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 Christian Gardner and Chad Staheli
Utah is entering a once-in-a-generation moment. Silicon Slopes continues to attract global talent and capital, but the next chapter requires we develop physical spaces (and quite honestly, cities) that match the opportunity.
Join us as we sit down with Christian Gardner (CEO, Gardner Group), Chad Staheli (CEO & Managing Partner, Philo Ventures), for an inside look at how large-scale development, early-stage capital, and grassroots networks are converging in Utah.
Gardner Group has developed more than 30M sq ft across Silicon Slopes, including the Pelion HQ at Baltic Pointe, the Pluralsight headquarters, and Adobe’s Lehi campus—projects that anchor the region’s tech ecosystem.
Philo Ventures is shaping whole municipalities, from the 1,400-unit Willow project near Kanab to a 4,500-acre Wasatch County community planned ahead of the 2034 Olympics.
This session will explore sustainable growth, housing, community design, and how Utah’s built environment and tech sector reinforce each other. If you care about where Utah is heading, this conversation will give you a clear look at the future taking shape.
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 Brad Stulberg & Kat Kennedy
Becoming a great leader doesn't happen overnight. It takes consistent effort. During this Reference Group, we'll share practical steps by which you can improve as a leader.
Becoming a great leader doesn't happen overnight. It takes consistent effort. During this Reference Group, we'll share practical steps by which you can improve as a leader.
I've had many conversations with Kat (GP at Kickstart VC) about what she looks for in founders and how she "shows up" for her founders when she's on the board. Many of those conversations come back to her executive coach, Brad Stulberg.
We're excited to host a conversation between Brad and Kat on what great leadership looks like and how his new book, "The Way of Excellence" encapsulates many of his learnings and recommendations for today's leaders!
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.
2025 Utah AI Summit
2025 Utah AI Summit
Utah's Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI
The 2025 Utah AI Summit: Utah's Pro-Human Leadership in the Age of AI brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to explore how AI can be harnessed to serve people—empowering workers, strengthening communities, and driving responsible innovation. This event will showcase practical solutions for businesses and forward-looking policy discussions that put human values at the center of technological progress.
Join industry, academic, and policy leaders to explore how Utah is taking the lead in shaping AI policy. Discover how Utah is emerging as a national leader in prioritizing pro-human values within AI. Utah's pro-human approach is rooted in a commitment to enhancing human capabilities while prioritizing ethical considerations and individual agency. This innovative framework emphasizes applications that enrich lives, ensuring that AI serves as an empowering tool rather than a replacement for human interaction and decision-making.
Featured Speakers:
Utah Governor Spencer J Cox
Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare
Chris A. Malachowsky, Founder andd NVIDIA Fellow
Register for the Summit HERE
Pre-Summit Hackathon: Business Builders & AI
Taking place December 1st, Utah businesses are invited to join a day-long AI hackathon hosted by SeedAI, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit at the intersection of AI policy and practical application, in partnership with the State of Utah. This event will bring together local companies, entrepreneurs, technical experts, and government partners to tackle real AI challenges and explore practical solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
Five companies will be selected to have their use cases workshopped live with AI professionals, while all participants will gain hands-on experience, new connections, and opportunities for growth. Company information submitted during registration will guide the session topics, workshops, and discussions. If you would like your company highlighted, please indicate during registration that you would like to be considered.
*Seats are limited to 150 participants.
Register for the Hackathon HERE
Boost Presented by Nucleus
Boost Presented By Nucleus
A day to change your trajectory!
Learn from some of the best founders and subject matter experts around!
Speakers include Sen John Curtis, Kat Kennedy, Nate Walkingshaw, Gil Lee, Shauna Smith, Brian Beutler, Erika Mahterian, Sean Holladay, Kristy Muir, Sid Krommenhoek, Trent Mano, Ben Capell, Curtis Anderson, Anne Marie McDonald, Ryan Porter, Jeff Moss, Nate & Vanessa Quigley and so many more!
At Boost - we will connect you with peers and mentors that hopefully give you the boost you need to grow your business and career!
De-risking SBIR Funding Workshop
Navigating SBIR/STTR funding can be complex.
Join us for a critical session designed to help you de-risk your application and post-award journey.
Our expert speakers Cliff Bast, Matt Sederberg, and Victoria Carrington will guide you through crucial accounting requirements, intellectual property fundamentals, and tangible examples from successful SBIR awardees.
This is an essential event for any company looking to maximize their chances of securing and successfully managing federal R&D funding. Come prepared with your questions and leave with actionable strategies. This workshop is perfect for companies submitting proposals, planning to apply, or newly awarded SBIR/STTR grants.
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.
Utah Life Sciences Summit
2025 Mayer Brown Utah Life Sciences Summit
This flagship event brings together the brightest minds and most innovative companies driving Utah’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Connect with industry executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors in a high-energy environment designed for meaningful networking, fresh insights, and impactful collaboration.
Discover cutting-edge technologies from a wide range of exhibitors, dive into timely panel discussions on industry trends and business strategies, and gain expert perspectives from leading voices shaping the future of life sciences in Utah and beyond. Whether you're looking to grow your network, spark new ideas, or stay on top of emerging opportunities, the Utah Life Sciences Summit is the place to be.
The morning's plenary session features presentations from CDRH director Michelle Tarver, Jefferson Moss from GOEO, Carter Dredge from the Intermountain Health Institute, and FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak among others. The afternoon includes four tracks featuring topics from regulatory and quality issues, AI in the life sciences, and more.
For more information, including registration, please visit utahlifesciencessummit.com.
Innovation Pipeline: Entrepreneurial Resources & Pitch Competition at BYU
Innovation Pipeline: Entrepreneurial Resources & Pitch Competition at BYU
Explore the pathways from research to market while building connections between BYU expertise and Utah’s most innovative small businesses.
Innovation happens when businesses and universities connect. Join the Nucleus Institute on November 7 for "Innovation Pipeline: Entrepreneurial Resources and Pitch Event" to explore the pathways from research to market and build connections between BYU expertise and Utah’s most innovative small businesses.
You'll learn how BYU, state, and federal programs support high-risk ideas and watch local companies pitch groundbreaking technologies. Pitch contest winners will walk away with up to $1,000 in prizes, but everyone will gain valuable connections with BYU professors and access to resources that can help bring their ideas to market.
Apply to Pitch at the Event here!
Register for Event Here
Parking is available at the visitor’s parking lot (across from the Music Building).
Zero Gravity Summit | 47G
Zero Gravity Summit | 47G
The Premier Dual-use Technology and National Security Summit.
Held in downtown Salt Lake City, The Zero Gravity Summit convenes policy makers and thought leaders in an effort to shape the future of dual- use technology and national security.
From Vision to Venture: The Nucleus Institute’s Innovation Panel & Pitch Event
Southern Utah is full of bold ideas and growing companies—come see them in action at From Vision to Venture: The Nucleus Institute’s Innovation Panel & Pitch Event!
Join the Nucleus Institute at Utah Tech University for a deep-tech-focused panel & pitch event designed to showcase innovative small businesses and foster partnerships. Hear from local companies, connect with resources, and explore opportunities to advance R&D collaboration in Southern Utah. Register now to attend the event.
Please apply here to pitch your company at the event.
To attend the full day's events, including a USPTO Training and a keynote from Dr. Lacourse, please register here.
Reference Group powered by Nucleus - featuring Ben Clarke of BetterRx and Mike Bennett of Crewe Capital
This will be a fascinating conversation as we discuss some hot of the presses transactions for Utah based Better Rx.
Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP Forge) recently purchased a majority interest in Better Rx.
Ben Clarke (former CEO of Better Rx) and Mike Bennett (CEO of Crewe) will discuss the process and learnings along the way.
"BetterRX was founded to solve a quiet crisis in healthcare — the medication delays that burden patients, families, and clinicians at the most vulnerable time in life," said Ben Clarke, who has served as COO and then CEO of BetterRX since 2013. "The partnership with BVP Forge and Tim’s leadership isn't about changing who we are — it's about scaling our ability to deliver faster, better care and redefining what’s possible in hospice pharmacy. We know they will build on the trust we’ve earned and continue transforming how hospice care gets delivered in America."
Research Summit: Research to Market Pipeline
The Office of Research is promoting opportunities to help USU’s cadre of high-achieving researchers continue their quest for discovery. To promote engagement around societally important research areas affecting Utah, the nation and world, the Office of Research will be hosting a series of Research Summits for researchers wanting to build relationships across campus on these key topic areas.
Research to Market Pipeline
Discover the future of innovation at the Research to Market Pipeline Summit. This event spotlights breakthrough technologies from Utah’s top small businesses and fosters connections among business leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers. Join us to explore new opportunities, build partnerships, and drive solutions to today’s critical challenges.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Maverik Stadium Champions Club (3rd Floor)
3-5 p.m. | Light refreshments provided
Please note, this event is not open to USU students.
Program Highlights
Keynote Address: Utah’s legislative vision for higher education’s role in the commercialization of technologies.
Panel discussion: Strategies and resources for moving technologies into the marketplace, featuring leaders from:
Utah State University Tech Transfer Office
Nucleus Fund (formerly the Utah Innovation Fund)
Nucleus Grow (formerly The Utah Innovation Center)
Industry Pitch Competition: Utah-based small businesses will showcase their innovations and next-step needs to a panel of experts, competing for $1,000 first place and $500 second place prizes.
Venture Capital 101: A short presentation on VC funding.
Networking: Connect with business leaders, investors, faculty, and policymaker.
APEX Symposium 2025
Connect with prime defense contractors, the Department of Defense, and federal, state, and local agencies, including exclusive one-on-one time with representatives.
Eastern Utah Economic Summit
Eastern Utah Economic Summit
Hosted by Utah State University Eastern featuring Senator John Curtis
Networking Event - Monday, October 13, 2025, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
North Springs Shooting Range | Location Icon 5245 South 8000 West, Price Utah
Main Event - Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Utah State University Eastern Campus | Geary Event Center | Location Icon 431 East 400 North, Price, Utah
Join us for our annual economic summit, bringing together business, technology, and government leaders from throughout the state.
Hosted by Utah State University Eastern and Senator John Curtis. We will be learning from our presenters about infrastructure, entrepreneurial ecosystems, energy, and more!
Reference Group powered by Nucleus - featuring Scott Cutler of Health Equity
Scott has to have the most interesting career path of anyone I know! Outside of being an avid marathoner, skier, and biker!
From leadership roles at NYSE, to ebay, to StubHub, to StockX, and now Health Equity (Utah's 3rd largest public company) he has seen more than most.
This conversation around career design, relationship building, leadership, and missteps along the way will be fascinating! We'll also discuss how young people should prepare for a career in today's ever-changing business landscape.
We're grateful Scott will be joining us and big thanks to Tanner for sponsoring lunch. And Kiln for providing the location!
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.
One Utah Summit
One Utah Summit: The premier rural event where top leaders shape Utah’s future.
Join us at Southern Utah University,
Women Tech Awards
We’re excited to introduce the 2025 Women Tech Award Finalists—a group of exceptional women who are visionaries, trailblazers, and all-around inspirations in tech, science, engineering and math.
These finalists are leading innovation, launching transformative technologies, growing companies, and creating lasting impact across every level of the tech industry. From executive leadership to emerging pioneers, they represent the strength, talent, and future of our technology ecosystem.
The Women Tech Awards is the premier recognition platform celebrating women making real contributions to the growth and innovation of the tech economy. This program elevates the visibility of women who are not only advancing technology—but inspiring the entire community along the way.
Congratulations to the 2025 Women Tech Award Finalists!
Congratulations to the 2025 Women Tech Award Finalists!
Amy McDonnell Neuroscientist, University of Utah
Brittney Vierra Formerly Director Data Science, Recursion Pharmaceuticals
Brooke Baker Head Data Engineering & Data Science, LVT
Charushila Samant Vice President, Goldman Sachs
Dolly Chitta PhD CEO, TekHolding
Emma Moss AI K-12 Program Director, Utah State Board of Edu. and Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Evita Weagel CEO & Co-Founder, Eris Biotech
Heidi Barnett President Talent Acquisition, iSolved
Janlynn Robertson SVP Sr Business Relationship & Project Portfolio Manager, Zions Bancorporation
Kanika Gera Sr Product Manager, Adobe
Kathryn Armstrong Chief Science Officer, USANA Health Sciences
Kori Ann Edwards Chief Strategy Officer, 47G
Lauren Mason Carris Sr Product & Learning Strategist, Codingscape
Lynn Reichert Community & Innovation Manager, Utah STEM Action Center
Lynne Yocom Fiber Optics Director, Utah Dept of Transportation
Mary-Lou Smulders Chief Marketing Officer, Dedrone by Axon
Melanie Jordan EVP & Director Enterprise Retail Insights and Strategic Initiatives, Zions Bancorporation
Michaela Hatch Sr Scientist, Recursion Pharmaceuticals
Mou Nandi CEO & Co-Founder, Monere
Natalie Clark Vice President, Goldman Sachs
Shawnna DelHierro Chief Information Officer, SoundHound AI
Join us for a luncheon honoring this incredible group of leaders and their work. By doing so, you will help accelerate the impact of women in tech at all levels, and inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
Utah State of Innovation Conference
The Nucleus Institute Grow Team is excited to announce the inaugural State of Innovation Conference on October 2, 2025, at the Monson Center in Salt Lake City. This one-day event will bring together innovators, investors, and federal and local partners to explore pathways and funding opportunities that support breakthrough technologies.
Panel discussions will highlight:
Utah companies leveraging federal SBIR/STTR funding
Best practices for commercialization and capital access
Utah’s growing role in the national innovation landscape
The role of state and local policy, venture capitalists, and angel investors in shaping Utah’s innovation economy
AUTM Western Region Meeting
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned tech transfer professional, the 2025 Western Region Meeting in Salt Lake City is your gateway to innovation and growth. Join us for an engaging experience filled with thought-provoking presentations, cutting-edge trends, and invaluable networking opportunities—all in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
MarketEdge Fall 2025 Launch
The Nucleus MarketEdge is designed for professors, PhDs, and postdocs in Utah’s higher education system who are ready to explore the path from research to real-world impact. This virtual, cohort-based program gives innovators the structure, mentorship, and connections they need to navigate commercialization and startup formation with confidence.
Our Fall 2025 application window has closed.
Please register for our Winter 2026 Cohort HERE
Reference Group powered by Nucleus - featuring Andy Yakulis of Vector
Excited to have Andy join us! A true hero and wonderful person building a monster business! Vector recently completed a $61M Series A and is on the path to becoming the drone platform of choice for the US Military.
Andy Yakulis serves as the CEO and co-founder of Vector, the nation’s Modern Warfare-as-a-Service Provider. A seasoned leader with 18 years of service as an Army Officer and Special Operations Commander, Andy has built a career at the intersection of defense technology, innovation, and private investment, bridging advanced solutions with U.S. national security needs.
Throughout his military career, Andy led tactical combat operations and worked to integrate cutting-edge technology into the Department of Defense. He also collaborated with private capital to drive investments in defense technology. As a former pilot-in-command and air mission commander, he holds the FAA’s highest commercial aviation rating, the Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification, with extensive experience piloting both military and civilian aircraft.
Andy earned a Master of Science in Management as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford Graduate School of Business, focusing on technology innovation and venture capital. He also co-founded the health tech startup Medeloop.ai, scaling operations to secure initial customers and raised millions in venture funding.
Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, where he represented the U.S. Army in an elite international officer program. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science, Andy was a Division I lacrosse athlete and a four-year varsity letterman.
Big thanks to JP Morgan for sponsoring lunch.
Startup Therapy
Launching a startup is as personal as it is professional. StartupTherapy™ is a 90-minute webinar designed by Nicole Toomey Davis, Founder and CEO of Enclavix, to help founders navigate the emotional and structural challenges that make or break new ventures.
Participants will learn how to build resilient founding teams, create a healthy startup culture, and understand the power dynamics that shape early companies. The session will also cover practical tools for dividing equity fairly, managing the cap table, and having the tough conversations that set startups up for long-term success.
Walk away with frameworks, insights, and free resources to strengthen your company from the inside out.
National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR Hybrid Workshop
Interested in non-dilutive R&D funding for your technology? Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) SBIR/STTR programs, which offer broad funding opportunities for early-stage innovation.
This in-person and virtual session will provide actionable guidance to help small businesses prepare competitive NSF proposals ahead of the next submission deadline on November 5, 2025. Attendees will learn best practices, proposal tips, and common pitfalls.
What to Expect:
NSF-specific do’s, don’ts, and updated proposal guidelines
Practical exercises using sample documents
Tips for new and experienced applicants
Overview of the Nucleus Grow's resources and support
There is no cost to attend. Free parking and food for in-person attendees.
We look forward to helping you move your innovation forward!
A Zoom link will be emailed from grow@nucleusutah.org to virtual attendees one day before the event.
Kinect Capital Investors Choice Conference
Join us for the 42nd Annual Kinect Capital Investors Choice Conference — an all-day event on September 17th at the stunning Zions Technology Center in Midvale, Utah.
Pitches, Panels & Highlights:
Startup Pitches:
30+ founders delivering 2-minute pitches, with links to full 10-minute presentations available.
Panels:
ICON Award Honorees and Panel:
Steve Chen – YouTube cofounder (accepting award virtually)
Judy Robinett – Author, TEDx speaker, Fortune 500 exec
Paul Ahlstrom – Investor, serial entrepreneur, author of Nail it Then Scale It
Scott Anderson – CEO of Zions Bank for 26 years
Brad Bertoch – 35 years as CEO of the Wayne Brown Institute, helping startups secure and exit $30B+
Olympic Panel Guests:
Peter Vidmar – 2x Olympic Hall of Fame: 2 Golds, 1 Silver
Bill Schuffenhauer – 3x Olympian: Silver Medalist
Plus 2–3 more Olympians TBA
WeROC Panel:
Jolene Anderson: Vector Point Ventures & Inmedix Inc
Gabriele Niederauer: Freyya
Plus more TBA
Utah Energy Week
Utah Energy Week highlights interdisciplinary research, innovation, policy, and commercialization of energy related technologies and initiatives. Hosted by the University of Utah
Utah Biomedical Engineering Conference (UBEC)
The Utah Biomedical Engineering Conference (UBEC) was established 20 years ago as an effort to support and celebrate biomedical engineering students.
Reference Group powered by Nucleus - featuring Allyse Jackson
Allyse Jackson didn't plan on being an entrepreneur but when her family was in a pinch she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She made a list of all the things she was good at, sent a post out to her neighborhood Facebook group, and Beehive Meals was born and off to the races!
Excited to explore her journey to building a monster focused on helping busy families eat delicious and nutritious meals in their own home.
Big thanks to our title partner - The Nucleus Institute - UIF has rebranded and we're pumped about what they're building!
Lunch will be provided by Kajae!
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.