Nearly $190,000 Investment Accelerates Arizona-Built Technologies to Market

Nearly $190,000 in funding has accelerated the development of two Arizona-based technologies, bringing them closer to market and addressing significant industry challenges. The Partnership for Economic Innovation’s Applied Research Centers awarded the funds to Hi Vis Technology and Power-Fabric, both of which are working to innovate in their respective fields.

Hi Vis Technology, Inc., a company that has developed an Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS), has received a portion of the funding. The ARAS system delivers tactile alerts for blind spots, forward collisions, and lane departures directly inside the helmet of motorcyclists, ensuring they remain focused on the road. According to Lynne Nethken, Chief Operating Officer of Hi Vis Technology, Inc., motorcyclists account for about 3% of registered vehicles but are responsible for nearly 16% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The funding will help Hi Vis Technology bring its innovative safety technology to market, making it available to the riders who need it most.

Power-Fabric, Inc., on the other hand, is developing a large-load management system (LLMS) for electric utilities. This system aims to provide real-time situational awareness and flexibility in managing the grid, which is crucial as the demand for AI data centers grows faster than the grid can adapt. The platform will enable faster speed-to-power for data centers while saving rate payers from costly infrastructure upgrades. Abhishek Jaiswal, Founder and CEO of Power-Fabric, Inc., expressed his gratitude for the funding, stating that it will accelerate the development of their solution from proof-of-concept to market readiness.

Both projects require matching private investment from the recipient companies, bringing the combined project value to nearly $379,000. This investment will not only shorten the research and development timelines but also provide Arizona founders with a faster path to customers, investors, and hiring. The companies are partnering with Arizona State University researchers to complete lab testing before moving to field pilots.

Kathleen Lee, Director of Applied Research at the Partnership for Economic Innovation, highlighted the significance of these projects.

The support from the Applied Research Centers program is expected to create a ripple effect across the state. It will lead to new engineering hires and student research opportunities at Arizona State University, as well as increased interest from venture capitalists in Arizona-based startups. The continued state investment in the Applied Research Centers program will help grow the pipeline of commercial-ready technology developed within Arizona, reinforcing the state's position as a hub for innovation in sectors such as motor safety technology, utility software, and AI infrastructure.