TUCSON, AZ (January 12, 2026) – One of Arizona’s most anticipated entrepreneurial events, IdeaFunding, is opening its 2026 competition with a new structure designed to better serve startup founders across the state. A flagship event of TENWEST, IdeaFunding continues to provide early-stage companies with mentorship and pitch training, and the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and awards. Applications are now open for businesses across Arizona to join the competition, including a chance to pitch to Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, who will serve as one of the Main Stage Showcase judges.
IdeaFunding is co-led by Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) and presented by the Arizona Commerce Authority. More than $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes will be awarded to Arizona-based companies on March 26, 2026, at the historic Rialto Theatre as part of the 2026 TENWEST Festival. IdeaFunding and TENWEST extend their gratitude to the Arizona Commerce Authority for its continued support of Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as to HUSTL – a Vantage West digital banking solution built to help entrepreneurs streamline their finances – for serving as the 2026 festival’s title sponsor.
New Structure to Better Serve Arizona Founders…