Utah Innovation Fund

The Power of Giving (and Figuring It Out) in Venture Had an incredible session at Reference Group with Tyler Jennings, featuring Blake Modersitzki, Managing Partner at Pelion Venture Partners. Blake’s journey from farm life to venture capital is a testament to the mindset that drives great investors and founders. Growing up on a farm, he learned that hard work is never done, dedication is daily, and when challenges hit, you always “FIO” – Figure It Out. That same mentality applies to startups, investing, and building a thriving ecosystem. Even once you break into venture capital, the grinding doesn’t stop. But if you operate with the principles below, not only will you succeed, but you’ll elevate everyone around you—and that’s the ultimate goal. ?? Giver first mentality – The best investors don’t just take; they create value for others without expecting immediate returns. ?? Abundance over scarcity – Sharing deals, making the right connections, and knowing who belongs in the room with the entrepreneur creates stronger, lasting success. ?? Empowering the next generation – Intentionally developing younger partners and ensuring everyone has skin in the game. An example of these principles in action is the Reference Group, which is committed to bringing students into the conversation. From mentorship to direct access to top-tier investors, it’s about creating real opportunities and breaking down barriers. Our own Steven Valdez is part of this community, gaining hands-on experience and building meaningful connections. Huge thanks to Blake, Tyler, and The Reference Group for fostering an ecosystem built on value, generosity, and long-term thinking. Utah Innovation Fund is proud to support initiatives that bring students into the room and set them up for success. #VentureCapital #GiverFirst #AbundanceMindset #FIO #FigureItOut #Startups #UtahInnovation #SiliconSlopes

We’re excited to be supporting and participating in the START AgriTech Scale Up Program, helping seed to A-stage agri-tech startups connect with investors, markets, and strategic partners. On March 31 – April 3, 2025, startups from around the world will be in St. George & Las Vegas, and we’re looking for VCs and business development leaders to join 1:1 meetings with these companies. If you’re interested in meeting high-growth agri-tech innovators, reach out—we’d love to connect you with the right founders. DM us or comment below to get involved! Utah Tech University Frontier RNG Arieli Innovate World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) Haifa Group #AgriTech #Startups #VentureCapital #Innovation #BusinessDevelopment #InvestorNetworking #UtahTech

Orly Alter presented groundbreaking work at #AGBTGM 2025, showing how advanced AI can extract meaningful insights from complex biological data, opening new doors for precision medicine. This is a huge step toward making AI-driven discoveries more reliable, even with challenging datasets. Proud to see Prism AI pushing the limits of what’s possible in biotech and AI! #AI #Biotech #MachineLearning #Innovation #PrecisionHealth #AGBTGM

Summer ‘25 Student Analyst Internship – Apply Now! The Utah Innovation Fund is looking for sharp, ambitious students to join our Summer ‘25 Analyst Program! If you're into startups, venture capital, and deep tech, this is your chance to get real investment experience working with founders and investors. ?? May 5 – Aug 22, 2025 ?? Hybrid | Utah-based ?? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gmfUcVvy ? Hands-on due diligence & deal analysis ? Work directly with founders & investors ? Be part of Utah’s innovation ecosystem This isn’t your typical internship—you’ll be in the action, evaluating real deals, and building your VC skillset. ?? Apply now - Applications close March 28th! #VCInternship #VentureCapital #Startups #Innovation #UtahTech

Meet Stratus: the future of Healthcare, powered by AI (part 4/4) ... and thats our story!

Excited to kick off the first PhD Series event of the Spring Semester! This hybrid event, hosted at the University of Utah, is all about sharpening presentation skills in a fun and unconventional way. The theme??Placebo Pitch.?Attendees will take quirky, unconventional research findings and transform them into creative business ideas—practicing quick thinking, non-academic presentations, and breaking out of traditional scientific frameworks. This is a fantastic opportunity to step outside the academic comfort zone, build confidence in public speaking, and develop storytelling skills that are valuable in any career path. Looking forward to an engaging and educational session! If you want to put your quick-thinking and business presentation skills to the test,?please RSVP?at the following link:?https://lnkd.in/gYmd4wXW

Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS) was featured in a Super Bowl ad, showcasing their groundbreaking work in redefining mobility and prosthetic technology. BIOS is revolutionizing the way the human body interfaces with machines—creating neural implants that restore movement and sensation for individuals with limb loss. Seeing BIOS highlighted on one of the biggest stages in the world is a testament to the real-world impact of their technology! #BIOS #DeepTech #SuperBowl #Innovation #Neurotech #VentureCapital

This year at Utah Tech Week, the Utah Innovation Fund was all in—hosting events, building connections, and supporting Utah’s growing tech and startup ecosystem. From our home base at the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) building, we brought together founders, investors, and students to push the boundaries of what’s next. Some highlights: ?? The Point Panel – A deep dive into how Utah’s landmark innovation district is shaping the future of startups, research, and commercialization. ?? Deep Tech Open Mic – Giving early-stage innovators the mic to pitch big ideas and connect with like-minded builders. ?? PhD Networking Event – Bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. A huge thank you to the companies that came out to support our PhD students and help them explore new career and commercialization opportunities! ?? Student Tech Day (w/ University Growth Fund & Utah Valley University) – Helping the next generation of entrepreneurs break into venture capital and tech. These events weren’t just conversations—they were steps toward building the future of Utah’s innovation economy. Huge thanks to our partners and everyone who joined us! #Innovation #DeepTech #VentureCapital #Startups #HigherEd #Utah

?? Want to break into venture capital? Join us for Student Day at Utah Tech Week – a hands-on experience designed to help you land your first role in VC! ?? Professional Headshots – because first impressions matter ?? Resume Workshop – get insider tips to stand out ?? Pitch Competition – put your skills to the test ?? Meet VCs & Startups – network with investors and companies looking for interns ?? VC 101 – learn how deals really happen ?? Free food & Snacks Whether you're a student curious about venture or ready to jump in, this is your chance to build connections and gain real-world experience. ?? Date: 1/31/25 ?? Location: 4TH FLOOR 2912 EXECUTIVE PKWY, LEHI, UT 84043

Attention College Students! This Friday, join us for an action-packed 5-hour event—completely FREE! Take part in dynamic panels, a hands-on workshop, a professional headshot booth to update your LinkedIn, a startup internship fair, and an exciting pitch competition with $1,000 in cash prizes. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! Student Registration Form: https://lnkd.in/gpYjCF5S Startup Registration Form: https://lnkd.in/gjVvb_9Z UVU Chelsea & Casey Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute Woodbury School of Business Utah Innovation Fund Square #CollegeEvent #Networking #PitchCompetition #InternshipFair #UtahTechWeek