Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative
Overview The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) facilitates research, development and commercialization activities within Utah to expand the State’s science and technology economy. USTAR invests resources in the two state-funded research universities, entrepreneur outreach centers partnered with regional universities and state-of-the-art core facilities. Funded in March 2006 the initiative focuses on: RESEARCH - World class researchers - Stimulate entrepreneurship among researchers
BUILDINGS - State-of-the-art core facilities - Resource for researchers and industry
REGIONAL OUTREACH (TOIP) - Strong community engagement - Diversity of approaches and collaboration state wide
Since its inception, the vision and promise of USTAR has been to expand Utah’s knowledge economy with a long-term commitment to support world-class science and technology research teams in targeted technical areas where multibillion dollar global markets exist. In addition, USTAR was given the responsibility to provide resources for tech businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state via outreach efforts. “As we seek to attract new businesses to Utah and help existing businesses expand, we find USTAR to be an important asset. With its spin-out and spin-in features, its regional outreach programs that provide a wide range of services, USTAR provides an innovation infrastructure that expanding and re-locating businesses are looking for.” – Jeff Edwards, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Utah Researchers Since 2006, the University of Utah (U of U) and Utah State University (USU) have attracted more than 50 highly regarded scientists and engineers working in the broadly defined fields of life sciences, nanotechnology, energy and digital media. These USTAR funded researchers have proven adept at capturing millions of dollars in research funding and building world-class research teams comprised Governor’s Office of Economic Development • 2014 Annual Report • www.business.utah.gov
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