irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022
what they reported doing
Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.
- #1 primary $12.99MTHE CONNECTIVE PROGRAM: THROUGH A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPLIED RESEARCH MODEL AND COLLABORATION, OUR CONSORTIUM OF PUBLIC, PRIVATE, UNIVERSITY, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS SEEK TO EMPOWER GREATER PHOENIX COMMUNITIES TO BUILD THE NATION'S LARGEST, MOST CONNECTED, SMART REGION, DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING TECHNOLOGY SCALABLE SOLUTIONS ROOTED IN CONNECTIVITY, MOBILITY, EQUITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY.
- #2 $1.76MTHE APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE-SECTOR INVESTMENTS IN INDUSTRY-LED, SELF-SUSTAINING APPLIED RESEARCH CENTERS TO PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIES AND WELL-PAYING JOBS.
named programs · 7 · from sources
what they call their work
2025 Call for Innovation
Initiative to identify and support emerging technology projects across Arizona’s advanced industries, focusing on scalable applied research and cross-sector collaboration
AZ Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC)
Focuses on blockchain innovations for global industry partners.
Call for Innovation
An initiative to solicit and support innovative projects.
Celebrating Innovation Summit
Annual event convening industry leaders, innovators, and community partners to explore advancements in MedTech, Aerospace & Defense, Chips & AI, Infrastructure, and Workforce development through panels, keynotes, and technology demonstrations
Champions of Innovation Award
Recognition program presented at the Innovation Summit to honor individuals and technologies shaping Arizona’s innovation economy, awarded by PEI with participation from industry and policy leaders
Innovation Summit
An annual event bringing together Arizona's industry voices, innovators, and community partners to discuss and showcase advancements in MedTech, Aerospace & Defense, Chips & AI, Infrastructure, and Workforce development.
WearTech Applied Research Center
Public-private partnership launched by PEI in 2019 to connect entrepreneurs and researchers in wearable health technology with companies developing next-generation biomedical innovations; supports project commercialization and go-to-market development
activities · 8 groups
what they do
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Applied Research & Prototyping Support 7 activities
- Operates applied research centers for technology commercializationRuns the WearTech Applied Research Center, Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC), and other sector-focused applied research initiatives that provide non-dilutive funding and entrepreneurial resources to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovations in biomedical, semiconductor, clean tech, and AI fields.
- Operating Applied Research CentersLaunches and operates industry-led applied research centers, such as the WearTech Applied Research Center and the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC), to accelerate the development and commercialization of technology products in fields like biomedical, semiconductor-adjacent, climate/clean technology, and AI, by providing non-dilutive funding and entrepreneurial resources.
- Operating Applied Research CentersLaunches and operates industry-led applied research centers, such as the WearTech Applied Research Center and the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC), to accelerate the development and commercialization of technology products in fields like biomedical, semiconductor-adjacent, climate/clean technology, and AI, by providing non-dilutive funding and entrepreneurial resources.
- Provides funding and resources to innovators and startupsCombines public and private investment to support Arizona-based innovators, including direct funding and resource allocation to companies like Gravitrex to accelerate research and commercialization of new technologies.
- Supporting Technology Development ProjectsProvides funding and support for specific technology development projects through its Applied Research Centers, including a walking-assist device, an AI-powered wearable for stress reduction, a wearable medical device for non-invasive monitoring, Sonic Lift-off technology for semiconductor re-use, blockchain-based IoT management systems, and high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
- Supporting Technology Development ProjectsProvides funding and support for specific technology development projects through its Applied Research Centers, including a walking-assist device, an AI-powered wearable for stress reduction, a wearable medical device for non-invasive monitoring, Sonic Lift-off technology for semiconductor re-use, blockchain-based IoT management systems, and high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
- Supports development of specific emerging technologiesDirectly supports R&D projects including non-invasive chronic pain treatment, AI-powered wearable stress-reduction devices, non-invasive medical monitoring wearables, reusable semiconductor substrate technology, blockchain-based IoT systems, and high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
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Stakeholder Convening & Knowledge Sharing 4 activities
- Community Advocacy and Knowledge SharingConvenes community advocates to facilitate knowledge sharing, discuss strategies, and engage in participatory design processes focused on Arizona's future economy and economic development.
- Community Advocacy and Knowledge SharingConvenes community advocates to facilitate knowledge sharing, discuss strategies, and engage in participatory design processes aimed at shaping Arizona's future economy and fostering economic development.
- Convenes stakeholders for regional economic developmentFacilitates knowledge sharing, strategy development, and participatory design through initiatives like The Connective and broader convenings of community advocates and industry leaders to shape Arizona’s innovation economy.
- Facilitating Industry DiscussionsFacilitates discussions among industry leaders on critical infrastructure and workforce development strategies to support Arizona’s economic growth in key technology sectors.
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Smart Region Collaboration & Digital Infrastructure 4 activities
- Implements long-term innovation economy strategyAdvances a regional economic transformation vision for Greater Phoenix through strategic initiatives and partnerships aligned with the Brookings Institution's Velocity Report since 2016, aiming to build a globally competitive innovation economy.
- Operating The Connective InitiativeOperates The Connective, a smart region collaborative that connects Greater Phoenix communities with research, pilot projects, and scalable solutions in areas such as connectivity, mobility, equity, and sustainability, by bringing together cities, industries, and entrepreneurs.
- Operating The Connective InitiativeOperates The Connective, a smart region collaborative that connects Greater Phoenix communities with research, pilot projects, and scalable solutions in areas such as connectivity, mobility, equity, and sustainability, by bringing together cities, industries, and entrepreneurs.
- Strategic Initiatives for Economic TransformationImplements strategic initiatives and partnerships to advance the vision of transforming Greater Phoenix into a global innovation economy, as outlined in the Brookings Institution's Velocity Report.
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Industry-Specific Innovation Convenings 3 activities
- Convening Innovation Summits and EventsHosts annual Innovation Summits, such as the State of Innovation Summit and Celebrating Innovation Summit, to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and community partners to showcase progress, discuss strategies, and advance technology and collaboration in Arizona's key sectors like MedTech, aerospace and defense, semiconductors, and AI.
- Convening Innovation Summits and EventsHosts annual Innovation Summits, such as the State of Innovation Summit and Celebrating Innovation Summit, to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and community partners to showcase progress, discuss strategies, and advance technology and collaboration in Arizona's key sectors like MedTech, aerospace and defense, semiconductors, and AI.
- Hosts annual Innovation Summit and related eventsConvenes industry leaders, innovators, and community partners through annual summits such as the State of Innovation Summit and Celebrating Innovation Summit, featuring live technology demonstrations, discussions on key sectors (MedTech, aerospace, semiconductors, AI), and recognition of innovation champions.
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Career Pathways & Workforce Training 3 activities
- Operates career development platform for in-demand tech jobsRuns Pipeline AZ, a career development and exploration platform designed to expand access to high-demand technology and innovation sector careers for Arizona residents.
- Workforce Development through Pipeline AZOperates Pipeline AZ, a career development and exploration platform designed to expand access to in-demand careers for residents across Arizona.
- Workforce Development through Pipeline AZOperates Pipeline AZ, a career development and exploration platform designed to expand access to in-demand careers for residents across Arizona, contributing to workforce development in key technology sectors.
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Member Recognition Awards 2 activities
- Recognizing InnovationPresents the Champions of Innovation Award to recognize individuals and technologies that are advancing Arizona's innovation economy.
- Recognizing InnovationPresents the Champions of Innovation Award to recognize individuals and technologies that are advancing Arizona's innovation economy.
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Regional Economic Development Incentives 1 activity
- Generates high-tech jobs and economic return through innovation investmentsGenerates approximately 134 high-tech jobs annually through its Applied Research Centers and projects a $4–5 return in state and local tax revenues for every dollar of taxpayer investment in PEI-supported projects.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Showcasing Emerging InnovationsOrganizes hands-on technology demonstration stations to showcase emerging innovations in Arizona.
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financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$17.91M
Contributions & grants$2.95M16%
Program service revenue$14.91M83%
Investment income$18K0%
Other revenue$40K
expenses
Total expenses$17.48M
Program expenses98%
Admin / overhead3%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$892K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$4.78M
Cash$2.24M
Investments$0
Liabilities$3.00M
Net assets$1.79M
Liquid reserves1.5 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +416.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022
who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY FOOTE | DIRECTOR - PIPELINE AZ | 40 | $158K |
| KATHERINE PAPPAS | DIRECTOR - WORKFORCE STRAT | 40 | $150K |
| DEAN DUNCAN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $93K |
board members · 10
- BRAD JANNENGA — DIRECTOR
- CHRIS CAMACHO — DIRECTOR
- CHRIS ZAHARIS — VICE CHAIR & SECRETARY
- DARCY RENFRO — DIRECTOR
- DAVID ROUSSEAU — DIRECTOR
- JEFF GULDNER — TREASURER
- JOHN GRAHAM — CHAIR AND PRESIDENT
- MATT SALMON — DIRECTOR
- NEIL GIULIANO — DIRECTOR
- PAUL LUNA — DIRECTOR
relationships · 59
who they work with
- APS Partner — Engages Arizona Public Service in discussions on energy infrastructure and innovation policy.
- ASU Knowledge Enterprise Partner — Partners with Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise to support corporate and economic development initiatives.
- AT&T Partner — Includes AT&T leadership in innovation panels focused on infrastructure and connectivity.
- AT&T Partner — Sponsored the PEI Celebrating Innovation Summit.
- Arizona Blockchain and Robotics Consortium Partner — Collaborates on blockchain-based IoT management systems using distributed ledger technology.
- Arizona Commerce Authority Government — Administers the state matching grant program in partnership with PEI and sets eligibility requirements for funding.
- Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity Government — Collaborates with PEI, with its director participating in keynote addresses at the PEI summit.
- Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity Government — Collaborates with state economic development leadership to align innovation initiatives with public policy.
- Arizona State Representative Jeff Weninger Government — Recognizes state legislative leadership in innovation through the Champions of Innovation Award.
- Arizona State University Partner — Collaborates on applied research initiatives and co-hosts innovation programming, including the State of Innovation Summit.
- Arizona State University Partner — Collaborates through the WearTech Applied Research Center on development of wearable technologies for health applications.
- Arizona State University Partner — Hosted the PEI Celebrating Innovation Summit at its Media and Immersive Experience (MIX) Center and collaborates through corporate engagement and strategic partnerships.
- Arizona State University Partner — Partner in the WearTech ecosystem through the Fulton Schools of Engineering and Medtech Ventures.
- Banner Health Partner — Collaborates with Banner Health on technology ventures and medical innovation initiatives.
- Banner Health Partner — Partner organization participating in PEI's innovation initiatives and summits.
- Beyond Silicon Partner — Supports development of 'HelioGen' Tandem Solar Cells for high-efficiency photovoltaics.
- Boeing Partner — Engages Boeing leadership in aerospace and defense innovation discussions.
- Boeing Partner — Partner organization participating in PEI's innovation initiatives and summits.
- Brookings Institution Partner — Partnered with PEI based on the blueprint from its Velocity Report to guide the transformation of Greater Phoenix into a global innovation economy.
- Brookings Metro Partner — Features Brookings Metro experts in summit keynotes on regional economic innovation.
- Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation Partner — Collaborates with PEI to support early-stage bioscience and medical device startups.
- City of Mesa Government — Partners with the City of Mesa to host the Innovation Summit at ASU’s MIX Center and The Studio in Mesa.
- City of Mesa Partner — Sponsored the PEI Celebrating Innovation Summit and collaborates as part of Greater Phoenix’s innovation ecosystem.
- City of Phoenix Government — Government partner in the WearTech ecosystem supporting high-tech innovation in the region.
- Crystal Sonic Partner — Includes Crystal Sonic leadership in innovation award discussions and technical panels.
- Crystal Sonic Partner — Supports development of Sonic Lift-off technology for semiconductor substrate re-use.
- Empire Southwest Partner — Sponsored the PEI Celebrating Innovation Summit.
- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Partner — Engages Freeport-McMoRan in workforce development and talent acquisition discussions.
- GoX Labs Partner — Participates in scaling applied research for health and performance innovations.
- Gravitrex Partner — Supported the startup with funding and resources through the WearTech Applied Research Center.
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