What's Happening News & Events

By The Numbers: Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (August 18, 2025) – On July 29, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced it was accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Cohort of the Arizona Innovation Challenge, one of the nation’s largest business plan competitions. Through the competition,  startups compete head-to-head for seed funding and will work with venture capitalists and expert mentors to support the trajectory of their business. Within a few weeks, the ACA received 67 applications for the Fall 2025 cohort, which focuses on AI/SaaS startups, with judges accepting 24 companies to move on to the semifinalists round. Here’s a look at the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) program by the numbers: since 2011, 3,000 total applications received; 150 companies selected as awardees; and $6.1+ billion total portfolio value of awardee companies.

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Busch Group Expands U.S. Footprint With New Service Center In Tempe

TEMPE, AZ (August 14, 2025) – Busch Vacuum Solutions, part of the Busch Group, a global leader in vacuum and overpressure technology, is proud to announce the development of its newest U.S. facility, a nearly 60,000-square-foot Arizona Service Center located in Tempe. This strategic expansion underscores Busch’s continued investment in innovation, customer service, and regional growth across North America. The state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in October 2025 and will bring many skilled jobs. The new Tempe facility will serve as a key regional hub specializing in the repair, service, and overhaul of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, and overpressure equipment including turbo molecular pumps, leak detectors, valves and accessories etc. - supporting all major brands. 

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Northland Pioneer College To Expand Kayenta Center On The Navajo Nation

NAVAJO COUNTY, AZ (August 13, 2025) – Northland Pioneer College (NPC) and Kayenta Township leaders recently signed a lease agreement to establish a new center in Kayenta, Arizona located in Navajo County. The new facility will be built on Navajo Nation trust land and will increase access to higher education learning opportunities in the area. The project is expected to break ground in 2026 and be completed by summer 2027. Supported by a $9 million Economic Transition Resources Grant awarded by the Arizona Commerce Authority, the new Kayenta Center will be built within Kayenta Industrial Park and will replace NPC’s current existing location.

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