Grand Canyon Times

Plug and Play accelerateAZ, a program of the Arizona Commerce Authority, announced its new corporate partners for the Sustainability Accelerator program at the Arizona Innovation Expo in Phoenix. The partners are Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), and EPCOR. The accelerator aims to connect startups focused on sustainability with established corporations, supporting initiatives in renewable energy, water resiliency, sustainable mining, circular materials, and carbon neutrality.

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to work with these outstanding Arizona companies and organizations as partners for the Sustainability Accelerator. The corporate partners’ expertise will strengthen the Sustainability program and enable Plug and Play accelerateAZ to support more sustainability-focused startups.”

Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play, added, “We are excited to launch a Sustainability program in Arizona in partnership with leading companies that share our vision and are ready to make a positive impact on the planet. Together, we can work with innovative startups to drive impactful solutions in sustainability and create lasting change.”

Brian Sherman, CEO of SWSIE, stated, “SWSIE is thrilled to be a founding partner with the Sustainability Accelerator. Accelerating startups that advance water security, clean energy transition, and carbon management are paramount to the Engine’s economic development mission.”

Honeywell's CTO, Todd Giles, said, “Honeywell is focused on creating technologies that drive the world’s transition to cleaner, more renewable energy. We are excited to expand our involvement in accelerateAZ to include the Sustainability Accelerator so we can further shape Arizona’s technology ecosystem.”

Shawn Bradford, Senior Vice President of Regulated US Water for EPCOR, mentioned, “We are very pleased to join accelerateAZ’s Sustainability Accelerator as a founding corporate partner – sustainable growth and innovation are the backbone of our economy and Arizona’s highly desirable business climate.”

The Sustainability Accelerator is the second initiative by Plug and Play accelerateAZ, following the Advanced Manufacturing program commenced in 2023. Plug and Play operates globally, running programs in over 50 locations, and fosters innovation in various industries.

Plug and Play accelerateAZ, which started in 2023, aims to connect startups, corporations, government agencies, and universities, contributing to Arizona’s startup ecosystem through its two programs. More information about Plug and Play accelerateAZ can be found at the Arizona Commerce Authority's website.