Tech Launch Arizona

Researchers at The University of Arizona have demonstrated a promising new use for graphene nanoribbons, (ultra-thin semiconductor materials that can withstand intense gamma radiation).

Their proof-of-concept study suggests these materials could enable real-time radiation sensors for fusion reactors and deep-space missions, helping advance cleaner energy and more resilient space technologies. 🍃🚀

🔗Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3TygxQ9

Thanks to the Arizona Technology Council for a great After5 event last week! It was great coming together with the ecosystem to rub shoulders, share ideas, and talk about opportunities for collaboration. Thanks to everyone who came out! And special thanks to University of Arizona Office of Research & Partnerships for hosting and sponsoring!

Is your research ready for the NSF I-Corps program? 🔎

Great science can solve real-world problems. NSF I-Corps helps you rigorously assess whether your research addresses a genuine need, who benefits from it, and how it creates impact. It will help generate the essential questions about your technology before moving from the lab towards commercialization.

Application deadline for the next cohort is August 7 – there's still time!

🔗Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hAvxXJ

Check it out! A Stanford Graduate School of Business analysis ranks The University of Arizona among the most effective universities in producing billion-dollar startups. That success stems from an innovation ecosystem that we have spent 10+ years building, piece by piece. We're proud of what we've accomplished, and have so much more to do! Thanks to ALL of our ecosystem partners who participate in making it happen, there are too many of you to list!

Stanford analysis ranks U of A among nation’s most effective producers of billion-dollar startups According to the study, the university ranked No. 3 in the nation for its likelihood of producing a unicorn company and No. 5 for producing unicorn founders, placing it ahead of institutions including Stanford, MIT and Yale on those measures.

Explore the latest patents issued for U of A research:

🔵MELANOPSIN BLOCKER; Brooke Alexander, Fabian Fernandez, Michael Grandner, Stanley Pau, The University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences
🔵METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING ECG ANOMALIES; Parth Agarwal, Christopher Gniady, Dharma KC, Chicheng Zhang
🔵COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING AND PREVENTING LUNG DISEASE; Monica Kraft, Julie Ledford, Josef Vagner, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy
🔵HIGH TEMPERATURE CERAMIC POWDER SYSTEMS; Erica Corral, UA College of Engineering
🔵ADJUSTABLE FULL STOKE POLARIZATION EYEWEAR; Russell Chipman, Stanley Pau, The University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences
🔵DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING HIGH-HARMONIC DIFFRACTIVE LENS COLOR COMPENSATION; Young Kim, Thomas Milster, Zichan Wang, The University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences

🔗Get the full list of newly issued patents each month in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4c1nEXC

Stay updated on tech from The University of Arizona! Don't miss tomorrow's newsletter! 📬

Want the latest on startups, licensing, new inventions, upcoming events, and opportunities across the U of A innovation ecosystem? Our monthly newsletter delivers the full picture, straight to your inbox, without the clutter.

🔗Join now: https://bit.ly/3RnKFgy

Thank you to everyone who made fiscal year 2026, (the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026) an incredible year for Tech Launch Arizona and innovation from The University of Arizona. 🎉

Over the course of fiscal year 2026, 372 inventions were disclosed to TLA, 88 licenses and options were completed, 96 patents were secured, and 11 start-ups were launched based on U of A innovation. These numbers illustrate how cutting-edge research is being translated out into the market to make a better world for all.

🔗Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4wYDvhH

Join us on Thursday, July 30, for the Q3 VIP Tech Mixer hosted by the University of Arizona Office of Research & Partnerships and the Arizona Technology Council. Connect with Arizona's tech, research, and innovation community while enjoying an evening of networking with board members, VIP guests, and industry leaders. Register today! ⚙️

It's free for Council members and $30 for non-members.

🔗Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4yxzvqk

We talk about "inventions" all the time. But what IS an invention, anyway?

An invention is any new technical contribution, discovery, process, device, program (including software and mobile apps), method, use, product improvement, design improvement, or other intellectual property that an individual or team creates during the course of research or other work, or with the significant use of University resources, at the University. 💡

While only some inventions ultimately meet the legal requirements for patent protection, all inventions should be reported (aka, "disclosed") so TLA can assess them and develop an understanding of the potential for patenting and/or commercialization opportunities.

It's a service we provide for every innovator, so connect with us and let's talk.

🔗 Lots more answers via our commercialization FAQ: https://bit.ly/4wagSHh