USTAR partner GrabCAD launches competition with NASA; USTAR Innovation Center offering 3D printer training for those wishing to enter

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GrabCAD, a partner of the Utah Science and Technology Research Initiative (USTAR)’s Innovation Center, is accepting submissions for their NASA Challenge for human rated spacecraft 3D printing process animation now through Aug. 10. The grand prize for the competition is $3,000. For the challenge, the Innovation Center, which is located in Clearfield, is offering interested … Read More

Congratulations To The 31st Annual Governor’s Medals For Science And Technology

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Earlier this month, during a lunchtime ceremony at the Utah Technology Innovation Summit, Governor Gary R. Herbert presented the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology to four individuals for their distinguished service and significant contributions to the state in science and technology. This year, USTAR received dozens of nominations that were reviewed by a panel … Read More

USTAR’s Inaugural Utah Technology Innovation Summit Highlights Utah’s Robust Deep Technology Economy

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The inaugural Utah Technology Innovation Summit was hosted by USTAR earlier this month with keynotes from government leaders on technology innovation policy, panels discussing autonomous systems, and funding and partnership options, and the presentation of the 31st Annual Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology by Governor Gary R. Herbert. With over 350 in attendance, the … Read More

Technology Experts and Government Leaders to Speak at Utah Technology Innovation Summit on June 6

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The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) will welcome national and local experts as they converge at the Utah Technology Innovation Summit in Salt Lake City on June 6. Panelists will share their knowledge and experience in technology commercialization, and several local government leaders will take the stage to discuss technology innovation in Utah. Governor … Read More

Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology Announced Winners to be Honored at the Utah Technology Innovation Summit on June 6

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Governor Gary R. Herbert, along with the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR), today announced the winners of the 2018 Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology. The medals will be presented to the four honorees at the Utah Technology Innovation Summit on June 6. “These medal recipients are defined by their tireless passion and service … Read More

Governor Mitt Romney to Keynote USTAR’s Utah Technology Innovation Summit

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Today, the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) announced Governor Mitt Romney will give the keynote address at the Utah Technology Innovation Summit on June 6. Governor Romney will address the role of innovation, science, and technology in economic development, alongside additional featured speakers and breakout presenters throughout the Summit, … Read More

USTAR Announces New Round of TAP Award Recipients

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The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) today announced the selection of its latest round of Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) grant awards. Thirteen companies, including three women-led companies and one rural company, and their technologies were recommended for funding through the competitive grant process that included panel reviews by industry and technical experts before … Read More

USTAR TRAVEL DIARY: GOVERNOR’S TRADE MISSION TO MEXICO APRIL 9 – 14, 2018

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Andrew Sweeney, Ph.D., recently returned from the governor’s trade mission to Mexico. Representing USTAR, he focused on assisting Utah technology companies explore new opportunities. Here is his day-by-day account: Day One: An Introduction to Mexico The trade mission delegation dined together for the first time. Governor Herbert came to our table and reminded us to … Read More

Top Ten Reasons to Attend USTAR’s Utah Technology Innovation Summit

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On June 6, 2018, hundreds of attendees will gather for the Utah Technology Innovation Summit, the state’s premier science and technology conference. The event is a unique opportunity to learn from leading thinkers and policymakers, explore ground-breaking ideas and technology and see how USTAR is catalyzing innovation across Utah. Some of the top reasons why you should attend this … Read More

USTAR Companies Recognized at 16th Annual Utah Innovation Awards

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Over half a dozen Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) supported companies and technologies were recognized on Thursday as winners, finalists, and honorable mentions at the 16th annual Utah Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel Rives LLP and the Utah Technology Council. Companies supported through USTAR grants, Rosivo, Blacksand Technology, and EDX Magnetics, each won … Read More

USTAR, WTC Utah Connect Utah Companies to Incubators, Investors in Mexico

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Utah companies attending a trade mission led by Governor Gary R. Herbert to Mexico this week had the opportunity to explore opportunities to collaborate with entrepreneurs at Startup Mexico, a nonprofit enterprise incubator, and meet with potential investors during a pitch event. The pitch event was organized by the Utah Science … Read More

2018 USTAR Legislative Recap

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Each Utah legislative session presents challenges and opportunities to support the mission of the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and promote technology-based economic development across the state. The 2018 Legislative Session ended with the passage of SB239, which modified USTAR’s statute. As signed by Governor Gary Herbert, the bill’s intent is to address … Read More

USTAR Support Propels Utah Startup from Mars to Market

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OxEon Energy, a rapidly growing Utah company, is working to unlock the potential in the $118B clean and renewable energy industry. OxEon’s core technology was initially developed to be used on the NASA 2020 Mars Rover launch. After getting the green light for that mission, OxEon turned to the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) … Read More

USU experiment that could ‘change the spacecraft industry’ launches on NASA rocket

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*This project was completed in-part with funding provided by the USTAR University Technology Acceleration Grants (UTAG) program. (KSL.com, by Liesl Nielsen) LOGAN — Locally-developed “green” thrusters that could potentially “change the small spacecraft industry” launched Sunday on a NASA rocket in Virginia. Designed and patented by Utah State University professor Stephen Whitmore, and built by his … Read More

USTAR Announces Latest Round of Awards to University Researchers

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The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) announced the selection of eight University Technology Acceleration Grant (UTAG) awards. “These projects are a testament to Utah’s innovative spirit,” said Ivy Estabrooke, Ph.D., USTAR executive director. “We received strong applications and these awardees represent projects with high potential to make significant impact in real world application.” … Read More

Ecosystem for Innovation – Acceleration through Cooperation

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Nestled in the heart of Silicon Slopes country is a unique incubator and business support center, Utah Valley University’s Vivint Business Resource Center (BRC). A host of state and federal resources and a number of startup businesses call the center home. In addition to the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative, the Small Business … Read More

Set to jet: USTAR grant upgrades USU engine test cell

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Step inside the jet engine test cell at Utah State University, and once you close two thick doors, you’ll notice much of the outside noise has dissipated. This is for good reason: to muffle the deafening sound of a jet engine ideal for a T-39 Sabreliner. “It does shake the building a little bit,” said … Read More

USTAR Accepting Letters of Intent for Spring Round of TAP Funding

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USTAR is now accepting letters of intent (LOI) for the spring round of its Technology Acceleration Program (TAP). LOIs are required to submit a full proposal and are being accepted at ustargrants.org until Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. “We are encouraged with the caliber of proposals submitted in past TAP rounds and look forward to … Read More

Nominations Open for Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology Awards

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Deadline for nominations is March 2 USTAR, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is now accepting nominations for the 31st Annual Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology Awards. The awards honor those who have made an impact across their careers and highlight accomplishments in 2017. Following the final selection of the … Read More

USTAR Announces Newest TAP Awards

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USTAR’s Governing Authority approved grant funding for 14 Utah companies through the Technology Acceleration Program (TAP). Companies represent Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch counties, and feature several industry sectors including Aerospace, Automation and Robotics, Big Data, Energy, and Life Science. “We received many strong proposals and recognize the competitiveness of this funding,” … Read More

USU professor works to improve battery efficiency for applications

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Tianbiao “Leo” Liu has been interested in battery chemistry for years. “Battery chemistry is pretty practical — you find battery applications everywhere,” said Liu, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Utah State University. “I think we have become like a heart for society.” With the idea that battery chemistry can be used to improve … Read More

Salem-based Inertial Sense announces breakthrough in Navigation Technology

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Inertial Sense, a USTAR Technology Acceleration Program awardee, recently announced a breakthrough in navigation technology –  news that they have the world’s smallest micro-INS. The Inertial Sense navigation system boasts s tiny footprint (smaller than 3 stacked dimes), precision positioning capabilities and simplified integration into multiple technologies including drones, robotics, and payload devices. “The Inertial … Read More

USTAR Innovation Center aimed at seeding aerospace startups

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(Deseret News, by Art Raymond) CLEARFIELD — The Utah Science, Technology and Research Initiative, the state’s tech-focused economic development agency, opened a new facility near Hill Air Force Base aimed at seeding new, Utah-based aerospace and innovation companies. The USTAR Innovation Center, located in Falcon Hill Research Park, can house multiple tenants, has co-working space … Read More

NEWEST ROUND OF USTAR TAP FUNDING OPENS

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USTAR’s fall round of Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) grants is now open. Required letters of intent, new for this program, are due Aug. 25, 2017, with submissions closing Oct. 2, 2017. TAP is a competitive research grant program designed for start-ups and early stage companies. Anticipated available funding for this round is approximately $2M. “We … Read More

Utah’s Upcoming Unconventional “Un-conference”

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If you think Internet of Things technologies are disruptive innovations, you are right. So, what better way to showcase and discuss the unconventional technology than an un-conference. Brigham Young University’s Phillip Windley is hosting the 3rd Utah Internet of Things Workshop on September 21st, 2017 at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. Windley, … Read More

Meet Wovyn: A recent USTAR TAP awardee and a recognized IoT company

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Utah has several companies leading the Internet of Things or IoT revolution. While there are large corporate leaders with a presence in the state like Microsoft, Verizon, and Intel, as well as Utah’s own Vivint Smart Home and Monnit, there are also quiet leaders in specific technology areas like Wovyn, the company that is ‘weaving … Read More

USTAR provides collaboration “glue” to strengthen southern Utah ecosystem

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Brant Ross, Ph.D., founder of St. George-based MotionPort, whose virtual prototyping technology enables companies to innovate faster and reduce costs, understands the value of collaboration. The winner of two NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, with help from USTAR’s SBIR-STTR Assistance Center, says he felt technically isolated after moving his company from Michigan to Utah … Read More

Batteries of the future? Look to Logan

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(Salt Lake Tribune, by Mike Gorrell) – The state is stepping up a second time to help make Electric Power Systems’ move into Utah a success. In May, EP Systems received an incentive of up to $1.67 million from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development board to manufacture batteries in Cache Valley. The project is … Read More

USTAR Awards Grants to Utah Companies and University Researchers

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USTAR awarded seven Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) grants and seven University Technology Acceleration Grants (UTAG) in its latest round of funding. “This round of cutting-edge technologies has potential to translate into improved monitoring systems and methods to test and validate drug and device therapies,” said Ivy Estabrooke, Ph.D., USTAR executive director. “Awardee projects span long-range … Read More

USTAR Industry Partnership Program Attracts EP Systems to Northern Utah

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For Immediate Release June 26, 2017 SALT LAKE CITY – Electric Power (EP) Systems and Utah State University (USU) recently became the newest recipients of a USTAR grant through the Industry Partnership Program (IPP). Previously headquartered in California, EP Systems has announced relocation to northern Utah specifically to take advantage of IPP and other state … Read More

California company relocating to Logan to build better battery technology

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(Deseret News, by Jasen Lee)– A California tech company is moving its headquarters to northern Utah to partner with Utah State University researchers to develop better battery technology. Electric Power Systems and USU recently became the newest recipients of a grant from the Utah Science Technology and Research, or USTAR, initiative through the Industry Partnership … Read More

Tech Center: Salt Lake City Taps Into Its Tech Startup Vibe

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(By, PYMNTS) — When the state of Utah comes to mind, a tech startup hot spot isn’t necessarily the first image that appears. Oddly enough, over the past few years its state capital of Salt Lake City has slowly grown its tech startup sector. With low taxes, cheap real estate and fresh talent from local … Read More

USTAR welcomes New Managing Director and Governing Authority member

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(Utah Policy)- Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) welcomes Brian Somers as its new managing director and Heather Zynczak as a member of the USTAR Governing Authority. “We are fortunate to have Brian join our team as managing director, and Heather to join the Governing Authority,” said Ivy Estabrooke, USTAR Executive Director.  “Both of these … Read More

Briefs: Energy, Leafs, keys, West Valley City

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(Salt Lake Tribune)– Created by USTAR and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development, the Energy Research Triangle program kicked off earlier this year by teaming with the Salt Lake Chamber to identify energy challenges facing local businesses. Now the founding agencies are offering grants of $125,000 to teams of at least three researchers from three different … Read More

USTAR revising role in making Utah tech matter

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(Deseret News, by Art Raymond)– Economic optimism was running high and state tax revenues were flowing hundreds of millions over expectations back in 2005, which made it a great time for then-Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to champion a novel, albeit expensive, new initiative that would work to distinguish Utah as a technology and innovation leader. And … Read More

USTAR Welcomes New Managing Director and Governing Authority Member

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Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) welcomes Brian Somers as its new managing director, and Heather Zynczak as a member of the USTAR Governing Authority. “We are fortunate to have Brian join our team as managing director, and Heather to join the Governing Authority,” said Ivy Estabrooke, USTAR Executive Director. “Both of these individuals bring … Read More

Ever Gonzalez: An outlier and innovator in entrepreneurial co-working

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(Utah Business) –“Our whole focus is to help entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses,” says Ever Gonzalez, founder of Outlier, a St. George-based media and events company. Looking to escape the “rat race” of Long Beach, California, Gonzalez migrated to southern Utah in 2006. The friendliness of the local business community and continued efforts … Read More

USTAR Grant Program Addressing Utah Water/Air Challenges Open

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The Energy Research Triangle (ERT) program is now accepting applications focused on finding rapid solutions to air and water challenges facing the energy industry. ERT is a competitive grant program that was created by USTAR and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development, in response to Governor Gary Herbert’s ten-year strategic energy plan. For this round … Read More

Making Utah Cities Smarter

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What makes a smart city, smart? According to the National League of Cities report, “a smart city is a city that has developed some technological infrastructure that enables it to collect, aggregate and analyze real-time data and has made a concerted effort to use that data to improve the lives of its residents.” There are … Read More

Navillum Nanotechnologies Invited to Prestigious Display Symposium

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Navillum Nanotechnologies, a resident company at BioInnovations Gateway (BiG) has been selected to present a prototype of their technology at I-Zone (Innovation Zone) Display Week 2017 in Los Angeles later this month, a prestigious opportunity in the display field. At this symposium, the Society for Information Display provides a forum for live demonstrations of emerging … Read More

Salt Lake Chamber Announces Two Business-Focused Water Conservation Programs

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(Utah Business) – Salt Lake City—In conjunction with Utah’s Water Week, the Salt Lake Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, hosted the third annual “Utah: Water is Your Business” Forum. The forum was an opportunity for business leaders to learn from local and national water experts about best practices and discuss how … Read More

Tour offers startups chance for seed money

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(Deseret News, by Jasen Lee) – Launching a small business is typically a challenging and expensive venture, especially for those in the technology or medical science space. But there is money available to help startups make it through the development stages if they know where to look and how to apply. For the first time in … Read More

U of U President Names Dr. Lorris Betz Interim Senior Vice President

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(ABC4 Utah) — Dr. Vivian Lee’s replacement has been named. Lee resigned as the CEO of U of U Health on Friday. In a statement, University of Utah President David W. Pershing says, “I am pleased to announce that Dr. A. Lorris Betz has agreed to serve as interim senior vice president for the University of … Read More

U. tops nation for tech startups, innovations

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(Deseret News, by Art Raymond) — When it comes to generating business startups and converting research into commercially viable enterprises, the University of Utah leads the nation, according to the Milken Institute’s 2017 rankings of the Best Universities for Technology Transfer. Between 2012 and 2015, the University of Utah generated more than $210 million in licensing … Read More

SBIR Road Tour Comes to Utah Seeking Entrepreneurs in Need of Seed Funding

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For the first time in over 15 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is bringing the SBIR Road Tour to Utah. Representatives of 10 federal agencies offering non-dilutive technology seed funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will arrive at the USTAR SBIR-STTR Assistance Center (SSAC) … Read More

University of Utah designs self-focusing spectacle lenses

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(Healio.com) – Researchers at the University of Utah created a compact tunable-focus liquid lens suitable for adaptive, smart eyeglass application. “Most people who get reading glasses have to put them on and take them off all the time,” Carlos Mastrangelo, University of Utah electrical and computer engineering professor, said in a press release from the … Read More

Silicon Slopes Vs. Silicon Valley: Four Tech Unicorns, Thousands Of Startups, No Frenzy

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(Forbes, By, Amy Feldman) – Back in 2004, when Aaron Skonnard founded Farmington, Utah-based Pluralsight, an online tech education company, venture capital firms weren’t paying much attention to the Beehive State. So Skonnard and his cofounders bootstrapped the company. Times have changed. Pluralsight – now one of Utah’s high-profile unicorns – has drawn nearly $200 million in … Read More

Person 2 Person: Ivy Estabrooke, USTAR Executive Director

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(KUTV) Ivy Estabrooke is the Executive Director for USTAR, which stands for the Utah Science, Technology, and Research Initiative. Watch Video Here The initiative is designed to do technology-based economic development for the state. “We’re trying to make sure that good ideas can become companies and keep building and diversifying our economy,” Estabrooke described. Tech … Read More

If I knew then… Ivy Estabrooke

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(CRAIN’s Utah) — The mistake: I went to Georgetown University and was working on my Ph.D. in neuroscience. About halfway through, I realized I wasn’t cut out for an academic career. I went to the career services office and filled out a survey questionnaire, using a number two pencil. The results came back a couple … Read More

Who deserves praise and criticism this week in Northern Utah?

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(The Standard Examiner)- THUMBS UP: To breaking ground on the next installment at “Silicon Hill,” a 550-acre development resulting from a public-private partnership between the Air Force and Sunset Ridge Development Partners. The new 21,000-square-foot Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative building in the Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research Park will include an “innovation center” to … Read More

Construction begins on USTAR Innovation Center

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(Hilltop Times)–  HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Developers at Hill Air Force Base broke ground on another new construction project March 3, creating more space for new jobs near the base. Air Force and Utah officials participated in a ceremony to mark the progress at Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research Park. The new 21,000 … Read More

Construction of new building, cornerstone of ‘Silicon Hill,’ begins at Hill AFB

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(Standard Examiner, by Mitch Shaw) — Construction of the first “outside-the-fence” tech building at a massive Hill Air Force Base development carries with it some lofty expectations. Last week, ground was broken for a new 21,000-square-foot building at the Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research Park, a 550-acre public-private partnership between the Air Force and Sunset Ridge Development … Read More

USTAR TAP applications open; Sen. Mike Lee talks global trade; Vineyard’s Waters Edge wins builder award

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(Daily Herald, by Karissa Neely) — USTAR Technology Acceleration Program grant applications open The Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative opened the second round of the Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) for applications on Monday. Letters of intent, which are not required, are due March 13, and submissions close March 29. TAP is a competitive … Read More

USTAR hopes Davis tech incubator leads to ‘Silicon Hills’

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(Deseret News- By, Jason Lee) — Utah’s next big technology-oriented corridor may be in the making in northern Davis County, where officials hope to kick-start high-tech companies at “Silicon Hills” on land leased from the Air Force. Ground was ceremonially broken Friday on the 21,000-square-foot Utah Science Technology and Research Innovation Center at the Falcon … Read More

$2.5 million up for grabs for Utah tech companies

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(Deseret News- By, Art Raymond ) SALT LAKE CITY— Utah tech startups and early-stage technology businesses have until March 29 to join the competition for a slice of $2.5 million in grant money from the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative through its Technology Accelerator Program. The TAP funding is aimed at giving Utah for-profit businesses a … Read More

MetaShield’s embedded glass-based nano-coating improves light trapping

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(PV-TECH.org)-MetaShield has developed its proprietary ‘MetaShieldPV’ nano-coating technology that increases solar cell efficiency using advanced light trapping. Upon application, the product solidifies in air at room temperature and forms a thin film layer with refractive index of ~1.5. Problem On average, 10% of the sunlight that enters a solar cell bounces around inside of the … Read More

USTAR TAP Application for Utah Start-Ups, Opens Monday

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Salt Lake City, UT– The Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative will open the second round of their Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) for applications on Monday, February 27, 2017. Letters of intent, which are not required, are due March 13, 2017, and submissions close March 29, 2017. TAP is a competitive research grant program, … Read More

Utah becomes breeding ground for technology entrepreneurship

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(Universe.BYU.edu, By: Lauren Hanson)–Unicorn companies, Silicon Slopes, and high-tech mecca — all phrases that have investors turning their heads in recent years to look at Utah’s entrepreneur potential. Utah was ranked No. 1 in innovation and entrepreneurship and No. 2 in high-tech performance by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this year, and it has also recently … Read More

USTAR Announces Winners of 21st Century Communities Challenge

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SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative partnered with Salt Lake County Mayor, Ben McAdams and the Sorenson Impact Center to host the 21st Century Communities Challenge Thursday, January 26, 2017. The challenge, a part of the Winter Innovation Summit, was held at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention … Read More

Flipping the switch on ammonia production

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Feb. 3, 2017— Nearly a century ago, German chemist Fritz Haber won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for a process to generate ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen gases. The process, still in use today, ushered in a revolution in agriculture, but now consumes around one percent of the world’s energy to achieve the high pressures … Read More

Gender Equality Isn’t Political—See Utah For Proof

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By: Patricia Jones is the CEO of the Women’s Leadership Institute. She is also the cofounder and former President of the polling and market research firm Dan Jones & Associates and served in the Utah Legislature for 14 years. Utah broke for Trump 45% to Clinton’s 27%, but the state’s strides in gender equality may point the way … Read More

Engineers develop ‘smart glasses’ that automatically focus on what wearer sees

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(Phys.org)– The days of wearing bifocals or constantly swapping out reading glasses might soon come to an end. A team led by University of Utah electrical and computer engineering professor Carlos Mastrangelo and doctoral student Nazmul Hasan has created “smart glasses” with liquid-based lenses that can automatically adjust the focus on what a person is seeing, … Read More

Innovation Idol: Pitch Application

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The Leonardo, in partnership USTAR, is seeking Utah’s top innovators to compete in our Innovation Idol pitch competition. The evening of February 17th, five selected innovators will pitch for $3,000.00 to move their projects forward. If you have a prototype stage startup, and want a chance to pitch for $3,000.00, complete the application below.Inspired by … Read More

USTAR UTAG Application Opens To Universities, Monday

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Salt Lake City, UT– The Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative will open the second round of their University Technology Acceleration Grant (UTAG) program for applications on Monday, January 23. Letters of intent, which are not required, are due February 10 and submissions close February 23, 2017. UTAG is a competitive research grant program, … Read More

USTAR’S SSAC Named 2016 Tibbetts Award Winner

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SBIR-STTR Assistance Center recognized for contribution to Utah’s technology community Salt Lake City, UT– The Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded one of its highest honors, the Tibbetts Award, to Utah Science Technology and Research’s (USTAR) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Assistance Center (SSAC). The award was presented at … Read More

Grant Aims to Accelerate Utah’s Energy Solutions through University Collaboration and Student Innovation

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Salt Lake City, UT– The Energy Research Triangle (ERT), a partnership between the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative and the Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED), is pleased to announce the awardees of the 2017 grant programs. Now in its third cohort, the ERT program offers two competitive grants, including the ERT-Professor and … Read More

USTAR Announces 20 UTAG Awardees from Five Utah Universities

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Salt Lake City, UT– The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) has awarded 20 researchers grants in the first round of its University Technology Acceleration Grant (UTAG) program. Awarded researchers span the state’s targeted technology sectors from energy and clean technology to life sciences, automation and robotics, big data, and advanced materials. USTAR anticipates … Read More

U.S. Department of Energy Project Sets the Stage for Nearly $10 Million Investment in Enhanced Geothermal Systems Research

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EGI’s Geothermal Group spent much of 2015 engaged in the initial phase of the U.S. Department of Energy’s FORGE program for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The innovative and exciting endeavor aims to create a dedicated field site “where scientists and engineers will develop, test, and accelerate breakthroughs in EGS technologies.” The team of geologists, engineers, … Read More

Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology Winners Announced

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SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 5, 2017)—Gov. Gary R. Herbert, along with the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), today announced the winners of the 2016 Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology. The medals will be presented to 11 individuals and one company at a 30th anniversary … Read More

USTAR Names Second Round of Awardees for TAP Program

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Salt Lake City, UT– The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) has awarded 26 early stage companies grants in the second round of its Technology Acceleration Program (TAP). Awardees span the state’s targeted technology sectors from energy and clean tech to life sciences, automation and robotics, and big data. USTAR anticipates awarding a total … Read More

University Of Utah Will Showcase Four New Technologies At CES 2017

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By LEE HALE, KUER The University of Utah will showcase four new technologies at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2017 in Las Vegas, including one that could change how people wear eyeglasses. Although it’s a campus holiday, a team of graduate students are busy working at the Sorensen Biotechnology Building on the University of Utah campus. … Read More

3 things the flyover states need to compete with Silicon Valley

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Note: This article originally appeared on VentureBeat.com IVY ESTABROOKE, USTAR In the first presidential debate of 2016, Secretary Clinton pointed to innovation as a key to economic prosperity saying, “I want us to invest in you. I want us to invest in your future. That means jobs in infrastructure, in advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology, clean, renewable … Read More

USTAR Provides Utah Entrepreneurs with $639K in Funding Through its TAP Pilot Round

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Salt Lake City—The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR), Utah’s premier technology-based economic development program, today announced its Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) has provided $639,000 to 12 early-stage companies throughout Utah in its pilot round, a result of the initiative’s new direction in helping build a robust innovation ecosystem in Utah. USTAR also released … Read More

IDbyDNA Raises $9 Million in Series A to Bring Precision Medicine to Infectious Diseases

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IDbyDNA, a precision medicine company focused on metagenomic approaches for infectious disease identification, announced today that it has closed $9 million in Series A financing. ARTIS Ventures led the round, with additional investments from ARUP Laboratories and other private investors. The funds will be used to further develop its Taxonomer-based DNA search technologies and to … Read More

USTAR Launches University Technology Acceleration Grant, Accepting Proposals for Technology Acceleration Program

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The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative is pleased to announce it is accepting proposals for two of its grant programs, the Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) and the University Technology Acceleration Grants (UTAG). These programs target automation and robotics, aerospace, advanced materials, big data, energy and clean technology and the life sciences sectors. USTAR’s TAP, … Read More

USTAR to hold Confluence 2016: Where Innovation Meets Economic Development on Oct 4-5

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On Oct. 4-5, the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) will hold its third annual two-day research and commercialization workshop, 2016 Confluence: Where Innovation Meets Economic Development, at the James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building on the University of Utah campus. The event seeks to stimulate economic and commercial excitement within Utah, while providing … Read More

Future Neuroscientists to Compete in International Brain Bee

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Future neuroscientists and neurologists from around the world will be meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark to compete in the 18th World Championship of the International Brain Bee (IBB) from July 1 to 6, 2016. The IBB is a neuroscience competition for students, 13 to 19 years of age and is comprised of over 170 chapters worldwide. This year’s … Read More

USTAR Announces Technology Acceleration Program Awardees

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The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) has awarded 12 companies funding for the pilot round of its Technology Acceleration Program (TAP).  Awardees span the state’s targeted technology sectors from energy and clean tech to life sciences, automation and robotics, and advanced materials. A competitive funding program for Utah-based science and technology startups and … Read More

USTAR Announces RIoT Event at UVU

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On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) will hold its Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT) event from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Utah Valley University (UVU). The event will serve as an introduction to the USTAR RIoT program and will outline the current state of the IoT, the … Read More

USTAR Launches Technology Acceleration Program

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The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) is pleased to announce it is accepting proposals for the pilot round of its pre-seed funding program, the Technology Acceleration Program (TAP), which is intended to support technology development and prototyping work in private industry in support of science and technology related economic development in Utah. TAP … Read More

USTAR Spin-Out Receives Phase I Grant from the Grand Challenge Tuberculosis Control Program

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Nanosynth, a USTAR supported University of Utah spin-out, in conjunction with its partner MGM Institute of Health Sciences (Mumbai) have been awarded a Phase I grant from the Grand Challenges Tuberculosis Control Program (GC-TBC). GC-TBC is an initiative that addresses the global health challenge of TB control by encouraging development and advancement of technology. The … Read More

Governor Kicks off New Year by Honoring Leaders in Science and Tech

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Ten individuals and one company will receive the Governor’s Medal for Excellence SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Governor Gary R. Herbert, along with the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) agency and the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (GOED), announced today the 2015 winners of the Governor’s Medals for Excellence in Science and Technology. The medals will … Read More

USTAR Central

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As our world moves toward greater connectivity and automation, we see the need to focus efforts in Utah on an emerging technology area. As new developments are made in AI, automation, droids and self-driving cars, USTAR Central is embracing the robot revolution and looking to the future. We promote, support and accelerate technology development in … Read More

USTAR East

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A sharp decrease in oil prices combined with recent federal regulations related to the environment have disrupted the status quo in the energy industry. Companies once focused on producing energy as quickly as possible now must produce energy as efficiently as possible. From this lean economic environment, unprecedented opportunity for innovation has been born. Utah … Read More

USTAR North

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The USTAR North Office is a high-tech incubator – the Innovation Center. One of the primary goals of the USTAR North Innovation Center is to provide technology companies maximum flexibility while working closely with them to develop their ideas and technologies, provide the physical space and specialized equipment for rapid prototyping and product development, and … Read More

USTAR’s SBIR-STTR Assistance Center – Winning for Utah

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Written by Mary Cardon, director of USTAR’s SBIR-STTR Assistance Center Utah’s small businesses with a focus on technology have an additional team member to find and win non-equity research and development funds – USTAR’s SBIR-STTR Assistance Center (SSAC). In FY16, the Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), will oversee … Read More

Interfacial Nanofiber Composites for Trace Alkane Detection

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Written by USTAR professor Ling Zang Detecting alkane vapors is a major concern for a variety of industries. For example, it would improve the detection of leaks in oil wells and pipelines. Alkane sensors would also enable the detection of the improvised explosive ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil). Ammonium nitrate is easy to detect, but there … Read More

Nanosynth

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What if there was a way to test tuberculosis with one breath of air? That is the technology NanoSynth, a spinout company from the University of Utah, has developed. Manoranjan Misra, president and co-founder of NanoSynth, originally discovered this technology ten years ago while working as a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. When … Read More