Partner Success Story

Arizona’s Startup Surge: The Arizona Commerce Authority and Plug and Play’s Partnership

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) has partnered with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform, to supercharge Arizona’s startup ecosystem. Discover the impactful results of this collaboration.

Vertical Industries

Advanced Manufacturing

Sustainability

Year They Joined

2023

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Startups Accelerated

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) leads Arizona’s economic development, focusing on attracting out-of-state companies, supporting local businesses, and creating new jobs. Key innovation sectors include advanced manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and space technologies, supply chain logistics, and sustainable energy, encompassing renewable power and battery manufacturing. ACA’s initiatives are driving Arizona’s growth and positioning the state as a leader in cutting-edge industries essential for future economic success.

“We want to make sure that Arizona is viewed as a global marketplace for businesses of all sizes and ensure that the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Arizona continues to thrive.”

Sandra Watson

President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority

Partnering with Plug and Play to Drive Innovation in Arizona

Established in 2023, this powerful partnership leverages Plug and Play’s global network to attract venture capital, facilitate corporate engagements, and mentor startups, positioning Arizona as a thriving tech hub.

Partnership objectives:

Facilitate local startup growth through engagements with corporate partners and opportunities for commercial agreements.
Attract venture capital investments to Arizona startups by leveraging Plug and Play’s global ecosystem.
Provide mentorship and expert workshops to advise startups on refining messaging, achieving product-market fit, and developing operational strategies.
Enhance global recognition of Arizona as an emerging tech hub, fostering synergies with existing local industries so that corporations and startups can thrive

Arizona Commerce Authority & Plug and Play’s Achieved Outcomes:

— Startup acceleration: 47 startups accelerated through Plug and Play’s programs — 31 based in Arizona.

— Pitch events: 62 participating startups, 33 of which were based in Arizona.

— Pilot project discussions: Over 40 that are currently in progress.

— NDA agreements: More than 60 signed between startups and partners.

— Community events: Held 23 events within the first 18 months, attracting more than 1,400 attendees. Now at 29 events held with 2,000 attendees at Arizona events.

— Representation in Silicon Valley: 23 Arizona startups showcased their innovations at numerous Plug and Play Silicon Valley Summits.

— Venture investments: Investments in three Arizona startups, with funding rounds totaling more than $25 million.

— Investment attraction: Catalyzed over $4 million in out-of-state venture funding through direct introductions.

"We’ve had the opportunity with Plug and Play to get the corporations involved, so it becomes this well-rounded ecosystem where we’re all pulling together for the growth of business."

Melissa Lamson

EVP of Venture Development & Innovation Strategy, Arizona Commerce Authority

Timeline

04/2023

Arizona Commerce Authority and Plug and Play launch the Plug and Play Arizona Office

11/2023

Plug and Play hosts Aerospace & Defense Innovation Day with Raytheon President and Honeywell Aerospace CTO as speakers

12/2023

At the Silicon Valley Summit, Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the ACA, announces the launch of the Plug and Play accelerateAZ Sustainability program to support startups in the energy, water, mining, and circular design industries

04/2024

Plug and Play Arizona and partner Intel hosted the Future of AI deep-dive sessions during the Intel Vision 2024 conference. Startups with technologies for the advanced manufacturing sector showcased their cutting-edge solutions

05/2024

The Plug and Play accelerateAZ Sustainability program is launched

06/2024

Plug and Play accelerateAZ host Quantum Day, showcasing innovative quantum startups, insights from top quantum research initiatives, and discussions on how Arizona’s economy can benefit from quantum technologies

09/2024

Arizona Commerce Authority and Plug and Play host Expos for the latest cohorts from their Advanced Manufacturing (Batch 3) and Sustainability (Batch 1) programs

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