USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

Information Technology and Renewable Energy incubator opens in St. George

Utah’s first business incubator focused on IT and renewable energy opened its doors in mid-January near the campus of Dixie State College in St. George. A collaborative effort spearheaded by USTAR, the Southern Utah Information Technology and Renewable Energy Incubator (ITRE) helps Utah join several other states and cities investing in the start-up of new businesses focused on high technology, green technology and alternative energy.

Alternative energy and other clean technology could diversify the economy of Southern Utah. ITRE clients receive comprehensive and regular mentoring on a range of business issues.

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USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

New Energy Dynamics Laboratory having statewide impact

With the help of $500,000 in USTAR funding last fall, Utah State University formed a new unit of the Utah State University Research Foundation (USURF), called the Energy Dynamics Lab (EDL). The initiative is already demonstrating an impact, pursuing a water quality/biofuels project in Logan, a sustainability study in Park City, and commercialization projects in Southern and Eastern Utah. EDL is aggressively pursuing federal energy funding.

EDL and the USU Jon M. Huntsman School of Business are conducting an energy feasibility study that will serve as a guide as the City of Park City works to reach major milestones for environmental sustainability and alternative energy.

USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

BioInnovations Gateway to help build Utah’s life science industry

Launched in October 2009, the BioInnovations Gateway (BiG) blends Utah’s 21st Century Workforce Initiative with technology economic development. Supporting up to seven start-up companies and student interns, BiG is an effective collaboration between GOED, Granite School District, Salt Lake Community College, and USTAR.

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USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

New USU and U of U building construction creates 900 jobs

Leading researchers and industry will utilize two state of-the-art interdisciplinary research facilities coming to Utah as a result of the USTAR initiative. In the next year and a half, USTAR building projects will continue to have a positive impact on construction worker employment in Logan and Salt Lake City. Nearly 900 workers will be employed during the first half of 2010.

USU building - Innovation Campus

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USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

“BioBricks” teach cells to manufacture valuable chemicals

Utah State University’s Synthetic Bio-Manufacturing Center (SBC) is applying advanced genetics to “teach” small single-cell organisms to create valuable chemical compounds, such as bio-plastics or pharmaceuticals. Cells are taught these tricks via “BioBricks” – defined DNA sequences that enable living cells to construct new natural products. The SBC team has already created 50 novel “BioBricks.”

Americans use 29 million tons of plastics annually, and plastics compose 50% of landfill bulk nationwide. Biodegradable plastics created by single-cell organisms could dramatically reduce that impact.

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USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

$1.6 mm investment by state yields more than $10 mm in outside grants

In just two years, University of Utah life science research teams led by John White and Hamid Ghandehari have demonstrated high productivity. Based on a $1.6 million USTAR investment to date, the teams have secured more than $10 million in federal and industry-sponsored research funding, leveraging the state’s investment more than six to one. The teams have also filed seven invention disclosures (a preliminary step to patent applications).

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USTAR is publishing a new kind of annual report, one that’s in “bite-sized” pieces you might have time to read. We’ll be adding chapters over the next few weeks. Today’s edition covers the USTAR Technology Outreach and Innovation Program.

163 companies assisted. $9.73 million in capital raised.

The Technology Outreach program aims to expand the benefit of USTAR beyond the major research universities to the entire state. In 2009, Technology Outreach worked with 163 companies in 18 counties to help them connect with university research and expand their businesses. In particular, early stage technology companies face a challenge finding capital investment. Even in a tough investing climate, USTAR helped innovation-based startups secure $9.73 million in 2009.

Regional initiatives to drive regional growth

• Assisting Cluster Acceleration Partnership in aerospace (Northern Utah) and digital media (Central Utah).
• Launched start-up incubators in Southern Utah and SL County (IT, renewable energy, biotech).
• Supported Concept to Company innovation contests in Uintah Basin, Dixie, Northern Utah, SL County.
• USTAR-funded SBIR center assisted more than 70 companies with federal grant proposals.

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