Tech Launch Arizona I-Squared Awards

Tech Launch Arizona celebrated its 10th anniversary by honoring the University of Arizona’s top startups and ecosystem drivers at its annual TLA ISquared Expo and Awards Oct. 11 at the Health Sciences Innovation Building Forum.

Tech Launch Arizona paves the way to commercialization for physical and life sciences inventions developed through research at UArizona. From its beginning up through the end of its first decade this past summer, TLA measured substantial impact on Arizona and the United States, including: (as of June 30, 2022) • $1.6 billion in economic output • 2,455 invention disclosures • 492 exclusive licenses and options • 128 startups • 535 U.S. patents issued • 2,500 jobs supported

TLA was launched in 2012 when David Allen was hired as its first VP. Douglas Hockstad was hired in 2018 to replace Allen when he retired.

This year’s TLA I-Squared Awards were focused on research and achievements in the past year that have the potential to impact health and technology in Arizona, the U.S. and the world. UArizona ranks 28th in the world for patents issued, said Betsy Cantwell, senior VP for research, innovation and impact.

“I congratulate Doug and the whole TLA team on a highly successful first 10 years,” Cantwell said. “I look forward to the next 10 because amazing things are going to happen.”

By Tom Leyde

Robin Polt, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UArizona College of Science, the College of Medicine and the BIO5 Institute Polt’s research focuses on developing novel synthetic amino acids and glycopeptides. He and his colleagues have launched two companies, one in the past year. Clinical applications include pain, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurogenerative illnesses.

Aqualung Therapeutics Corp. The immunotherapeutics and biotech company, started four years ago, has developed an antibody to treat ventilator-induced lung injury. It was invented by CEO and Founder Dr. Skip Garcia. Aqualung was awarded two three-year National Institutes of Health fast track awards. In September, it received Federal Drug Administration clearance for a new drug application to proceed with human trials to support the development of ALT-100, a humanized monoclonal antibody therapy for the chronic indications of pulmonary arterial hypertension and inflammatory bowel disease.

Joel Berkson A fourth-year doctoral student at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and Steward Observatory, Berkson is doing surface measuring the perfection of radio antenna surfaces.

UArizona Provost’s Office The award honors a group at UArizona that has had a significant impact on TLA’s mission. The UArizona Provost’s Office, led by Liesl Folks, helped elevate and support a culture of innovation across campus. It has partnered with TLA to create new awards for early career and distinguished level faculty and also is working with a national organization for promotion and tenure to recognize innovation.

The Flinn Foundation The Flinn Foundation is a privately endowed, philanthropic grant making organization based in Phoenix. It was established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. The foundation is helping TLA with startups and fueling entrepreneurial ecosystems. It leads the state’s bioscience roadmap effort and provides seed grants to faculty interested in moving technology closer to commercialization.

Larry Hecker, Attorney, Hecker Pew PLCC The award honors David N. Allen, the first VP at Tech Launch Arizona, and recognizes a lifetime of dedication to the UArizona ecosystem and entrepreneurship. Hecker has served on the TLA advisory board and works with startups, representing them as they work through their launches. He is a UArizona alum and still teaches at the university.

Eugene Gerner, Founder of Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals, Professor Emeritus at UArizona Department of Medicine Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals, acquired in 2022 by Panbela Therapeutics, is a clinical stage group developing disruptive therapeutics for treating cancer patients. Therapeutics are being developed to reduce the risk of recurring cancer and rare diseases. Panbela focuses on treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis, first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, prevention and ovarian cancer. Gerner came to UArizona in 1974 as an assistant professor and formed CPP with Jeffrey Jacob, who served as CEO.