Iβve argued in many past columns that Tucsonβs economy depends on entrepreneurs. What makes this possible? Look no further than the University of Arizona to see a robust part of the Tucson/Southern Arizona entrepreneurial ecosystem at work.
Infrastructure behind innovation
The University operates two powerhouse programs that transform ideas into businesses. The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) maintains 70-80 startups in its program at any given time, according to President Carol Stewart. Meanwhile, Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) specializes in commercializing technology invented by faculty, staff, and graduate students.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Since 1984, the university has helped launch 164 startups β with more than 90 emerging since Tech Launch Arizona launched in 2012 alone.
A case study in success: Mo Ehsani
Meet Mo Ehsani, whose journey from professor to global entrepreneur perfectly illustrates UAβs entrepreneurial incubator in action. During his 27-year tenure as a professor of structural engineering (1982-2009), Ehsani didnβt just teach β he innovated.
As an internationally recognized expert in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) products, Ehsani saw opportunity where others saw problems. Introduced in the 1980s, FRP is a revolutionary material applied like wallpaper that reaches 2-3 times the strength of steel within 24 hours. In a world of crumbling infrastructure, Ehsani recognized FRPβs transformative potential.
From classroom to commercialization
In 1994, while still teaching, Ehsani founded QuakeWrap to deliver stronger, more economical FRP-based solutions to the construction industry. For 15 years, he balanced academia with entrepreneurship β teaching the next generation while steadily building his companyβs innovative infrastructure solutions.
The turning point came in 2010 when Ehsani left academia to focus entirely on QuakeWrap. The results speak for themselves: a comprehensive suite of solutions that outperform traditional methods while reducing costs.
QuakeWrap spans the globe, showcases versatility:
Strengthening concrete and masonry walls
Increasing roof and dome strength
Repairing seawalls and marine structures
Reconstructing columns, poles, beams, and pipes
Manufacturing continuous, lightweight pipelines
A global project portfolio:
Blast-proofing U.N. headquarters in Beirut
Strengthening mile-long pipelines in Costa Ricaβs mountains
Repairing corroded underwater structures for Nigeriaβs National Petroleum Corporation.
Evidence-backed innovation
QuakeWrapβs success rests on solid intellectual property and proven results. The company holds over 25 patents on innovative materials and designs, with more than 100 published articles and reports documenting FRP systemsβ effectiveness.
The University of Arizona itself needed to repair an underground utility tunnel. Hereβs what they had to say:
βFixing the tunnel from the inside with QuakeWrap not only saves us money, but is minimally invasive to our busy campus. We think itβs a green solution, too,β said Peter Dourlein, UA assistant vice president for planning, design and construction
When QuakeWrap was inducted into the Congressional Record in 2014, the U.S. Congress made the following notation: βA small business that has grown by being a leader in state-of-the-art technology and by embracing exporting as key to its growth strategy.β
Measuring economic impact
QuakeWrap represents just one success story from UAβs entrepreneurial ecosystem. A Rounds Consulting Group report analyzing Tech Launch Arizonaβs economic impact from fiscal years 2017-21 reveals impressive numbers:
Through 2021, TLA activities generated:
- $1.61 billion in economic output
- $561 million in labor income
- $59 million in tax revenues
Projected through 2031:
- Over 3,500 new jobs
- $4.7 billion in economic output
- $1.6 billion in labor income
- $172 million in tax revenues
Building tomorrowβs economy today
Ehsaniβs transformation from structural engineering professor to global infrastructure innovator evidences the crossroads of academic expertise and entrepreneurial support.
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation and Tech Launch Arizona shows the school doesnβt just educate, it incubates the businesses that drive economic growth.
The beneficiary: Tucson and Southern Arizonaβs entrepreneurial infrastructure.
It isnβt just strong β itβs thriving, creating jobs, generating revenue and solving global challenges one innovation at a time.
