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| 06/15/2013 |
Joint effort to market UA park is unveiled- Arizona-Mexico partnership seeks research offices for Tucson
Publication: Arizona Daily Star
Journalist: Gabriela Rico
The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park has signed a two-year agreement with a Mexican industrial park operator to jointly market their parks and the region.
The goal of the effort is to bring a company's research and development office to Tucson with assembly operations in Guaymas, Sonora, at one of the parks owned by The Offshore Group, which is a Tucson-based company that provides shelter operation to foreign manufacturers.
Called "Global Advantage," the partnership was announced Friday at the Arizona-Mexico Commission meeting hosted in Scottsdale by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Sonora Gov. Guillermo Padres.
Eduardo Saavedra, Offshore's executive vice president of business development, said there may be cases when the targeted company only picks one site.
"That's still a benefit to the neighborhood," he said, referring to the Arizona-Sonora region.
Sonora has in recent years emerged as a leader in the manufacturing of engine components for the aerospace industry.
By offering UA-backed joint residence, the region might one day manufacture the whole engine, said John Grabo, director of business development for the Tech Park, 9070 S. Rita Road.
He said the UA will have an office in Guaymas and offer companies a "soft landing" where they can "kick the tires" of the partnership and spend two weeks between the two parks.
Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, who has long called for the tech park to bring in more industry, applauded the partnership.
He cited Offshore founder Luis Felipe Seldner's vast network as a reason for his enthusiasm.
"Mr. Seldner has access to all kinds of multinational corporations," Rothschild said.
Many announcements
The economic-development news was one of many announcements during the commission meeting in Scottsdale.
Guaymas seeks to be the first city in the world with door-to-door service for aerospace engine components, said Enrique Ruiz, director of the Economic Development Council for Sonora.
Instead of having a part travel around the globe for completion, the supply-chain hub being created in Guaymas could offer a complete product with door-to-door service, he said.
As the city improves in sophistication and lands more clients, there is more attention from abroad, Ruiz said.
One of the efforts getting much attention is the workforce training that is going on in the middle schools in Guaymas and Empalme, where the curriculum is being aligned to the aerospace manufacturing industry.
Using a model called MetroMatematicas, students learn algebra, geometry and calculus using the tools found in the plants where parts are assembled for clients such as Rolls-Royce and Boeing.
That program will be replicated in other Sonora cities and in Southern Arizona.
The Santa Cruz County Schools Superintendent, Alfredo Velasquez, has applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Investing in Innovation Fund (I3) to implement the teaching method in Nogales.
Kinder Morgan pipeline
The energy committee discussed the impact of the increased manufacturing activity and Mexico's need for alternative fuel sources.
Allen Fore, director of public affairs for Kinder Morgan, said the Sierrita pipeline project to provide natural gas to Mexico is fully funded and that the company hopes to break ground next year.
The pipeline would connect to Kinder Morgan's existing line near Ryan Field and run through Sasabe.
While the project still needs approval - there's a public hearing in Tucson on Tuesday - Fore said the company is optimistic because 85 percent of the land on the route is state owned. The rest is the private property of five individual owners.
Kinder Morgan is in the process of buying easements on those properties to bury the pipeline.
"Not everyone is thrilled with our route," Fore said. "But it will provide a prolific supply of natural gas and help Mexico develop its infrastructure."
Mexico is also optimistic and recently secured funding from Japanese company Mitsui Corp. to finance the pipeline in Mexico.
Jose Esparza Jr., vice president of energy solutions for Southwest Gas, said the company is interested in supplying natural gas to the project.
Upbeat note to meeting
The commission meeting ended on an upbeat note, with repeated references by Brewer to "her friend" Gov. Padres and their close relationship.
"The issue of border security does not define our relationship," Brewer said.
Padres echoed her sentiments that their relationship has "never been better." He also commented on Rothschild's rallying of Arizona mayors to travel to Sonora and counter the negative image.
"Those are good efforts. He is very active in Sonora and working with the private sector and the government," Padres said. "It's very good for us."
In a nod to Brewer, Padres then added: "And I know my friend Governor Brewer supports her municipalities' activities since they represent Arizona."
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| 06/05/2013 |
New technology converts web text to sound
Publication: Daily Wildcat
Journalist: MARK ARMAO
For people with certain disabilities, surfing the web can be difficult. This is a problem that the Tucson based company, AudioEye Communications seeks to solve.
With the help of several graduate students from the UA’s Department of Management Information Systems, AudioEye has developed technology that converts the text on a webpage into audio.
MIS showcases this technology by using it on its homepage.
“We’re making a mirror image of the MIS website in audio,” said Nathaniel Bradley, CEO and co-founder of AudioEye. “So, whatever they write in text, we publish in audio.”
AudioEye also provides captioning for video files.
“Those types of services are enabling to disabled users,” Bradley said. “They’re also enabling to the general populace of the campus that is now utilizing mobile voice technology to use the website.”
The technology provides a way for users to navigate a site via sound. When a page is opened, the user hears a tone that signifies the AudioEye service is available. By pressing the spacebar, the AudioEye “playlist” is opened and users navigate around the site by using the arrow keys. The menus are read either by a computer-generated voice or a voice-over actor.
A department of the Eller College of Management, MIS’ purpose is “to use technology to improve business processes and efficiency,” said Anji Siegel, director of special programs for MIS.
Every spring, a team of three to five graduate students collaborate with a different company to solve a business problem. At the end of the semester, the team presents its solution to the company.
In the past four years, multiple teams have been paired with AudioEye to test and review its technology.
“Our relationship with the MIS department allows us to showcase and share the current iterations of the software, and allows the students to review it and provide their input,” Bradley said. “They have been extremely helpful.”
Sanjay Reddy, a graduate student from MIS who took part in the project, said it was a unique and challenging experience.
“We tried to put ourselves in their shoes and ask, ‘How would they navigate the systems?’” Reddy said.
The technology makes Internet content accessible to people with impairments such as vision loss, dyslexia or those with a loss of motor function that make it difficult or impossible to manipulate a mouse.
“Our platform allows users to gain access to any content over the Internet without purchasing additional equipment or downloads,” said Paul Lyons, vice president of development at AudioEye.
The services provided are in line with the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, which seeks to “increase the access of persons with disabilities to modern communications,” according to the act.
Although the platform was designed to address the needs of people with disabilities, the technology is useful to everyone in that it offers a unique way to interact with online content, said Lyons.
“We’re expanding the capabilities of the software in several different ways,” said Sean Bradley, chief technical officer for AudioEye, adding that they are looking at ways to make the technology more intuitive, as well as incorporating voice and gestural navigation in which “the user can use different types of motion to navigate a browser.”
“We’re really excited about our partnership with the University of Arizona and the MIS department, and the continuation of that.”
Nathaniel Bradley said he hopes the technology will eventually be adopted by all UA colleges, as well as higher-learning institutions nationwide.
“Making college campuses talk is a critical on-ramp for disabled students that deserve full access to college websites,” he said.
Recently, AudioEye received recognition at the 2013 Edison Universe Innovation Awards, including a Gold Edison Award in the category of “lifestyle and social impact” and the sub-category of “quality of life.”
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| 03/06/2013 |
Marathon Patent Group Establishes Its Intellectual Property Research and Services Center to Provide Support for Patent Holders
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (OTCBB: MARA), an Intellectual Property services and monetization company, announced today that it has established a new IP Research and Services Center at the University of Arizona Science & Technology Park in Tucson, Arizona. The center is expected to generate revenues from IP consulting services, facilitate licensing clients, and provide IP licensing support to operating businesses with significant IP assets.
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| 03/08/2013 |
S. Ariz.-based technologies see market in border security
As issues of security along the U.S.-Mexico border continue to play a big role in regional and national discussions, the University of Arizona and a collection of private companies see an opportunity to be part of a solution.
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| 03/02/2013 |
Tech Park aims to be border lab
The University of Arizona's Science and Technology Park hopes to parlay its partnership with the U.S. arm of an international defense systems giant into a role as a testing and evaluation center for border security technologies.
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| 03/02/2013 |
UA Tech Park aims to be border security lab
The University of Arizona's Science and Technology Park is hoping to
become a testing and evaluation center for border security technologies.
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| 03/21/2013 |
UofA Celebrates 10 Years of its Biggest Brains on Innovation Day
On March 28, The University of Arizona Office of University Research Park will celebrate the innovative students and faculty members who work on its campus. The 10th annual Innovation Day will take place in the Student Union Memorial Center and will showcase more than 30 of the newest and best ideas to come from the University.
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| 03/28/2013 |
University of Arizona Innovators of the Year- AZ Tech Beat
On Thursday, the University of Arizona (UA) recognized their most innovative members, and announced Dr. Hsinchun Chen as the Innovator of the Year and Jared Griebel as the Student Innovator of the Year.
The event marked UA’s tenth annual Technology Innovation Awards Luncheon, as a part of it’s Innovation Day, honors a faculty member and student for their achievements in translating original ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace.
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| 12/13/2012 |
Duke Energy Renewables acquires solar power project
Duke Energy has acquired a commercial solar power project located within the UA Tech Park in Tucson, in an area dedicated to solar energy. Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, purchased the 6-megawatt (MW) Gato Montes Solar Power Project from AstroSol Inc.
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| 11/16/2012 |
Over 20 years, UA Tech Park Has Become Important Economic Driver
For nearly two decades, the Univeristy of Arizona’s Technology Park has been building a reputation as a top research and business incubation center. “We can support just about anyone who wants to come out here,” said Bruce Wright, associate vice president and CEO of both the UA Tech Park, 9070 S. Rita Road, and UA Bio Park, a 54-acre development at Kino Parkway and 36th Street.
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| 01/10/2012 |
UA Tech Park Aligns with Cogenra Solar
The UA Tech Park is pleased to announce a partnership with Cogenra Solar to utilize and demonstrate the use of pioneering hybrid solar technology.
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| 10/31/2012 |
Awards Recognizing Best Economic Development Projects
The University of Arizona has received national recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for two economic development projects that have had a significant impact on the Tucson region. The Bridges/UA Bio Park was recognized as one of the top economic development projects in the United States during 2012. The project earned a silver award for Public-Private Partnerships. The Solar Zone at the UA Tech Park was recognized as the best project for Sustainable & Green Development for communities with populations of greater than 500,000. The UA Tech Park, in partnership with Tucson Electric Power (TEP), created the Solar Zone to accelerate the growth and development of the solar industry in Southern Arizona.
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| 03/28/2013 |
University of Arizona Innovators of the Year- AZ Tech Beat
On Thursday, the University of Arizona (UA) recognized their most innovative members, and announced Dr. Hsinchun Chen as the Innovator of the Year and Jared Griebel as the Student Innovator of the Year.
The event marked UA’s tenth annual Technology Innovation Awards Luncheon, as a part of it’s Innovation Day, honors a faculty member and student for their achievements in translating original ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace.
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| 11/01/2012 |
Real Results in Sustainable Real Estate
In the residential housing market, "green" or "sustainable" homes use energy, water, and building materials much more efficiently than structures simply built to code. The same holds true for commercial buildings and industrial properties, where despite the ongoing pressure to minimize costs in an uncertain economy, this remains a very good time for companies to improve the environment while improving their bottom lines.
... "There's also a whole segment of comsumers and businesses concerned about their impact on the environment and are willing to pay for sustainable products and projects. We see a huge market opportunity for sustainable ideas - that's why we're all about moving new technologies from the UA Tech Park laboratory to the marketplace." says Bruce A. Wright, associate vice president for university research parks, University of Arizona.
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| 06/04/2012 |
TEP Named Utility of the Year by Solar Electric Power Association
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has recognized Tucson Electric Power (TEP) as the 2012 Investor Owned Utility (IOU) of the Year for the company’s leadership and continued investment in solar energy.
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| 05/12/2012 |
New project dedicated at Sci Park Solar Zone
New project dedicated at Tech Park Solar Zone - A 38. 5-acre photovoltaic array is the latest addition to the Solar Zone technology demonstration area at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park.
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| 01/22/2012 |
Incubation Inc.
In 2004, Mark Banister knew he needed help in getting investors to bring his idea for a wearable, electronic drug-delivery pump to market.
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| 04/05/2012 |
Business Facilities Names Achievement Award Winners
Business Facilities has introduced a new annual series of Economic Development Awards to honor the agencies and organizations that have established and consistently executed the best practices in our industry, bringing measurable success in targeted economic development to the locations they represent.
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| 04/22/2012 |
Drug-benefits center to hire 400 in Tucson
A unit of health-care giant UnitedHealth Group plans to hire at least 400 people to staff a pharmacy-benefits customer-service center set to open later this year at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park.
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| 02/21/2012 |
Researchers to make low-cost solar panels
Even though the UA Tech Park had an economic impact of $2.67 billion in Pima County for 2009, UA researchers are looking to generate an even bigger revenue by creating more sustainable and inexpensive solar panels.
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| 03/23/2012 |
Tucson's workforce, weather factored in OptumRx decision
Tucson landed a new 400-job health-care customer-service center because of its climate - for doing business as well as enjoying the sunshine.
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| 03/07/2012 |
UA honors innovators for ideas to save lives
A veteran pathologist and a young microbiologist were named "Innovators of the Year" at a ceremony Tuesday at the University of Arizona. The annual awards go to a student and faculty member for translating ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace.
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| 02/14/2012 |
Multinational Solar Company Expands U.S. Presence by Moving into the UA Tech Park’s Solar Zone
The UA Tech Park is pleased to announce its newest, multinational, solar tenant -- AstroSol. AstroSol will own and operate a 6.1 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility using thin-film, amporphous silicon modules from Astronergy, mounted on a fixed-tilt racking structure from Schletter.
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| 01/25/2012 |
UA Tech Park Economic Impact
The University of Arizona Office of University Research Parks (OURP) has released a new study documenting the economic impact of the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park) and its signifcant contribution to Pima County's economy.
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| 01/18/2012 |
Arizona Center for Innovation Dedication Ceremony
On January 18, 2012, the Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI), a technology business incubator located at the UA Tech Park in Tucson, dedicated its new facilities. AzCI helps local entrepreneurs and inventors transform their innovative ideas and discoveries into successful high technology companies. The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by more than 150 community and university leaders.
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