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2025 Call for Innovation
Researchers, PIs, Technologists: Contact us with your solutions for a chance to join the Partnership for Economic Innovation’s next applied research cohort with matching funding up to $250,000.
Arizona’s Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI) is continuing to develop its 4th cohort of applied research projects and is seeking novel technology solutions to address challenges and opportunities across the semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and clean/climate tech sectors—driving innovation where it’s needed most.
PEI's mission is to transform Arizona into a top global market for innovation, fueled by world-class research centers, advanced industries, and creative entrepreneurs
Areas of opportunity:
- Semiconductor Electronics
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean and Climate Technologies
- AI Integrations
- Medical Technologies
PEI is asking technologists to provide ideas for innovating new products to address these areas of opportunity and other challenges.
Evaluation Criteria
The criteria with which PEI evaluates potential projects for funding opportunities are as follows:
- Relevance
- Problem/solution
- Market fit
- Research collaboration
- Tech Readiness / Time to market
- Corporate or entrepreneurial partner
- Opportunity for Arizona (including established Arizona presence)
- IP status
- Regulatory
- Team
- Product financial viability
Requirements
Additionally, all projects must meet the following requirements from the Arizona Commerce Authority to be eligible for selection and funding:
- Description of defined product or service to be developed for commercial use.
- Demonstrate collaboration with universities, nonprofit business associations, or other technology businesses that do business in Arizona
- Evidence supporting the amount of Matching Funds (Private Investment)
- Evidence of expenditures that are necessary and prudent in the research and testing process. Do not include operating, general management, and overhead costs. (Research Budget for State Funds)
- Evidence of Principal Investigator’s academic credentials and history of intellectual contribution to the targeted technology
PEI Project Development Process
Contact
Please contact Wes Gullett, wes@nxstrategy.com and Kathleen Lee, klee@azpei.org to share your ideas or with any questions.
FAQ
How does the PEI select projects to support and collaborate with?
The Partnership for Economic Innovation seeks to support projects that align with its mission to accelerate commercialization of innovative technology solutions. Selection criteria include relevance to PEI’s mission, market fit, research collaboration, tech readiness, positive economic impact within the state of Arizona, and technical and business expertise of the project team. Applicants must submit proof of registration with the Arizona Corporation Commission and have at least 1 FTE working in Arizona. In addition, the projects must meet the requirements associated with the state matching grant program of the Arizona Commerce Authority.
How can the grant funding be used?
Grant funding can be used for direct applied research costs (e.g., researcher salaries, equipment, lab access, supplies) including development of devices and related software applications, prototyping, device enhancements and modifications, clinical validation and testing. The state matching funds cannot be used to cover overhead or marketing expenses.
Is there a cost-share requirement?
Yes, the Arizona Commerce Authority matches dollar for dollar on dedicated and committed private-sector funding. The private-sector funding must be from sources other than the state of Arizona. Examples of acceptable committed funding include federal grant funds such as SBIR awards, company expenditures on R&D, and partner funding for the collaboration.
Do projects need to be a collaboration effort?
Yes, the proposed projects must involve active collaborations between universities, nonprofit business associations, institutes or other technology businesses that do business in the state of Arizona.
