Outstanding University Research Parks

University of Arizona Science & Technology Park 

 Video Courtesy of Tucson 12 - the City Channel

The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park) sits on 1,345 acres in southeast Tucson, Arizona. Two million square feet of space has been developed in the Park featuring high tech office, R&D and laboratory facilities on 345 acres. 

The UA Tech Park contributes $2.4 billion annually to Pima County's economy and is one of the region's largest employment centers.  In its 19 years of operation, the UA Tech Park has experienced 96% growth in new companies, 60% growth in the number of employees on-site and has on average added 250 jobs a year to the Tucson economy since it was purchased in 1994 from IBM.

More than 50 business and educational organizations employ over 7,000 employees at the UA Tech Park.  Home to several high technology companies, the UA Tech Park houses 6 Fortune 500 companies: Citigroup, CH2MHill, IBM, Oracle, Optum RX (United Healthcare Group), and Raytheon. 

The UA Tech Park has emerged as a leading center for the testing and evaluation of new technology through two key initiatives: the Solar Zone and the Border TEC program. The Solar Zone brings different aspects of the solar industry together in a supportive environment for generation, manufacturing/assembly, research & development, education, and public demonstration. Border TEC is a program providing independent testing and evaluation for border technology companies using industry and university experts.

The Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) is a technology innovation center and business incubator located at the UA Tech Park. 

The UA Tech Park was one of the first university research parks to develop a master land use plan that incorporated a long-term vision for development.  The planned long-term vision resulted in a live, learn, work, and play environment.  Components such as: safe and accessible bike paths and sidewalks, a good education system, a strong economy, and nearby housing choices foster this Community of Innovation.

The Park is also home to Vail Academy and High School, a K-12 school, operated by the Vail School District and UA South an extension campus of the University of Arizona serving non-traditional students. Over 650 students from kindergarten through college attend class in the Park.

The Julian Wash Greenway (a joint venture, between the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, and the University of Arizona) is a multi-use path designed for cycling, jogging, and horseback riding.  The Greenway runs along the entire north perimeter of the UA Tech Park.  Along the path, there are five interactive/educational rest nodes where people can learn about the UA Tech Park.

The UA Tech Park is one of the nation's premier research and development facilities. The UA Tech Park contains a sophisticated infrastructure system that includes: steam, de-ionized water, chilled water and compressed air. The Park also features its own water treatment plant and a central utility plant that distributes all utilities to tenants on-site. Other services include on-site EMT and Fire Rescue services, 24/7 security, a full-service cafeteria and catering, Starbucks and an outdoor recreational center.

More information on UA Tech Park.

About AURP: The Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of university related research and science parks. AURP’s mission is to foster innovation, commercialization and economic growth through university, industry and government partnerships. For more information, visit AURP’s Web site at www.aurp.net or contact Chelsea Simpson at [email protected].