Tucson, Arizona

research and development expenditures. When you think about the number of graduating engineers and programs, it’s no wonder that a company like TuSimple chooses to roll out their autonomous trucking programs in Tucson. They continue to expand, and we’re excited about the advancement of that technology and what it means for the future of transportation.” Coffee adds that another part of Tucson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is the partnerships that the city has fostered with many other entities and institutions. “We have organizations including Startup Tucson and associated venture capital groups like Desert Angels and UA Venture Capital that create a foundation for this ecosystem, something many cities work hard to try to build,” she points out. “What you see is great support and activity for the entrepreneurs who choose to stay, develop, and then commercialize their technologies here rather than following the funds that may lure them away to the Bay area or the East Coast. So, we’re TUCSON, AR I ZONA Economic Initiatives Director, Barbra Coffee