INSPIRED BY SILICON VALLEY STARTUPS
Helping Innovators Go to Market
• Collision zones
• Team building
• Pre-incubation program
• Entrepreneurial meetups
Team Impact
How it works
Acting as collision catalysts for innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech talent, we deliver the best of Silicon Valley, infused with the unique dynamics of small-town ecosystems. Designed for early stage, from idea to Series-A, startups. If you’re looking to develop a scalable business model to power your technology startup, we’re here to help.
We are a resource for startups
Our team of trained mentors teach techniques in market segmentation, customer discovery, customer validation, business model creation, go-to-market strategies, financial modeling, team development, and more.
We inspire ecosystems
Our vision is be an integral part of the larger startup ecosystem, a network of resources — people, investors, institutions, and companies — that collaborate to create an environment where startups can thrive.
Who it’s for
Have an idea but not sure where to start? Want to make connections with mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs? Looking to learn about the lean and agile entrepreneurial mindset? We’re here to help.
We focus on the following industries:
- Defense
- Optics and Photonics
- Quantum Communications
- Aerospace
- Semiconductors
- Cybersecurity
- Autonomous & Unmanned
- Biotech
- Artificial Intelligence
- Other Emerging Technologies
What it takes
All you need is an idea, passion, and a commitment to learn and participate fully.
How to get started
We offer several ways for you to learn and grow. If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest joining us at a Startup Zone Collision Space. Ready to test out your pitch? Attend a Caffeinate & Innovate meetup. Want to go all in? You may be ready for a Startup Hack.
Collision Zones
A casual place for you to work on your startup, share your story with trained mentors, and collaborate with other innovators. Free to attend—coffee and WiFi provided at no cost.
Entrepreneurial Meetups
Free meetups that give you an opportunity to practice your venture pitch and seek advice, as well as hear from subject-matter experts on topics relevant to startup founders like yourself.
Startup Agoge
Hacks and pre-incubator programs where you’ll engage with a cohort of other innovators, mentors, and investors with startup experience, ending with a pitch competition and cash prizes.
Ready to Start? Apply for Our Next Pre-Incubation Startup Training
About us
Startup Zones, a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Tucson, establishes collaborative collision spaces in small towns, fostering entrepreneurs’ growth and their scalable tech startup ideas. Our mission is to accelerate the success of the startup ecosystems we serve by supporting technology innovators. If an entrepreneur is scrappy, executes on ideas, and tells great stories, the ecosystem shines—and funding will come.
We believe there is no limit to the number of people or organizations that can inspire innovation and growth. In a strong ecosystem, each component contributes uniquely, often overlapping and complementing one another. We aim to be part of a connected community that collaborates to bring your intellectual property to life and into the market.
We Serve
Any innovator and entrepreneur…
Wishing to learn and grow.
With added focus on…
Nascent startup ecosystems and the undercapitalized/underserved entrepreneurs they serve.
Special focus on..
Underserved transitioning members of our armed forces who wish to launch a startup.
We Partner
Partnering to extend reach and reduce time to impact in developing the entrepreneurial mindset.
High School
High Schools with curious and industrious students with advance focus on STEM.
Community College
Community Colleges with students interested in launching their own startup.
Universities
Universities with limited resources expose students to entrepreneurial skills.
Growing Towns
Economic development and chamber leaders looking for job creation.