The University of Arizona Center for Innovation has a new startup incubator that focuses on renewable energy and sustainable tech companies — and it’s at Biosphere 2.
Biosphere 2, located in the desert on the north side of the Santa Catalina mountains near Tucson, is a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, allowing researchers to study environmental questions by manipulating conditions and using fine monitoring.
Four startups are inaugurating UACI’s program at Biosphere 2, and they will work with mentors, advisers and collaborators to test and demonstrate their technology in specific environments, UACI said.
Joaquin Ruiz, UArizona’s vice president for global environmental futures and the director of Biosphere 2, described the partnership as a new step in the research center's evolution. He said UACI’s program there will result in improvements for the environment, food safety and security, water quality and access, and energy security.
“It’s been nearly 15 years since the University took over Biosphere 2. It has been a time of incredible growth and evolution from when the Biosphere 2 was simply known as home to the world-famous, closed-system experiment of the 1990s,” Ruiz said in a statement. “I am so excited about the new University of Arizona Center for Innovation collaboration that will build on the solid research foundation the University has advanced at Biosphere 2.”
The four startups now working at the new Biosphere 2 incubator are the following:
- SolarSpace: A solar energy company looking to harness solar power from highly concentrated photovoltaic systems that take less space and capture more energy than traditional panels.
- Tectonicus: Another solar company whose projects include a plan to build solar panel arrays over irrigation canals — which the company calls a “solar river.”
- Red Sea Farms: A technology company dedicated to enabling sustainable agriculture in harsh environments.
- Over the Sun: A company that uses computer software, documentary film and other resources to built platforms for research and science education.
In all of its programs, UACI is working with 72 companies across southern Arizona, providing connections with UArizona experts, programs and office and lab space.
