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Utah Science Technology and Research Agency (USTAR
Overview U .C .A . 63M-2
The Utah Science Technology and Research Agency (USTAR) catalyzes research, development and commercialization activities to expand Utah’s technology economy . USTAR supports the Governor’s Vision for the Utah economy to lead the nation as the best performing economy and to be recognized as a premier global destination . USTAR seeks to create a technology ecosystem that enables ideas to seed, grow and thrive .
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USTAR has enabled the hiring of commercially minded researchers, the building of state-of-the-art core facilities and the development of entrepreneur outreach centers partnered with regional universities . USTAR provides resources for tech businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state via outreach efforts .
RESEARCHERS
USTAR funded researchers have proven adept at capturing millions of dollars in federal and private research funding and building world-class research teams including undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students . To form new ventures based on their respective technologies, researchers work with their University commercialization offices to transfer these technologies to industry or as the foundation of new companies .
Work in the lab of Rajesh Menon at the University of Utah lies at the intersection of optics and nanotechnology, with special foci on extending the spatial resolution of optics to the nanoscale, and applications of optics in energy.
CORE FACILITIES
The U of U’s James L Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building is the centerpiece of a visionary plan to accelerate research, development and commercialization at the interface of medicine, nanotechnology, engineering, pharmacology and digital media . It includes a state-of-the-art nanofabrication facility with cleanroom space and a microscopy and materials characterization laboratory . These facilities are available to university researchers and can also be used on a fee for service basis by commercial partners .
USU’s BioInnovations Center houses highly advanced life-sciences laboratories and provides lab space in support of synthetic bio-manufacturing, advanced human nutrition, veterinary diagnostics and infectious disease and other innovation areas . The state-of-the-art facility also houses a Bio Safety Level 3+ lab . USU has also added a biomanufacuting facility to enable large scale production of synthetic biology products (fermentation facilities) . Both are available for industry contract work and collaboration .
TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVICES
USTAR regional outreach offices support technology commercialization activities across the state . The offices are strategically located around the State to provide support to tech entrepreneurs and USTAR researchers with innovative technology ideas to assist in establishing spinout companies .
In the lab of Massood Tabib-Azar, USTAR professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Utah. Tabib-Azar’s team is extending the limits of electronic devices is by developing plasma-based sensors, switches and amplifiers.
USTAR TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATORS
assist entrepreneurs in accelerating the development of startup companies by providing resources and services . These accelerators emphasize rapid growth while providing support to avoid obstacles that many startup companies encounter .
USTAR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATORS
focus on speeding up the growth and success of startup and early stage companies by providing space and core equipment to support tech startups . Incubation time varies for each company .
SBIR-STTR ASSISTANCE CENTER assists entrepreneurs and startup companies in preparing and submitting SBIR-STTR applications . The federal SBIR and STTR programs offer more than $2 .5 billion dollars in federal funding annually to support the development of technology by small businesses across the nation . USTAR’s SBIR-STTR Assistance Center helps technology oriented businesses with new discoveries or innovative concepts to compete for the funding they need to continue their path towards commercialization .
A researcher in Shelley Minteer’s lab working in the USTAR Alternative Energy Cluster at the University of Utah. Minteer studies bio-inspired energy conversion as an alternative energy source.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT includes working with established companies and corporations to connect them with applied research and new innovations, or to connect startups with valuable resources to facilitate collaborative partnerships . Industry support also helps to identify gaps in needed areas such as education and workforce development .
MENTORING/BUSINESS SERVICES provided by industry experts offer help and resources to companies for refining plans and strategies . One-on-one mentoring can help assist with setting goals for success while developing strategic plans . USTAR regional offices and a network of experts combine knowledge, guidance and encouragement to help bring business possibilities to life .
USTAR provides PROTOTYPING SERVICES to early stage companies looking to validate their business model by providing a functionally limited proof of concept device . Prototyping support includes 3D printers, engineering assistance and machine shop time .
USTAR also works closely with other state agencies and partners to provide OTHER SERVICES to augment their mission where possible, thus allowing USTAR to fulfill its mission of building Utah’s technology economy and contributing to the economic development of the State .
For additional information about available services at USTAR outreach centers across the state, please contact the directors of each center . Contact information can be found on page 155 .
For additional information about the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative visit www.ustar.org or contact Ivy Estabrooke, Ph.D., Executive Director at iestabrooke@utah.gov or 801-538-8622
