Utah Tech University’s Atwood Innovation Plaza Hosts Innovation Conference to Drive Entrepreneurship

Utah Tech University’s Atwood Innovation Plaza is opening its doors for an event designed to turn ideas into marketable ventures. The conference, titled From Vision to Venture: Innovating in Southern Utah, will take place on October 30 at 9 a.m. on the university’s St. George campus and is free to the public. This article outlines what attendees can expect, highlights key speakers and sessions, and offers practical steps for entrepreneurs who want to move from concept to commercial success.

Event Overview

The conference is a joint effort between Utah Tech University’s Atwood Innovation Plaza, the Nucleus Institute, and the university’s NSF‑funded Tech Transfer Office. It brings together local entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and industry experts to discuss the full product‑development cycle—from ideation and prototyping through to scaling and investment. Registration for the event is reserved here. Register now for the free conference.

Key Topics and Speakers

The agenda focuses on three core pillars:

• Intellectual Property Protection – Learn how to safeguard your concepts before you start rolling out prototypes.
• Market Entry and Scaling – Discover real‑world strategies for commercializing inventions at speed.
• Pitching and Funding – Gain the confidence to present to investors and venture partners.

Lead speaker Molly Kocialski, former regional director of the Rocky Mountain U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and current counsel at Holland & Hart, will share actionable advice on securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. She will also outline resources available through the Nucleus Institute to help entrepreneurs navigate the legal complexities of product development.

Expert panelists include:

• Josh Aikens – Founder of Zonos, a company that helps businesses expand globally.
• Scale STG – A regional accelerator focused on propelling deep‑tech and high‑growth startups.
• Representatives from the State of Utah’s Nucleus Institute and the Tech Transfer Office, who will discuss the ecosystem support available to Southern Utah innovators.

Pitch Competition Opportunity

Entrepreneurs and students can showcase their solutions in the conference’s pitch competition. Submissions must be entered by October 15 through an online form. Winning pitches receive:

• Professional coaching on pitch deck development.
• Meetings with venture capitalists and angel investors based in Utah.
• Access to prototype labs at Atwood Innovation Plaza.

To submit a pitch, register here for the Nucleus Institute Pitch Event. This list is a great way to get early exposure to potential partners and stakeholders in the state’s innovation ecosystem.

How to Maximize Your Participation

1. Prepare a Clear Problem‑Solution Narrative

Before you step onto the stage or hit the registration button, outline your value proposition using the classic “Problem – Solution – Impact” framework. Highlight what market need you’re addressing and how your solution differs from existing alternatives.

2. Secure Your Intellectual Property

Protecting ideas early reduces the risk of infringement and enhances valuation. Use the USPTO’s Quick Guide to Patents and consult with a patent attorney. The conference will feature a dedicated session on “Fast‑Tracking IP Protection for Small Teams.”

3. Build a Prototype Ready for Demo

Have a functional prototype, demo video, or working mock‑up ready for judges and investors. Use the resources from the Atwood Innovation Plaza’s makerspaces to iterate quickly.

4. Craft a Concise Pitch Deck

Each investor takes only a few minutes to decide whether a startup is worth a deeper meeting. The pitch deck should be no longer than 10–12 slides, focusing on market size, traction, and financial projections. The conference’s panel will walk through best practices for each slide.

5. Network Strategically

Identify key attendees from the venue list—especially companies that invest in your sector. Prepare concise introductions that highlight the unique selling points of your idea. The event’s networking break provides 45 minutes of unstructured interaction, so have your elevator pitch ready.

Accessing Additional Resources

Utah Tech University offers a range of tools for entrepreneurs:

• Tech Transfer Office – Guides commercialization and connects inventors to industry partners.
• Atwood Innovation Plaza – Provides labs, equipment, and mentorship.
• Scale STG Accelerator – Offers cohort acceleration and funding pathways.
• Nucleus Institute – Supports regional economic development with grant programs and advisory services.

For ongoing updates, subscribe to the Atwood Innovation Plaza newsletter or visit the innovation portal. If you have questions about the event, reach out via [email protected].

Action Steps for Entrepreneurs

1. Reserve your seat for the conference. The event is free, but tickets are limited.

2. Submit your pitch by October 15. Early filing gives you a head start for evaluation.

3. Use the day to gather feedback. The conference offers direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs and legal experts.

4. Leverage the mid‑week workshop on IP. This session is crucial for startups that plan to commercialize technology.

5. Follow up with attendees. Secure at least three new contacts before leaving the event.

Future of Entrepreneurship in Southern Utah

Southern Utah is experiencing rapid growth in tech, health, and renewable energy sectors. The collaboration between Utah Tech University and the Nucleus Institute demonstrates a commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. By attending and participating in events like From Vision to Venture, entrepreneurs gain access to capital, mentorship, and a growing network of peers—fueling a cycle of innovation that benefits the entire region.

Ready to take your idea from concept to commercial product? Register today for the free conference and secure your spot in the pitch competition. Your next step to turning an innovation into a successful business starts here.

Share your feedback and experiences in the comments. Stay tuned for more insights on entrepreneurship from Utah Tech University’s innovation community.