Sierra Vista startup company Artificial Intelligence Game Master (AIGM) was recently named an IdeaFunding 2025 top 25 finalist.
AIGM is a local startup that seeks to revolutionize the tabletop role playing game industry by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to act as game master in a variety of role-playing games. In 2024, AIGM Founder Adam Mayer won the Cochise County Moonshot Rural Pitch Competition. Mayer’s first place win garnered $2,100 in cash and prizes, plus he got to compete at the state level against other first place winners.
Mayer’s startup company was also selected by the City of Sierra Vista and Sky Islands Regional Partnership (SIRP) as last year’s University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) Sponsored Launch winner. The City and SIRP sponsored AIGM for one year admission at UACI, which included a structured incubation program, customized business mentoring, and the ability to work alongside other startups in a fast-paced environment. Other UACI admission amenities included office space, wet/dry laboratory space, shared lab equipment, prototyping center use, and assistance through a 28-point roadmap that helps refine business models to obtain funding.
Mayer says the sponsorship was instrumental in helping him avoid many pitfalls that young entrepreneurs like himself are unaware of. At UACI, he’s been working with a team of subject matter experts in finance, team building, marketing, and grant opportunities. The incubator program has also helped him garner potential investment, which will help with seed costs for his startup. AIGM is currently in the early stages of development.
Now, AIGM has received another notable accolade: IdeaFunding 2025 top 25 finalist! Co-led by Startup Tucson and the UACI, IdeaFunding has played a significant role in the entrepreneurial landscape and is Southern Arizona’s largest and longest running pitch competition. AIGM's top 25 selection represents a significant achievement as over 130 applicants applied from across southern Arizona.
AIGM will pitch against four other companies in the Community Building industry category for a chance to win another $1,500 to advance the business. The IdeaFunding 2025 competition will take place at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson on March 27, 2025, starting at 7 p.m.
“We are thrilled to see Adam Mayer continue his entrepreneurial journey and take advantage of the resources available to advance his company,” City Business Liaison Dianna Cameron says. “His accomplishment also represents a milestone in the collaborative efforts between the City and Sky Islands Regional Partnership to bolster entrepreneurship in Sierra Vista and Cochise County.”
Mayer says that it was encouragement from the City, SIRP, and the Small Business Development Center that inspired him to push forward in pursuing his business. As he gears up for IdeaFunding 2025, Mayer hopes to meet people that are passionate about his product and he’s excited to network with other entrepreneurs and experts.
“I’m looking forward to learning from people on the panel, from other contestants, and from other people speaking there so I can add their experience and wisdom to my business,” Mayer says.
The City and SIRP are hosting the Cochise County Moonshot competition on Friday, April 11, and look forward to opening applications for the Sponsored Launch in May.
