You Won't Believe What They're Making In Arizona

This post is sponsored by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Imagine you have a life-threatening heart condition. You're on the waiting list for a transplant, but there's no guarantee that a donor heart will be available anytime soon.

In the past, this situation would have been dangerous, stressful, and potentially deadly. But now cardiac patients can live longer using an artificial heart - the only such device approved by the FDA - that was perfected by Arizona-based SynCardia Systems. One patient had his Syncardia Total Artificial Heart for 112 days, until he qualified for a transplant.

SynCardia's innovation is typical of a new crop of Arizona companies changing our lives. Whether Arizonans are making sophisticated medical devices, snow shoes, or parts for NASA, these technology-focused businesses are taking advantage of the state's resources and doing some pretty cool things along the way.

The Next Napa Valley?

Who They Are: Verde Valley Wine Trail

Where They're Based: Verde Valley, central Ariz.

What They Do: Wine? In Arizona? That may sound unlikely, but for about a decade, the four wineries connected by the Verde Valley Wine Trail have used the latest techniques to take advantage of that area's unique rocky soil. Verde Valley's grapes have become famous for their flavor and concentration. The award-winning wines come in different styles, with each variety distinct to its label. The wineries and tasting rooms in the Verde Valley are a part of a consortium formed in 2008 that takes advantage of the latest technology for sustainable production of their excellent wine.

Changing The Way We Detect Cancer

Who They Are: Viomics

Where They're Based: Phoenix, Ariz.

What They Do: Phoenix is a hotbed for startup companies in the health care field, and one of them is molecular diagnostics company Viomics. They came up with a new, more accurate (and cheaper) way to detect the body's cancer markers. If everything comes together as expected for its technology, Viomics may change the way we detect and treat cancer. LungVantage - the first product from Viomics - is designed to be the most accurate, least expensive screening process for non-small-cell lung cancer available today.

3-D Prototypes Made To Order

Who They Are: Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies

Where They're Based: Tempe, Ariz.

What They Do: PDAT helps innovators move their products from something vague to a live, working model they can hold in their hands, test, and show investors. PDAT-produced prototypes can be medical supply parts, the latest wearable technology device, or even a full-size electrical charging station for automobiles. PDAT not only has the largest 3-D printing service in Arizona, it can also produce a computer simulation if that's what a client requires.

A Heart That Extends Cardiac Patients' Lives

Who They Are: SynCardia Systems

Where They're Based: Tucson, Ariz.

What They Do: SynCardia's total artificial heart not only saves lives - it can be hooked up to a portable power supply, allowing users to move about while their bodies get stronger. On the SynCardia website there's a photo of one patient riding an ATV and carrying his power supply in a small backpack. In 2012, the artificial heart was also approved for people not eligible for transplants. So far, at least 150 patients have had the procedure done.

When NASA Needs Precision Parts

Who They Are: Nichols Precision

Where They're Based: Tempe, Ariz.

What They Do: Founded in 1996, Nichols Precision takes unformed metal and manufactures precision machinery from it. While any good shop can produce a passable custom-made switch or bolt, it can't make parts accurate to within 1/10 of a human hair, as NASA requires. Nichols-made products circled the moon this past September in the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), and the company has made mission-critical parts for the Space Shuttle, the defense industry, and other clients.

Climbing Spikes and High-Tech Snow Shoes

Who They Are: Kahtoola

Where They're Based: Flagstaff, Ariz.

What They Do: When people think of Arizona, they probably picture a desert landscape, with maybe a cactus or two. But don't forget that Arizona is also called the Grand Canyon State, and that it has mountains and snow. In addition to wearable mountain-climbing spikes, outdoor outfitter Kahtoola makes high-tech snow shoes that are perfect for stomping around Flagstaff, one of the snowiest cities in the U.S.

When You Need Self-Defense

Who They Are: Taser International

Where They're Based: Scottsdale, Ariz.

What They Do: Taser makes the most famous self-defense weapon in use by law enforcement. Their handheld devices shoot small darts instead of bullets. The suspect isn't supposed to be harmed by the electric shock that comes from the darts, thus keeping the police from having to use more lethal weapons. Taser also produces self-defense devices for the general public, such as a flashlight embedded with a stun gun, called the StrikeLight. Security guards (many who don't come equipped with guns) can use the StrikeLight to defend themselves when they're out making rounds.

Learn more about business development in Arizona from the Arizona Commerce Authority.

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