Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan leaders sign MOU to advance semiconductor, optics, and photonics collaboration
Building on record international activity and investment, leaders in Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan signed a Six-Party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 13, 2026, to deepen collaboration across the global semiconductor ecosystem while advancing joint research and workforce development in optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The agreement brings together government, economic development, and academic partners from both regions, including:
IdeaFunding 2026 finalists announced: 20 Arizona startups advance to compete for over $50,000 in prizes
IdeaFunding, co-led by Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) — and presented by the Arizona Commerce Authority — has announced the 20 Arizona-based startups advancing as finalists in this year’s pitch competition. IdeaFunding is one of the state’s most anticipated entrepreneurial events, offering a front‑row look at the bold ideas and startups shaping the region.
For more than 20 years, IdeaFunding has helped hundreds of Arizona-based startups move their ventures forward, earning its place as Southern Arizona’s largest and longest-running entrepreneurial pitch competition.
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ASU makes its mark with new manufacturing school
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PCC’s FIT Lab prepares students for manufacturing careers
Pima Community College (PCC) marked a major milestone in workforce development on March 19, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting celebration for its new Flexible Industry Training (FIT) Lab, a cutting-edge training space designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
The event brought together college leadership, industry partners, elected officials, and community members to celebrate the opening of the 10,000-square foot facility that reflects the region’s growing demand for a highly skilled workforce. Attendees toured the lab and saw firsthand how the space is equipped with modern tools and equipment that mirror real-world industry environments.
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Southern Arizona Education Council welcomes nominations to recognize service to education
Southern Arizona Education Council, a nonprofit and public body established by Pima County and the City of Tucson, is proud to announce the return of its Evening to Empower Ed celebration on May 1 at the Pima Community College Aviation Center.
This annual occasion marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week and builds on the legacy of the Crystal Apple Awards — a decades-long recognition of educators, students, and community leaders whose commitment to education strengthens lives and communities across Tucson and the greater Pima County.
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Keep up on the latest economic development news in the region by following the Pima County Economic Development Department on LinkedIn.
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