Mary OReilly

Science Foundation Arizona (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 to help diversify the Arizona economy with strategic research and development investments. In June 2006, the Arizona Governor and State Legislature appropriated $35 million to Science Foundation Arizona through the Arizona 21st Century Competitive Initiative Fund. Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is helping ensure Arizona's competitive future by investing in areas of strategic importance to the state including: Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Sustainable Systems (SUS) & Renewable Energy, and Biomedicine. To date, investment grants from state monies totaling $110 million. By incentivizing researchers to do work with high-impact commercial potential, SFAz grants have been directly responsible for: 24 new companies created; 207 patents applied for and/or issued; and 23 technology licenses granted empowering entrepreneurs to build upon public research. The organization also launched its Arizona STEM Network in 2012 that is designed to integrate STEM learning into classroom and school districts, develop and deploy a predictive analytics system to measure impacts, strengthen teacher effectiveness and create opportunities for business to create meaningfully engagement.