Now in its third year, the Utah Innovation Center’s Commercialization Cohort continues to support Utah-based technology startups in navigating the pathway from innovation to market readiness. The 10-week program is designed for small businesses in the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding pipelines. The cohort is led by Nicole Toomey Davis, founder of Utah-based Enclavix, LLC, under the VentureWrench Startup Coaching brand.
The program provides intensive training in customer discovery, problem-solution fit, identifying a beachhead, go-to-market strategies, and customer relationships. Each company receives individualized coaching sessions with Ms. Davis, helping them refine their value propositions and strengthen commercialization strategies tailored to their innovation and industry.
“The goal of the cohort is to empower our SBIR/STTR companies with practical tools and coaching so they can de-risk their path to market,” said Nicole Toomey Davis. “Many of these entrepreneurs are brilliant scientists and engineers — this program helps them develop a strong understanding of their customers and market environment so that they can develop compelling and successful businesses.”
“This cohort reflects Utah’s commitment to foster innovation and drive economic growth,” said Linda Cabrales, director of the Utah Innovation Center at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Through hands-on coaching and tailored strategies, we’re empowering small businesses to transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions.”
Highlighted below are six Utah-based companies that participated in the program, each tackling significant challenges across health, energy, defense, education, and materials science:
DigiBeat
DigiBeat is simplifying and scaling cardiac screening and management. It’s Cartometric Cardiography (CCG) system combines 70% of the clinical value of an echocardiograph with the scalability of home blood pressure cuffs, shifting how we screen and manage heart disease moving forward.
Electric Drivetrain Technologies
Electric Drivetrain Technologies is reimagining energy generation with its enzymatic fuel cell technology. Its high-efficiency biofuel cell system converts diesel and other fuels directly into electricity while dramatically reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. Built to integrate into current fuel infrastructure, the technology can potentially cut fuel costs and consumption by more than 50%.
Loose in the Lab
Loose in the Lab is a hands-on science education company that partnered with BYU’s Dr. Daniel Smalley to bring his particle trapper invention into classrooms. Designed to help students explore particles that could one day power real hologram projections, the device is supported by a custom curriculum and teacher training for grades 5–12. The ultimate goal is to identify usable particles and develop a programmable hologram display — tentatively named the Kenobi Globe.
NanoShell
NanoShell specializes in developing the Intelligent NanoDelivery System™, a precision topical delivery platform that tailors the release and absorption of active ingredients. Its nanotechnology solutions span multiple industries, including medicine, personal care, textiles, and research materials. The company’s core mission is to make the benefits of nanotechnology practical and impactful in real-world applications.
Pressure Medical
Pressure Medical is designing smart pneumatic tourniquets for field use. These devices help stop traumatic bleeding in combat zones, industrial accidents, and emergency response situations. The tourniquets are engineered for rapid deployment in high-stakes environments.
Tensai Surgical Solutions
Tensai has created an origami-inspired medical device offering a gentler alternative to traditional chest wall surgery for pectus excavatum, where the chest appears caved in. The company’s implantable device expands slowly over time to correct the deformity with less trauma and recovery time than current methods.
Cohort Successes
Throughout the program, peer collaboration and individualized coaching allowed participants to step outside their technical roles and view their businesses through a market-focused lens. The individual coaching sessions with Ms. Davis, an SBIR awardee who has successfully raised capital, were valuable in aiding each team in refining their customer segments, identifying beachheads, validating market assumptions, and preparing for post-research and development growth.
George Holing, the technical director of Electric Drivetrain Technologies, said, “The cohort has been a valuable tool for planning our business growth and success, and it is already bearing fruit through discussions with a major OEM and Venture Capital firm.”
Loose in the Lab’s co-founder, Bryce Hixson, said, “The Venture Wrench program can be directly credited with providing the necessary ideas and guidance to help us refine our business canvas with a laser-like focus. Throughout the ten-week program, Nicole introduced us to ideas that will act as springboards to introduce the Particle Trapper and Kenobi Globe in the framework of an academic competition similar to LEGO robotics. We highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to create a clear and concise path forward with their business.”
The Commercialization Cohort was made possible through funding from the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, which supports programs that strengthen the commercialization success of small businesses participating in federal innovation programs. Through initiatives like this cohort, the Utah Innovation Center continues to build a more robust innovation economy by supporting the full lifecycle of SBIR/STTR companies — from research to revenue.
Companies interested in pursuing non-dilutive R&D funding through the federal SBIR and STTR programs can contact the Utah Innovation Center at [email protected].