PHOENIX — Idealab Arizona has entered a partnership with the architecture and urban planning firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to foster innovation in the built environment sector. This joint venture aims to nurture startups targeting solutions to modern challenges in areas such as data centers, housing, and advanced manufacturing.
The partnership will be introduced at the upcoming Idea Day 2025. According to John Graham, Founding Investor of Idealab Arizona and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, “Leveraging SOM’s unmatched focus on engineering and design innovation with Idealab Arizona’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and ASU’s research prowess, this partnership will enable startups that address the biggest challenges facing the built environment worldwide — from off-grid data centers to accessory dwelling units.”
SOM Partner Adam Semel stated, “Since our founding, SOM has been at the forefront of architectural and engineering innovation… In the spirit of collaborative problem-solving, this partnership with Idealab Arizona and ASU is a commitment to continue to develop new advanced technologies and sustainable practices.”
Arizona State University’s involvement comes through its notable design, construction, and sustainability schools. Renée Cheng, ASU senior vice provost, remarked, “By bringing together Idealab Arizona’s entrepreneurial drive, SOM’s global expertise in the built environment, and ASU’s interdisciplinary research capabilities, we are creating a unique platform to launch impactful ventures that will shape the future of our communities and the world.”
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) will continue its collaboration with Idealab Arizona to leverage the region’s startup ecosystem, which has attracted substantial funding in recent years. Chris Camacho, GPEC President & CEO, said, “Greater Phoenix’s emergence as a hub for startup innovation is further solidified by this partnership between SOM, Idealab Arizona, and ASU.”
Idealab Arizona focuses on the early stages of company development, particularly in sectors like climate and advanced manufacturing. Idealab Studio, its partner, brings a history of founding over 150 companies and achieving significant success in the entrepreneurial space.
Details about the involved organizations can be accessed through their respective websites.
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