USTAR Technology Outreach Energizes Southern Utah Economy

By serving as a clearinghouse of analysis, information and contacts, Technology Outreach is helping to grow Southern Utah's alternative energy economy.

About the Southern Utah Technology Outreach and Innovation Program

  • Experienced USTAR commercialization teams work with researchers, companies and entrepreneurs statewide. Regional directors oversee “Technology Outreach” Program centers, which are located at higher ed institutions. While supporting high-growth clients, the Technology Outreach teams help move regional initiatives forward. In addition, each center works closely with USTAR research teams to drive commercialization. This report profiles the Southern Utah team, based at Dixie State College (with a satellite office at Southern Utah University) and directed by Dr. William Pratt.
2008 Highlights

Toward a Renewable Energy Future

  • Assisted 40 entrepreneurial clients, helping to secure $13+ million in equity financing.
  • Analyzed Utah’s wind, solar, biofuels and geothermal assets to assist attracting new alternative energy projects to the region.
  • Provided material support to organize and launch the Southern Utah Dixie Angels, an association of early-stage investors focused on funding regional start-ups.
  • Collaborative activities with SEED Dixie, the Dixie Entrepreneurial Association, Dixie Techs, and the Iron County Business Resource Center.
  • Provided commercialization support to Utah State University’s Energy Lab and its USTAR-funded biofuels team, as well as other USTAR research teams.
  • With Grow Utah Ventures, launched a Southern Utah technology product innovation contest.
2009 Goals

Making Connections for Growth

  • Continue connecting innovators with investors to obtain equity financing (significant funds currently in negotiation).
  • Connect alternative energy stakeholders in state government, higher ed institutions, local government, interest groups, and industry to rapidly develop Utah’s renewable resources, create new innovative technologies, new businesses and “green collar” jobs in the state.
  • Leverage regional technology economic development resources to help entrepreneurs commercialize their products.
From market analysis to brokering connections to new partners, suppliers, customers and resources, Technology Outreach is helping regional businesses expand.

What USTAR Stakeholders Say

  • “USTAR’s TOIP teams are helping create the entrepreneurial support structure that helps people like me create the high paying jobs we so desperately need.” – Matt Excell, UCentive

    “In Beaver County, we have seen substantial recent investment in our wind and geothermal resources. USTAR has been helpful in bringing those dollars to our soil.” - Rob Adams, Beaver County Economic Development Corp.