Growing What’s Next
Philanthropic funding has supported initial investments in venture-ready companies, with more on the way.
Established in 2023, Tech Launch Arizona’s Wildcat Philanthropic Seed Fund supports University of Arizona-based startups through their earliest, high-risk stages. The fund has raised nearly 60% of its $5 million goal and has made its first investments in three startups commercializing research innovations in energy storage, health and wellness, and genomics.
A student team helps vet companies applying for funds. Through this, U of A students get an experiential learning opportunity designed to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.
When a company goes through a liquidity event, such as an acquisition or IPO, proceeds are reinvested in the fund. TLA has designed the fund this way to create an evergreen source of funding for U of A startups, an ongoing student learning program and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem for Tucson and Arizona.
CarbeniumTec is based on research by Thomas Gianetti, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Joules Moutet, then a postdoctoral researcher in Gianetti’s lab. TLA commercialization partner Philip Lacovara serves as chief operating officer. The company is developing an organic-based reduction-oxidation (or redox flow) battery as a sustainable, metal-free alternative for long-duration energy storage. The technology addresses limitations of lithium-ion batteries by enabling eight- to 12-hour electricity storage, a key requirement for large-scale renewable energy integration.
LifeSpan Digital Health is built on more than 20 years of research conducted by Samuel Keim, professor and department head of emergency medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson. His research examined why some physicians thrive under high stress while others experience burnout, a condition affecting more than half of practicing physicians and an even higher percentage in emergency medicine. Co-founder Jeff Cary worked for many years in the mental and behavioral health fields and is leading the company as chief executive officer. This work also led to the development of emPower+, a science-based digital platform designed to support physician and nurse wellness in real time.
Zach Brooks
UGenome AI commercializes a genomic decision-support platform developed by former U of A student Adam Grant ’21 while in the Cancer Biology Program at the Arizona Cancer Center. The platform uses genetic data to provide clinically actionable insights related to medication response, nutrition and longevity, helping guide personalized treatment decisions. The research aims to accelerate the practical application of genomic medicine for both patients and health care professionals. Zachary S. Brooks, CEO of UGenome, received his doctorate in bilingual decision-making from the U of A in 2016.
