year in innovation. In fiscal year 2025, it reported 324 new inventions, surpassing last year’s record of 307. This makes it the most inventive year for the university for two consecutive years, as noted by Tech Launch Arizona, the office dedicated to turning research into marketable ideas.
Doug Hockstad, associate vice president of Tech Launch Arizona, explained how they log each invention. “When someone—whether a faculty member, researcher, or student—comes up with an idea, they fill out a simple form. That’s where the journey begins,” he said.
Tech Launch Arizona helps protect these inventions’ intellectual property and finds ways to bring them to market, either through existing companies or by launching new startups. For that year, the university also secured 94 patents and created 86 licenses. These efforts generated $12.1 million in royalties, significantly boosted by the acquisition of U of A startup Neuro-ID by Experian.
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving this success. “Turning research into real-world benefits requires teamwork and a commitment to progress,” he noted.
Supporting Student Entrepreneurs
In 2025, Tech Launch Arizona expanded its focus to help students with hands-on entrepreneurship through its Startup Wildcats program. This initiative worked with over 80 student-led ventures, granting $20,000 to assist ideas like aquaponics systems and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Director Derick Maggard remarked, “It made sense to nurture undergraduate entrepreneurial dreams alongside faculty startups.”
Looking ahead, Tech Launch Arizona aims to concentrate on tech-driven ventures that align with the university’s research strengths, hoping to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Arizona.
Launching New Startups
Last year, Tech Launch Arizona helped establish 13 startups covering various fields from healthcare solutions to sustainable technology. Hockstad emphasized that these startups not only bring innovations to the market but also create jobs and bolster the economy.
Some notable startups include:
- Rebuild After Stroke: Offers resources for stroke survivors; founded by Kristian Doyle, a professor in the U of A College of Medicine.
- Aging Health Sciences: Specializes in eye health supplements developed by Dr. Robert Snyder.
- ProxyBio, Inc.: Innovates therapies to help pharma companies find effective treatments.
Helping Early-Stage Startups
Startups often face challenges in their early days, a phase sometimes called the “valley of death,” where they struggle to find funding. To address this, Tech Launch Arizona introduced the Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund in 2024. This fund is unique as it is supported by philanthropy and reinvests profits back into helping startups.
Hockstad expressed excitement about the progress, stating, “The whole commercialization pipeline is thriving. We’ve seen a surge in invention disclosures, successful startups, and beneficial outcomes from our Seed Fund.”
Looking Forward
Tech Launch Arizona plans to release a detailed report this fall, showcasing the year’s achievements and future goals. With this momentum, the U of A continues to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration and entrepreneurial success.
For more on these groundbreaking initiatives, visit Tech Launch Arizona.
