USTAR Aids Ogwa in Launch of Innovative Product

Pressure Pak's convenient an d effective design helped it win the nation's first Outdoor Product innovation contest called "Concept to Company."

Portable Hydration System Lifts New Utah Company
  • USTAR’s Technology Outreach and Innovation Program was approached by Ogwa, a Utah company that developed the Pressure Pak, an add-on accessory designed to pressurize hydration packs (up to 12 PSI). The Pressure Pak is portable and can be used for a variety of outdoor activities. USTAR’s team helped Ogwa determine the product’s commercial feasibility and put together successful pitches for potential investors. USTAR's Salt Lake/Tooele office is under the direction of Dr. Suzanne Winters.
2008 Highlights

More than $100,000 of Start-up Capital Secured

  • With USTAR’s assistance, Ogwa secured more than $100,000 in early-stage investment capital for the new company.
  • Ogwa won an outdoor product competition (against 130 other contestants) to secure further seed money.
  • Through USTAR connections, Ogwa is prototyping a new potentially patentable product feature and is developing relationships with a number of Utah cycling and outdoor retailers.
  • The company has cultivated its web presence and refined its branding, advertising and promotional messaging.

     
2009 Goals

Pressure Pak On The Market

  • Introduce product to retailers in large out-of-state markets such as California.
  • Raise nearly $500,000 in additional capital.
  • Explore new, non-recreational markets.
  • Introduce efficiencies in the sourcing and manufacturing process.
  • Expand operations in Utah.
  • Improve product line to offer several variations of Pressure Pak product, including further research and development on unique product features.
USTAR's assistance has helped Ogwa secure vital early-stage capital to expand its operations..

What USTAR Clients Say

The outdoor hydration products market exceeds $200 million per year.  USTAR’s assistance is helping Ogwa capture an increasing market share. 

“Without USTAR, we’d still be in our garage trying to figure out how to find funding. I don’t know how we could have found, let alone afford the kind of business acumen that USTAR provides.” - Toby Hazelbaker, Ogwa