Providing a funding roadmap for Utah startups and emerging innovative tech
Our Mission
At Nucleus Grow, we accelerate Utah’s next generation of deep tech, life sciences, AI, advanced manufacturing, cleantech, and frontier innovations. We partner with early-stage companies to turn bold ideas into market-ready solutions, fueling economic growth, new jobs, and Utah’s reputation as a global leader in science-driven innovation.
Why Nucleus Grow
Expert Guidance on Federal Funding
We are Utah’s official resource for the SBIR and STTR programs, helping companies prepare competitive proposals and win non-dilutive funding.
Connections Across Utah’s Innovation Network
We link founders with universities, industry partners, investors, and government resources to accelerate technology from lab to market.
What we do
SBIR/STTR Support
We help Utah companies prepare and submit strong SBIR and STTR proposals, from registrations and budgeting to narrative reviews and final submission.
Funding Pathways
We connect companies to non-dilutive funding, state innovation programs, and follow-on investment opportunities.
Training & Workshops
We host regular workshops and one-on-one sessions to help founders understand agency requirements, strengthen proposals, and learn from peers.
Topic Matching and Proposal Services
Our team provides coaching, proposal review and editing, and topic matching in your non-dilutive funding search process.
SBIR 101 WORKSHOP
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are the nation’s largest source of non-dilutive early-stage funding for deep-tech ventures. With over $4 billion awarded annually, these programs provide startups with the resources to prove concepts, advance prototypes, and position for commercialization.
Nucleus Grow is Utah’s official resource partner for helping entrepreneurs win SBIR/STTR awards. We offer:
Opportunity Matching – Guidance to identify the right agency and topic fit
Proposal Development – Templates, coaching, and hands-on reviews
Agency Expertise – Insights into NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE, USDA, NASA, and more
Grant Readiness – From registrations to budget prep and compliance checklists
Monthly SBIR/STTR Workshop
Join our interactive workshop, held the first Wednesday of every month, to learn best practices, meet agency experts, and strengthen your proposal.
Have a novel technology or product idea
How to Get Started
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SBA Awards Utah Innovation Center FAST Grant To Help Underserved Communities
Nucleus Grow, previously the Utah Innovation Center, has been awarded a Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program grant. This funding will further enhance initiatives that drive innovation and support entrepreneurial growth across Utah.
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Elphel Awarded $1.25M Air Force Contract for Thermal 3D Imaging
Elphel, Inc. has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Direct-to-Phase II $1.25M contract focused on Advanced LWIR 3D Imaging System for Foliage Penetration and Counter-UAS (LWIR-FOPEN-C-UAS) to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
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Lessons in Innovation: Clark Turner’s Impact on Medical Imaging
Clark Turner, CEO of Turner Innovations, is creating a future where 3D imaging and AI revolutionize medical diagnostics.
