ASU, GPEC launch new brand, enhanced benefits in program helping international companies expand to U.S. 

Published: 06/20/2024
Updated: 06/21/2024

Arizona International Soft Landing Experience (AISLE) offers an accessible U.S. entry point within Greater Phoenix  

PHOENIX (June 20, 2024) — Arizona State University (ASU) and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) announced today a new program title, brand and benefit package for the joint program helping international companies accelerate United States growth plans, now known as the Arizona International Soft Landing Experience (AISLE). 

 AISLE, formerly known as the Global Growth Accelerator, offers a generous benefit package for international startups and growth companies seeking to expand into Greater Phoenix as a first U.S. entry point. Assistance within the program joins the key strengths of ASU, one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country with a student body of more than 145,000 students, and GPEC, a globally recognized economic development organization representing the region. Program participants receive three months of complimentary access to premier office space at SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center Innovation Center, regional labor market data and cost comparison modeling from GPEC, and connection to key business resources in the networks of both organizations. New benefits include access to programming and events led by GPEC and marketing visibility supported by both organizations. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and qualifying participants are eligible to join the program at any point in the year. 

“AISLE’s enhanced brand and benefits highlight the crucial role of this program and its continued economic growth of the Greater Phoenix community,” said Sally Morton, executive vice president at ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. “AISLE participants are primed for success, thanks to the strategic location at Skysong, abundant GPEC resources, and a thriving innovation ecosystem.”

Greater Phoenix is at the forefront of global business expansion into the U.S. as international firms increasingly seek destinations in the national market. AISLE participants will learn how to navigate the U.S. operating ecosystem in a supported environment while getting an inside look at Greater Phoenix, one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and a hub for innovative technology and manufacturing.  

“Soft landing programs are essential for international companies seeking a seamless transition to the operating environment of a new market. With the invaluable benefits offered by AISLE, firms will have the guidance from GPEC and ASU to maximize opportunities in Greater Phoenix,” said GPEC President & CEO Chris Camacho. “The connections made and businesses assisted by this program will help AISLE participants and the region alike.”

To meet eligibility requirements, an applicant must be a foreign company scaling up or an established overseas tech company seeking to expand its product or service into the U.S. for the first time. It must also have proven revenue or venture backing, along with sufficient resources to cover expenses during the program period, and have a concrete U.S. expansion plan. At least one staff member must be physically present in Greater Phoenix during the duration of the program. To see a full list of requirements, visit www.gpec.org/aisle. 

About Arizona State University 

Arizona State University (ASU) has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and the University assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities it serves. For more information, please visit ASU.edu. 

SkySong, one of the Innovation Zones at ASU, is home to a diverse business community that links technology, research, education and entrepreneurship to position ASU and Greater Phoenix as global leaders in the knowledge economy. 

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council 

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties, and more than 200 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 34 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 980 companies, creating nearly 182,000 jobs and more than $65 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial companies can thrive and scale in the dynamic region.