Utah Business Innovation Awards Summit presented by Nucleus
Utah Business
Innovation Awards Summit
presented by Nucleus
A statewide celebration of problem-solving, creativity and technology.
Utah ranks No. 1 in the nation for innovative capacity. Our economic system supports the creation and implementation of good ideas, and Utah Business is celebrating the people who work to build them.
Join us in spotlighting the brightest innovators, boldest founders and most forward-thinking companies at the Innovation Awards Summit, Utah’s statewide celebration of problem-solving, creativity and technology.
This dynamic, half-day event includes:
Dynamic presentations on the state of innovation in Utah with innovation experts and successful inventors
An interactive Innovations Fair, where entrepreneurs and inventors display and demo their product(s) with attendees
Networking with other innovators, investors and business leaders
A high-stakes speed pitch competition, where selected applicants will take the stage for 60 seconds to convince a panel of judges their company should take home the check
Innovation Awards luncheon and ceremony
Attendees to the Innovation Awards Summit will witness cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, including tech, health sciences, aerospace, manufacturing, consumer goods and more, while making connections with fellow innovators.
We will roll out the red carpet for the 2026 Innovation Award honorees, sharing their stories and expressing gratitude for their impact in driving Utah’s innovation ecosystem forward.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, student, or innovator, this event is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the leaders shaping the future of business in Utah and make connections that help you achieve your business growth goals.
Nucleus Fund Introduction (Copy)
Nucleus Fund Introduction
September 2, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
Nucleus Fund Introduction (Copy) (Copy)
Nucleus Fund Introduction
September 16, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
MARS Center Open House
The Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center (MARS) will be hosting an open house on Sept. 17 - 18, 2026. to showcase its vertically integrated factory for pilot-scale fabrication of high-temperature ceramics.
n^Boost Conference at Utah Tech
n^Boost Conference at Utah Tech
Make it stand out
A day to change your life! Come be inspired by great builders, learn 1 on 1 from industry mentors, and connect with other doers!
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
n^ Reference Group featuring Harry O'Connell of Canary Speech & Bradden Blair of Cobalt
Excited to share the journey of Harry O'Connell and his path to founding Canary Speech along with his now deceased long-time friend Jeff Adams. We'll share their story and the parallel path of Bradden Blair (who purchased Cobalt - Canary's GTM partner) in building a world where we use voice data to infer what's really going on.
Canary Speech is building a business that is now doubling every quarter - it's a fascinating story for all!
Department of War SBIR/STTR Hybrid Workshop
Join Nucleus Grow for a free hybrid workshop focused on the Department of War (DoW) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Whether you're new to DoW funding or preparing to submit a proposal, this workshop will provide practical guidance on navigating one of the nation's largest sources of non-dilutive research and development funding.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of the DoW SBIR/STTR program, current funding opportunities, proposal strategies, and resources available to help Utah companies compete successfully.
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Kiln, Lehi, UT (Hybrid Event)
Attendees Receive:
Complimentary breakfast (In-person attendees)
Free parking
Resources, including templates, sample documents, a proposal task list, presentation slides, and a recommended application timeline
Opportunities to network (In-person attendees)
Virtual Attendance:
Can't make it in person? Register to attend virtually.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, researcher, or small business interested in working with the Department of War, this workshop will help you better understand the SBIR/STTR process and position your technology for future funding opportunities.
Register today to reserve your spot!
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
August 19, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Aug 5, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
One Utah Summit 2026
The One Utah Summit is the premier rural event with a rich history of convening Utah's top leaders and decision-makers that influence the economic viability of Utah. Hosted in Cedar City on Southern Utah University's campus, the Summit provides the ideal platform where partners will discuss some of the most influential topics impacting rural Utah .
The future of Utah is built when the right people are in the room. This year's One Utah Summit will explore the theme "Building Prosperity for Generations," bringing together leaders, innovators, business owners, community builders, and changemakers from across the state to strengthen economic opportunity and shape what comes next for Utah.
National Institutes of Heath (NIH) Hybrid SBIR/STTR Workshop
Are you planning to submit a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal?
Join Nucleus Grow for an NIH SBIR/STTR Workshop, available in person or virtually, to gain an in-depth understanding of the NIH funding process, proposal requirements, and best practices for developing a competitive SBIR/STTR application.
This workshop marks the first NIH solicitation following the recent SBIR/STTR reauthorization and will provide important insights into the current program, funding opportunities, and proposal expectations.
What You'll Learn
Current NIH SBIR/STTR guidelines and requirements
Tips and strategies for both first-time and experienced applicants
Common proposal pitfalls and how to avoid them
Resources available to support your application journey
Opportunities to connect with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs
What's Included
This free workshop includes:
Breakfast
Free parking at The Kiln
NIH-specific proposal resources developed by Nucleus Grow, including:
NIH Proposal Task List
Templates and sample documents
Presentation slides
A recommended proposal timeline to help guide your application process
A virtual attendance link will be provided to registered participants prior to the event.
Whether you're exploring NIH funding for the first time or preparing your next proposal, this workshop will provide practical guidance and resources to help you move forward with confidence.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
July 15, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Small Business & Faculty Mixer
Are you looking for research expertise, specialized facilities, or university partners to help advance your technology?
Apply to present at the Small Business & Faculty Mixer on July 8, 2026, at the University of Utah. Selected companies will have the opportunity to showcase their technology and connect with faculty researchers working in:
Aerospace
Advanced Manufacturing
AI & Security
Critical Minerals
Quantum Technologies
The goal? Build collaborations that can lead to technology development, research partnerships, and future SBIR/STTR opportunities.
📅 July 8, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 University of Utah
Presentation space is limited.
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
July 1, 2026
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
n^ Reference Group featuring Shea McGee of Studio McGee
Few people have built a business that transcends across retail, design, social media, Netflix, etc - Shea has built a monster brand and we’re grateful she will sit down and share some time with us at our next Reference Group!
We will peel back the curtain on her story! Hope you’ll join us for this one!
AI Builder Day
AI Builder Day
Presented by JustBuild and the Startup State Initiative. In partnership with UVU Applied AI Lab and HITLAB from Columbia University.
Two days to learn, build, and launch.
AI Builder Day brings together engineers, students, founders, business owners, and anyone curious about AI for Utah's biggest builder event.
Who should attend?
Engineers and builders. Designers and product thinkers. Founders and operators. Students (high school and university). Business owners wanting to build with AI. Anyone curious. No experience required.
What to expect:
Hands-on workshops covering the latest AI tools. Bounty tracks from real companies with real problems. Team formation and mentorship. Final demos in front of investors and ecosystem leaders.
Agenda details to follow but we will start at Noon on 6/17, Bounty presentations will begin at 2pm and you'll have 24 hours to complete your builds for 2pm judging.
Bounties provided by David AI, Waystar, Halda AI, Philo Ventures, and GOED.
And thank you to our partners: Governor's Office of Economic Development, Nucleus Institute, Silicon Slopes, Utah Tech Week.
Join the JustBuild Slack for event updates and team formation: https://tinyurl.com/jbslack
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Claude SMB Workshop
Claude SMB Workshop
AI Fluency for Small and Medium Business Leaders
Learn how to put AI to work. Fewer errors. Faster turnaround. Work you can actually put your name on.
Join Anthropic, Goldman Sachs, Salt Lake Community College, and Nucleus for a half-day AI fluency training and hands-on workshop for business owners and operators who want to learn how to leverage AI to solve real world business problems.
No prior experience needed. Just practical skills you can put to work the next morning, and a room full of local leaders problem solving alongside you.
Please register by June 9th. This workshop is designed for small and mid-sized business leaders, and a brief application helps us bring together a room of peers facing similar challenges — keeping the day focused and valuable for everyone.
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
CapTable Management with Nucleus & JPMorgan
CapTable Management with Nucleus & JPM
Nucleus Institute and JP Morgan are co-hosting a free lunch-and-learn on cap table management: what to get right from day one, the mistakes that create real problems at Series A and beyond, and how to manage as you raise. This is a virtual event - bring your own lunch.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
n^ Reference Group featuring Adam Fife- CEO of CenCore
n^ Reference Group featuring Adam Fife — CEO of CenCore
Few people have built a business that does $1B in revenue!
And even fewer have done it while maintaining anonymity!!!
At our next Reference Group we start to peel back the curtain behind what Adam Fife built at CenCore! He has raised zero dollars to build his company into one of the largest companies in Utah!
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Utah SBIR 101 Workshop
SBIR 101 Workshop
Learn about America’s Seed Fund, the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the Nucleus Grow’s services for small businesses interested in applying for this nondilutive funding.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
Hill Industry Partner Exchange – HIPE
What started as a collaborative concept between the Aerospace and Defense industry of Northern Utah & the State of Utah — has resulted in the creation of the Hill Industry Partner Exchange (HIPE) event.
This three-day outreach experience provides a unique opportunity for aerospace & supply chain professionals to meet & discuss current issues, trends, lessons learned, technology, requirements, and the future of the USAF supply chain.
Professionals from military, state government, industry, and academia will join at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. This year’s theme will be centered on, “Rapidly Changing Environments.” Attendees will hear from industry innovators, academia, State representatives and military keynote speakers.
2026 State of Innovation
2026 State of Innovation
Where Utah aligns on the future of our innovation economy.
The State of Innovation is the annual convening of leaders from across industry, government, and higher education to define the priorities of Utah’s innovation economy and propel our ecosystem forward.
This isn’t your typical conference.
This is Utah’s annual moment to step back, align across ecosystem sectors, and shape what comes next for the state’s innovation economy. It’s your chance to have your voice heard. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your expertise at Utah’s Innovation Strategy Session.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
n^ Reference Group featuring Jeff Martin of Stalwart Ventures
We’re hosting a special n^Reference Group session with Jeff Martin—one of the more quietly influential builders behind the evolution of digital media, mobile commerce, and platform ecosystems.
Jeff has operated at the intersection of technology, media, and distribution for decades:
Early Apple executive, working directly with Steve Jobs post-NeXT acquisition and helping launch products like iMac, Mac OS X, and early digital media initiatives
Pioneer in mobile music and commerce (pre-iPhone), helping establish the first legal mobile music ecosystems and contributing to the foundation of mobile wallets
Founder behind companies that drove over $1B in mobile entertainment revenue and helped shape how artists, brands, and consumers connect digitally
Investor, advisor, and board member across institutions like the Smithsonian, National Academy of Sciences, and leading global tech and education organizations
He’s also been deeply involved in global innovation efforts—from the UN to the Abraham Accords—while continuing to invest and build through Stalwart Ventures.
Why this one matters:
Jeff’s career is a blueprint for seeing around corners—identifying platform shifts before they’re obvious (desktop → mobile → commerce → immersive), and positioning early.
What we’ll get into:
How to spot the next platform shift early
What founders consistently misunderstand about distribution and timing
Lessons from working alongside iconic operators (including Steve Jobs)
Where he’s placing bets today—and why
This will be a small, high-trust conversation with plenty of time for discussion.
Thanks to JP Morgan for sponsoring lunch.
Startup Launchpad
Join University of Utah Innovation for the second annual U Startup Launchpad, a proud partner of BioHive Week 2026!
Go from discovery to startup!
Startup Launchpad is a one-day summit for researchers, founders, investors, and entrepreneurs building—or interested in—science-based ventures.
Learn from the best of Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and network with founders, funders, and partners shaping the next generation of innovation-driven companies.
Agenda:
8-8:45am Breakfast & Networking
8:45-11:30am Morning Keynotes
11:30am-12pm Networking lunch / Round Table Discussions
12:30-3pm Afternoon Workshops
Featured speakers include Chris Gibson, founder of Recursion (worth $1.8B) & Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City.
PSM Summit: Innovation in Action
Join us for our Annual PSM Summit:
Innovation in Action
A showcase of the real-world impact of collaboration between academia and industry.
We'll highlight PSM students’ industry-applied projects and bring in local leaders to discuss the future of their sectors.
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Nucleus Fund Introduction
Event is virtual - Zoom link will be shared upon registration
An overview of the Nucleus Fund, a $40M evergreen, state-backed venture fund investing in Utah-based deep tech companies. The session will cover required investment criteria under HB 530, the student-led diligence model, fund process and timelines, and typical check sizes and structures.
Recommended for Utah companies considering or actively raising equity financing, particularly those in life sciences, energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, cyber, or other emerging technologies. The session will conclude with open Q&A.
n^ Reference Group featuring Ryan Anderson of Filevine
I recently met Ryan Anderson and was immediately blown away by the speed, intensity, and way he operates.
Ryan founded Filevine in 2015 and has turned it into a multibillion dollar legal tech platform currently serving over 6,000 clients!
Hope you’ll join us for this rare opportunity to learn how Ryan builds a tribe of relentless doers building a unicorn here in Utah!