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Wildcats Connect in Tech

by Paul Tumarkin

dam Small ’12, an Eller College graduate and All-
AAmerican swimmer at the University of Arizona,
has been named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 Under
30” in the energy sector for 2018. He is the CEO and co-
founder of Urbix Resources, which he launched in 2014
with UA engineering alumni partners.
The Mesa-based startup has stayed connected to
the university by licensing a portfolio of lithium-ion
battery and related materials technologies invented by
Palash Gangopadhyay. Gangopadhyay, previously with Trevor Hoffman / Associated Press photo
the College of Optical Sciences, is now CTO at Urbix.
The alumni and research partnerships were made
possible by Tech Launch Arizona, the UA technology Hoffman Will Become
commercialization office, which collaborated with First Wildcat Inducted into
Small and Gangopadhyay to provide development
funding, protect the intellectual property and license Baseball Hall of Fame
the inventions to the company.
“The batteries being developed in our Mesa lab By Arizona Athletics
right now are more efficient, safer and longer-lasting
than current technologies,” Small says.
The Urbix batteries have shown stability at greater ormer Arizona Baseball legend Trevor Hoffman was
than 5.2 volts, a goal industry giants are seeking by Fselected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of
2024. Fame in January.
“This is a huge step forward for electric vehicles Hoffman, an 18-year Major League Baseball veteran
and utility storage,” Small says. “Batteries today are who played at Arizona in 1988 and 1989, will be the first
considered a consumable, but with our technology Wildcat to be inducted.
they will be classified as long-term assets, which He will be formally inducted on Sunday, July 29, in
is critical for renewable energy, [internet of things] Cooperstown, New York.
infrastructure and financing.” A member of the San Diego Padres for 16 of his 18
seasons and a seven-time All-Star, Hoffman saved 601
games, which established a National League record. His
601 saves are second all-time to Mariano Rivera.
He was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
in 2011.
One of the most prolific relievers in baseball history,
Hoffman was an infielder in college. He arrived at Arizona
prior to the 1988 season from Cypress Junior College. The
following season, Hoffman was a first-team All-Pac-10
South selection for the Wildcats.
Following the 1989 season, Hoffman was drafted by
the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round as a shortstop. But
by 1991, Hoffman had been moved to pitcher, where he saw
his career take off as one of the top pitchers in the game.

Amy Phillips, left, Tech Launch Arizona licensing manager,
with Adam Small / Paul Tumarkin photo

16 ARIZONA ALUMNI MAGAZINE