Reaching Out

ASU and SFAz

About SFAz

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is playing a pivotal role in delivering and managing an investment strategy in purpose-driven research and innovation for Arizona's knowledge-based economy to grow and prosper.

SFAz is a 501(C)(3) non-profit that represents a public-private partnership unique for Arizona to help diversify the our economy with strategic research and development investments. SFAz was created in 2006 through the collaboration of three statewide CEO business organizations: Flagstaff 40; Greater Phoenix Leadership; and, the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. SFAz . CEO groups are funding operating costs through 2012, enabling public and philanthropic funds to be used exclusively for investing in Arizona's future.

A recent report released by the world's largest non-profit independent research and development organization, Battelle, tracked the performance of Arizona's technology sector and the investments of Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz).   The report, found on the SFAz website, tracks Arizona's performance in five key areas against several benchmark states, including Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Science Foundation Arizona's STEM Education Center (STEMAz) Teams with Industry Partners to Launch New Award Program

STEMAz has recently teamed with Intel Corporation and Rodel Foundations to create the Innovation Heroes Awards program. These awards will reward academic excellence to recognize outstanding teachers and students throughout Arizona each month starting in May of 2009. Students and teachers from K-12 and Post-Secondary schools who have shown particular dedication and achievement in STEM activities are eligible to be nominated for this award. Nomination forms and more information are available on the STEMAz website.

Current SFAz Program Announcements

Strategic Research Groups

This year's Strategic Research Groups RFP utilizes a preproposal process. Preproposals will be accepted four times during the year: February 5, April 2, July 2, and October 1. Full proposals will be by invitation only. This SRG competition will make strategic, industry matched investments in innovative research through the funding of:

  • Research Institutes - collaboration between academic researchers and an industry consortium. Must involve multiple research performing institutions and community colleges. $1M-$2M/year for up to 4 years. Required 1:1 industry match.
  • Research Partnerships - build research capabilities of Arizona research performing institutions while promoting strong research ties to an industry partner(s). The joint project should be driven by the needs of the industry partner. $250K-$1M/year for up to 2 years. Required 1:1 industry match.
  • Research Alliances (replaces SFAz's Small Business Catalytic Program) - intended to drive innovation by investing in research critical to startup, small or medium size companies. $100K-$500K/year for up to 2 years. Awards must be matched 1:1 by the company or investors.

Proposals are encouraged that focus on use inspired research that will create a competitive advantage for Arizona through critical opportunities in such areas as but not limited to:

  • Brain Disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Autism, Parkinson’s)
  • Software Engineering (e.g. modeling, simulation, information systems, artificial intelligence)
  • Advanced Composite Materials (e.g. medical devices, energy storage/batteries)
  • Smart Integrated Systems (e.g. sensors, wireless technology)
  • 21st Century Manufacturing (e.g. green and sustainable manufacturing)
  • Personalized Medicine (e.g. predictive testing and disease prevention)

See the SFAz website to download the cover sheet template and additional forms. Please note in the RFP (page 7) that, "an IP agreement executed by all parties must be in place prior to funding of awards"; unlike previous rounds, documentation such as an MOU is not required at the preproposal/proposal stages.