UACI Leader Strengthens Local Business and Innovation Ties
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. – The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) announced that Executive Director Casey Carrillo has been appointed to the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, marking a new era of collaboration between the region’s startup community and its local business network.
UACI has long played a vital role in fostering innovation across Southern Arizona, and Carrillo’s appointment brings an even closer connection between entrepreneurs, university research, and Oro Valley’s growing economy. The appointment was confirmed in a University of Arizona Tech Parks press release earlier this month.
A Career Built Around Innovation and Collaboration
Casey Carrillo has built a strong reputation as a connector and community leader. Before joining UACI, she worked with the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, where she helped guide early-stage entrepreneurs. She also contributed to the university’s Office of Digital Learning, creating new pathways for students and professionals to engage with Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.
At UACI, Carrillo leads a network of incubator programs that support science and technology startups throughout the region. Under her direction, UACI continues to expand partnerships that help innovators access mentorship, workspace, and funding opportunities. The center has now supported more than 300 companies, many of which have gone on to secure millions in investment capital and establish roots in Arizona’s tech economy.
Oro Valley’s Innovation Hub
Since 2020, the UACI Oro Valley outpost has served as a key site for startup development in northern Pima County. Located near Innovation Park, the facility provides lab space, offices, and business resources for companies in the bioscience and technology sectors. This outpost has been a cornerstone for UACI’s regional expansion and has strengthened the relationship between the Town of Oro Valley, the business community, and the University of Arizona.
In partnership with the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, UACI has also launched multiple Sponsored Launch programs that give startups the opportunity to develop their products with direct support from local organizations. These collaborations have brought fresh energy into Oro Valley’s business scene, drawing interest from both investors and entrepreneurs across Southern Arizona.
Commitment to Collaboration
“Innovation thrives where collaboration exists,” Carrillo said. “I look forward to serving on the Oro Valley Chamber board and building stronger bridges between startups, established businesses, and the broader community.”
Her sentiment was echoed by Chamber President and CEO Kristen Sharp, who praised the appointment as a win for local innovation. “Casey’s passion for entrepreneurship and regional growth makes her an invaluable addition to our board,” Sharp said. “Her leadership at UACI brings valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing emerging businesses in our region.”
Impact on the Local Business Ecosystem
Oro Valley has steadily positioned itself as a hub for science, technology, and bioscience growth. With Carrillo’s appointment, local businesses can expect even greater alignment between the academic and entrepreneurial worlds. Her presence on the board ensures that the Chamber continues to prioritize innovation, education, and cross-sector cooperation.
The move also strengthens the community’s long-term economic resilience. By linking startup incubation with Chamber programs, Oro Valley can attract more high-wage jobs, foster partnerships between local businesses and research institutions, and build a pipeline for future entrepreneurs.
UACI’s Broader Mission
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation is part of Tech Parks Arizona, a network that connects academic research to private industry. The organization offers structured programs that guide early-stage companies through market validation, intellectual property protection, and business development. From biotechnology firms to renewable energy startups, UACI provides the resources needed to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
With its two-decade track record, UACI continues to be one of the most influential incubators in the Southwest. Its expansion into Oro Valley underscores the community’s growing role in Arizona’s innovation economy and demonstrates how public and private collaboration can drive tangible results.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
For Oro Valley residents, Carrillo’s leadership signals more than just an appointment – it represents the next phase in the town’s development as a forward-thinking business community. The Chamber’s inclusion of an innovation executive on its board shows a deliberate effort to integrate technology and entrepreneurship into its broader economic vision.
As the Greater Oro Valley Chamber continues to host events, networking sessions, and regional partnerships, Carrillo’s insight is expected to shape how the organization supports future-facing industries. Her focus on mentorship and inclusive growth aligns with UACI’s mission to empower businesses from concept to commercialization.
Looking ahead, the partnership between UACI and the Chamber could lead to new programs that spotlight local startups, internships connecting University of Arizona students with Oro Valley employers, and public events showcasing innovation within the community. These efforts not only enhance business diversity but also strengthen the connection between education and the local economy.
About the Chamber and the Community
The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce represents hundreds of local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that drive the area’s economic growth. It serves as a bridge between business leaders, residents, and government entities, promoting policies and partnerships that improve quality of life for everyone in the region.
Oro Valley itself continues to expand as a community that blends innovation with livability. The town’s economic and business landscape supports startups, retail operations, and established companies alike, while maintaining a high standard of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Connecting the Dots Across Southern Arizona
UACI’s partnerships extend beyond Oro Valley, with outposts and partnerships across Tucson and Pima County. This regional approach ensures that innovation is not centralized in one location but distributed across multiple communities. Through collaboration with entities such as Tucson, Marana, and Vail, the center’s influence helps create a networked innovation corridor that benefits Southern Arizona as a whole.
Conclusion
Casey Carrillo’s appointment to the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors reflects a powerful synergy between education, innovation, and community leadership. Her experience, paired with the Chamber’s dedication to local prosperity, ensures that Oro Valley remains at the forefront of Arizona’s growing innovation landscape. As new partnerships form and more startups take root, the community stands ready to embrace the future of business development built on collaboration and shared success.
For more community business updates, visit the Oro Valley Voice business section and explore how local organizations are shaping the future of Southern Arizona’s innovation economy.