Last year, a study done by Tempe-based Rounds Consulting Group revealed that the UA’s astronomy and space sciences operations alone generate nearly as much money for the local economy every year as a Super Bowl. It’s never an easy calculation to determine how much a city’s educational system contributes to its business sector and economy. Researchers commonly measure the contribution of a city’s colleges and universities using a combination of economic impact studies, workforce development analysis and innovation and entrepreneurship metrics.

Originally from Delhi, India, Sameeka has led a life marked by global transitions and educational pursuits across continents. Her family briefly moved to Chicago while Sameeka was in junior high school, before returning to India to complete her high school education. The University of Arizona came to her attention through a family friend who had started here a year earlier, and she found that UArizona not only offered the programs she was interested in but also at an affordable price. During her time on campus, Sameeka has switched majors, joined clubs, and cultivated a community at FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs). In this interview, Sameeka shares her experiences and insights as an international student.

 New venture founders selected for the Crucible program gain the tools needed to become investment-ready. The program provides access to a network of specialists and mentors to support and assist founders as they hone their messaging, more effectively promote their products, and position their companies for growth.  The capstone of the program, “F23 Demo Day,” offers founders the opportunity to pitch their businesses and demonstrate their products to investors, potential employees, industry mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

This story originally appeared in ARIZONA'S FAMILY.

The University of Arizona has a special program, Native Forge, investing in Native American entrepreneurs. This year, they’re mentoring five small businesses in Fort Yuma.

Five entrepreneurs from the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe make up the new cohort of Native FORGE, a University of Arizona program that supports entrepreneurs from federally recognized Native American tribes in Arizona.

University of Arizona FORGE and Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCOG) are bringing back the popular speaker series “The Business of Heritage Foods”. The series provides resources for building and sustaining heritage food-based businesses in Southern Arizona.

Part of "Thursdays at FORGE", “The Business of Heritage Foods” takes place every second Thursday from 9-10 a.m. at FORGE at Roy Place, 44 N. Stone Ave. It is open to the public and free to attend. This year, in addition to inviting local food entrepreneurs to share knowledge, the series will include live chef demos.

From climate change to planetary defense, and disease prevention to artificial intelligence, today’s most pressing and complex global challenges demand that our students are trained as bold, forward-thinking problem solvers. At the University of Arizona, we are preparing our graduates to enter the workforce with the experiences, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow them to stand out and to thrive.

FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) has opened applications for its new FORGE Ahead Crucible, an eight-week accelerator program that will take place at FORGE at Roy Place in downtown Tucson from Sept. 12 to Nov. 2.

This article originally appeared in the Arizona Alumni Magazine-

This innovation ecosystem also builds student resilience through programs like Arizona FORGE. Headquartered in downtown Tucson’s historic Roy Place Building, FORGE launched in 2019 with a core mission that includes cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and driving the scale-up and launch of entrepreneurial projects.

Tucson, Arizona, has long been known for its rich history, stunning desert landscapes, and thriving entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, Tucson has become a hub for innovation, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs from across the country to take part in programs like FORGE Ahead. Launched by University of Arizona FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs), the FORGE Ahead program is instrumental in helping new businesses in Tucson achieve their goals.