Uber has entered a research-and-development partnership with the University of Arizona that will pave the way for self-driving vehicles in that state, Gov. Doug Ducey has announced.

As a result, the university will become home to Uber's mapping test vehicles. The partnership will focus on development in the optics space for mapping and safety. Uber will donate $25,000 to the College of Optical Sciences for future research at the school.

Under the agreement, state agencies will take steps to enable testing and operation of self-driving vehicles on public roads in the state.

An executive order signed by Gov. Ducey allows the state's Department of Transportation to implement additional rules governing autonomous vehicles.

In May, the Pittsburgh Business Times captured a photo of an Uber self-driving vehicle prototype.