Utah Innovation Center
The Utah Innovation Center serves as a catalyst for technology innovation in the state of Utah. Housed within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the center provides a funding roadmap for Utah startups and emerging companies developing innovative technology.

The Utah Innovation Center helps drive the state’s technology innovation ecosystem opportunities through the federal SBIR/STTR programs. This non-dilutive funding mechanism — both grants and contracts — is dedicated to the research and development of new technology.

Across the nation, startups and small businesses from diverse technology areas and markets compete for more than $4B annually through the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This federal funding aims to stimulate technology innovation and provide broad societal impact.

    Services & Resources

    Innovation Center services are available statewide, giving Utah’s technology-oriented companies a distinct advantage in today’s competitive environment. Services include:

    • Direct Proposal Assistance — one-on-one proposal editing and review for SBIR/STTR applicants.
    • Agency-Specific Training — training based on particular nuances and requirements of participating agencies, including finding topics, the application process, and best practices for awarded proposals.
    • Connections to Technical and Business Assistance Resources — small technology companies receive mentorship with connections to business counseling, lab space, prototype creation, and other resources to build and grow their business.
    • Capital Connections — small business connections to other types of funding which include angel venture, and low-rate debt funding.
    • Industry Associations — industry sector associations and group collaboration that enhance the innovation ecosystem.
    • University Technology Transfer — collaborations with technology transfer offices at the public and private universities in the state.

    Getting Started (Phase I)

    Workshops

    Register for our monthly SBIR/STTR 101 Workshop or watch a recording of the 101 Workshop here.

    Complete required registrations (no-cost)

    Register for a workshop
    Consultations

    The Utah Innovation Center offers 30-minute consultations to help determine if your technology is a good fit for the SBIR/STTR program.

    If these times don’t work, email innovationutah@utah.gov, and we will get you on the calendar.

    Register for a free consultation
    Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF)

    Explore the Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) Program Microgrant available to first-time applicants.

    Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) is a program to support Utah small companies in their efforts to develop novel technology and products through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Utah applicants and winners can apply for microgrants and nonrecourse loans.

    Eligible first-time Phase I applicants may seek microgrants of ($3,000-$5,000) to help offset the costs of writing and submitting a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal.

    For more details, read the Utah Technology Innovation Funding announcement here.

    Developing a Winning Proposal (Phase II)

    Technical and Business Assistance Resources

    These resources provide assistance to small businesses, and innovators focused on research and development with connections to reputable technical and business services expertise, which include:

    • Intellectual property/patent development and protections
    • Assistance with product sales
    • Accounting, auditing, and financial services
    • Market research and validation
    • Development of regulatory and manufacturing plans

    *If you’re a service provider and would like to be included on the Resource Directory, please complete and submit this form.

    View resources

    Off to the Races (Phase III)

    More information coming soon.
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Contact Us
    You can reach our team at innovationutah@utah.gov. You can view and contact the individual members of the Utah Innovation Center on our staff webpage under Business Services.
    Staff webpage

    Technical & Business Assistance Resources

    Here are technical and business assistance resources available to Utah entrepreneurs. To identify specific resources, perform a general term search or filter results based on specialty and location.
    EntityCountySpecialties/ServicesEntity Description
    EspirituSalt LakeEngineering Services, Prototype Design, Product Design and DevelopmentEspiritu is a product development consultancy that combines design and technology expertise to define tangible results and create lasting impact.
    Enclavix, LLC - VentureWrenchWashington (but work all over the state and country)Business and Commercialization Plan, Customer Discovery/Market Validation, Engineering Services, Financial, Grant Writing, Market Research, Company Building and Entrepreneur/CEO coachingThe VentureWrench Coaches at Enclavix are award-winning serial entrepreneurs, raised millions in Angel and VC funding, and are SBIR/STTR awardees.
    Lohman & AssociatesSalt LakeAccountingFractional CFO/Controller, from the day-to-day accounting needs through complex financial analyses and technical accounting matters.
    Squire & CompanySalt LakeAccounting, Auditing, Financial, Small Business Innovation Research Grants and Single Audits (Federal Award Audits)Squire & Company provides audit, tax, advisory and wealth management services, with expertise in a wide variety of industries.
    Atomic JoltCacheGrant Writing, Education Technology and App DevelopmentAtomic Jolt provides apps, custom development and curriculum development services for Educational Institutions and companies that serve that market.
    Vernal Innovation HubUintah Incubator SpaceThe Vernal Innovation Hub is a coworking, incubator center that provides flexible office space, amenities, & a supportive environment.
    Christensen Consulting, LLCCacheGrant WritingMs. Christensen has successfully applied for over $55+ million in grants from federal, state, county, and city agencies, corporations, & foundations
    Simple Systems, IncSalt LakeCybersecurity and/or technology planning and implementationFor the past 16 years Simple Systems has provided IT and cyber security support to local businesses. We offer CMMC, NIST, and other regs.
    Business Resource Center at Davis Technical CollegeDavisMarket Research, Free Business Counseling/Incubation OfficesThe BRC is invaluable to entrepreneurs businesses.
    Cedar City Business & Innovation CenterIronCustomer Discovery/Market Validation, Lab Space, Makerspace, Market Research, Prototype Design, Connections with Mentors, Digital Media studio & Textiles roomWe support entrepreneurs by hosting events, connecting with mentors, giving access to conference room, office space, makerspace, studio, and more.
    Granted Fundraising ConsultantsUintah Grant WritingGranted Fundraising Consultants provides the resources and education for clients to obtain grant funding to fulfill their missions.