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.
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)
Register for our monthly SBIR/STTR 101 Workshop or watch a recording of the 101 Workshop here.
Complete required registrations (no-cost)
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.
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)
The technical and business assistance resources list will be available soon.
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 Map, please complete and submit this form.
Off to the Races (Phase III)
