PEI funds Arizona startups developing helmet safety tech and grid software

Partnership for Economic Innovation is backing two Arizona-built technologies with nearly $190,000 in applied research funding, aiming to move both projects closer to market. The grants support a haptic motorcycle helmet from Hi Vis Technology and utility software from Power-Fabric as both companies work with Arizona State University on testing and pilot prep.

Why it matters: - The funding helps two Arizona startups shorten the path from prototype to commercial launch. - The projects target two fast-growing problem areas: motorcycle safety and electric-grid management for AI data center demand. - The combined project value rises to nearly $379,000 after required private matching funds from each company. - PEI says continued investment in the Applied Research Centers program can expand Arizona's pipeline of commercial-ready technology.

What happened: - Partnership for Economic Innovation funded two new applied research projects through its Applied Research Centers initiative. - Hi Vis Technology received support for a haptic motorcycle helmet designed to reduce rider fatalities. - Power-Fabric received support for an enterprise-ready platform for electric utilities to manage growing AI data center loads on the grid. - The announcement was made Oct. 21, 2026, in Phoenix. - Both companies are working with Arizona State University researchers for lab testing before field pilots.

The details: - Hi Vis Technology holds a U.S. patent for its Advanced Rider Assistance System, or ARAS. - ARAS delivers tactile alerts for blind spots, forward collisions and lane departures inside the helmet. - The helmet design lets riders receive alerts without taking their eyes off the road. - Lynne Nethken, chief operating officer of Hi Vis Technology, said motorcyclists make up roughly 3% of registered vehicles but nearly 16% of U.S. traffic fatalities. - Nethken said the funding gives Hi Vis Technology the resources to adapt rider safety technology that car drivers already use. - Power-Fabric is developing a large-load management system, or LLMS, for electric utilities. - The platform is designed to help utilities plan and operate the grid with flexibility and real-time situational awareness. - Power-Fabric says the system can speed up data center connections while helping avoid costly infrastructure upgrades for peak load. - The company has already demonstrated the platform at ASU with an Arizona-based utility. - Grant funding will help move Power-Fabric from proof of concept to market readiness. - The overall funding also requires matching private investment from each recipient company.

Between the lines: - PEI is using applied research dollars to de-risk startup technology at a stage where lab validation and customer adoption are still ahead. - The projects line up with Arizona's push to turn local research into local companies and jobs. - The utility software angle also reflects a broader race to support AI infrastructure without overbuilding the grid. - Kathleen Lee, PEI's director of applied research, said the program is built to support bold, solutions-driven thinking that can reach market faster. - Jeff Guldner, retired president of APS and CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, said the utility tools are aimed at helping utilities serve AI customers while keeping the grid reliable and affordable.

What's next: - Hi Vis Technology and Power-Fabric will complete lab testing with Arizona State University researchers. - Both companies are expected to move toward field pilots after testing. - The funding is intended to support faster development, hiring and investor interest as the startups progress toward commercialization. - More information is available through PEI's Applied Research Centers.