University of Arizona launches incubator outpost at Biosphere 2

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) recently opened its new startup incubator at Biosphere 2, which supports renewable energy and sustainable tech startups.

The world's largest controlled environment dedicated to understanding the impacts of climate change, the mission of Biosphere 2 is to advance understanding of the natural and human-made environment through unique research and experimentation, interdisciplinary science training and education, and leadership in initiatives that address the grand challenges to sustaining Earth systems and quality of life.

The 14 acre research facility has 7,200,000 cubic feet under sealed glass and 6,500 windows, sealed from the earth below by a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner. Inside, it is home to ocean, mangrove wetlands, tropical rainforest, savanna grassland and fog desert biomes.

UACI at Biosphere 2 was launched with four startups, all of which will go through UACI’s structured programme that takes them through a continuum of education provided by mentors, advisers and community collaborators. Entrepreneurs will use various physical spaces at Biosphere 2 that allow them to test and demonstrate the tech in specific environments.

Biosphere 2 serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its ability to combine varying scales, precise manipulation and fine monitoring together in controlled experiments provides scientists with the unique opportunity to explore complex environmental questions. As a Research 1 institution, the University of Arizona is already a leader in research in renewable energy, sustainability, water resource management, space and defense, mining technology, biotech and optical sciences.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 13th, University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins was joined by government officials, business leaders, innovators, community members and other senior UArizona leaders.

“Academic research and innovation may begin in a lab setting, but, through units like UACI, we ensure that our work reaches far beyond the university, enriching life for all,” said Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, UArizona’s senior vice president of research and innovation. “UACI has done an incredible job helping startups from the university and tech community realize their commercial market potential. Uniting these organizations will allow us to accelerate the translation of research to real-world impact.”

“It’s been nearly fifteen years since the University took over Biosphere 2. It has been a time of incredible growth and evolution from when the Biosphere 2 was simply known as home to the world-famous, closed-system experiment of the 1990s. I am so excited about the new University of Arizona Center for Innovation collaboration that will build on the solid research foundation the University has advanced at Biosphere 2. Together, we will advance companies who focus on improving impacts on the environment, food safety and security, fit-for-purpose water, water access, and energy security,” commented Joaquin Ruiz, UArizona vice president for global environmental futures and director of Biosphere 2.

“As an internationally designated soft-landings incubator location, UACI can now provide unmatched testing and demonstration opportunities to businesses across the globe," said Carol Stewart, UArizona associate vice president for Tech Parks Arizona. "The synergy between UACI and Biosphere 2 is vast and we intend to explore options to give startups a vantage point.”