Utah Innovation Fund

I’m starting a new role with the Utah Innovation Fund! UIF is a $30m fund, established by the state, to invest in deep tech, AI, biotech, aerospace/defense, fintech, energy, and cyber. Specifically, I will work with all of Utah’s universities to commercialize research and technology being developed at the universities and foster connection between education and Utah’s tech scene. We fund Utah companies that have innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Additionally, I will be working to create a world class innovation hub at the Point of the Mountain called Convergence Hall. This building district will be the center of innovation in Utah. The mission is to create a place that: Promotes creativity and ingenuity Attracts outstanding talent and investment? Fosters solution-oriented research? Accelerates the growth of promising early-stage companies? Eliminates regulatory barriers Facilitates interdisciplinary industry, academic, and government partnerships to generate and commercialize new ideas I am excited to work alongside Jefferson Moss, Jerry Henley, Gabi Tellez, Tori Hooper, Melissa Smolik, and an incredible team of 30+ student analysts from across the state. We are a lean team with a big vision. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about all of the amazing projects our team is working on and helping us achieve our mission to make Utah a premier center of innovation and technology. #utahtech #venturecapital

Who knew due diligence could be so fun? Wrapping up my internship at the Utah Innovation Fund has been bittersweet but I've learned a lot. What I've learned from due diligence, press releases, marketing emails, events and meeting with founders has been that innovation continues! It's amazing to be part of the startup space here in Utah. There are so many people out to make the world a better place in all of their specialized industries. I've had the privilege to learn from passionate founders who are not only innovative but also resilient in the face of challenges. Big thank you to Stan Oaks, Gabi Tellez & Jefferson Moss for the wonderful example of leadership they show at UIF!

It is wonderful to share that The Point Utah in Utah, US, has joined the 2024-2026 Global Network Connect program. Jefferson Moss, the Associate Commissioner of Innovation for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), commented: “The Point Innovation District is excited to join the Global Network as it positions us to collaborate with leading global hubs of innovation, accelerating our mission to drive cutting-edge research, commercialization, and economic development. This partnership will provide invaluable insights and best practices that will propel The Point forward as a model of dynamic, high-impact innovation in both local and global contexts.” We are looking forward to seeing what’s in store for this exciting innovation district over the next two years!