Highlights

TENWEST 2026: A Week of Big Ideas, Bold Conversations & Community

March 30, 2026   (Tucson, Ariz,)—  On March 26, Southern Arizona’s largest and longest continuously running pitch competition, IdeaFunding, awarded over $50,000 to Arizona-based startups. Co-led by Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), this year’s competition featured two distinct tracks designed to support a broader range of innovators: the Creative and Innovation Community Track, sponsored by Arizona Arts, and the Tech Track, sponsored b

Startup Tucson is proud to announce that HUSTL, a digital credit union designed for freelancers, solopreneurs, gig workers, and entrepreneurs — and a division of Vantage West Credit Union — has joined as the title sponsor of the 11th annual TENWEST Festival.

That’s a wrap on TENWEST 2025! From unforgettable speakers to buzzing connections, this year’s festival brought the energy, ideas, and inspiration that keep Southern Arizona’s innovation ecosystem thriving. We’ve pulled together the highlights for you to relive the week, including our official wrap video and a slide deck filled with stats, stories, and standout moments.