ACA Innovation Challenge
Quasi-governmental Structure
Phoenix
The ACA has committed $3 million dollars annually to advance companies from startup status to market domination.
Offerings
Programs & Services
The Arizona Innovation Challenge is Arizona's largest pitch competition, awarding up to 10 companies up to $150,000 in non-dilutive capital. The challenge has four stages--first round, semifinalist round, finalist round and fulfillment and commercialization.
Awardees are required to enroll in the 12 month mentor-led accelerator Venture Ready program for ongoing accountability and support before all of their fund are fully disbursed.
One of the most valuable aspects of applying for the Innovation Challenge is that all companies that apply recieve extensive feedback on their application from top investors and subject matter experts.
As companies progress through the stages, they are offered hands-on mentoring, training, media support and promotion, and exposure to investors, business executives and successful startup CEOs.
The ACA offers a number of workshops in Phoenix and Tucson prior to each application round opening for additional support for how to apply. Contact Startup Tucson to learn more about when these workshops will take place in Tucson.
Prerequisites or Exclusions
There are a number of exclusion and limitations on the types of companies that are eligible to participate in the pitch competition. Review the website for a full list of exclusion.
Getting Connected
The application process is completed online. Sign up with the ACA newsletter and social feeds for notifications when the application will open.
Primary Contact
General Inquiries
Additional Information
The ACA is also a title sponsor of TENWEST Impact Festival in Tucson, Arizona and Startup Tucson.