DeserTech | Innovation Plaza | Utah Tech University

What is DeserTech?

DeserTech is an applied research sector studying the impact of desertification on arid and semi-arid regions to develop new solutions for more sustainable desert communities.

The Need for DeserTech Research & Industry Development

The United Nations estimates that if current trends continue, nearly 5 billion people—roughly half the global population—could be affected by arid conditions by the end of the century.

Over 40% of the planet is considered arid/semi-arid and that percentage continues to grow year over year.

Over 30% of North America is classified as a arid or semi-arid region, with around 14.6 million people living in the desert-southwest counties as of 2016.

The Utah Tech DeserTech Research Center is a hub for the discovery and implementation of technologies in sustainable energy, water technologies & management, desert agriculture, healthcare, smart cities, urban heat island mitigation, and off-grid living. Our mission is to align our region’s assets to support the economy and improve desert living both nationally and internationally.

Why Southwest Utah?

Southwest Utah is one of the fastest-growing arid regions in the U.S., experiencing real-world challenges in water scarcity, rapid urbanization, and sustainable growth. Washington County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., placing immediate pressure on water, housing, energy, and infrastructure systems—creating demand for applied solutions.

Southwest Utah, including Washington and Kane counties, is the perfect intersection of environment, need, and opportunity to create the desert communities of the future. We are surrounded by vast desert landscapes that provide unparalleled opportunities for research and proximity to delicate ecosystems that make an ideal site to test scalable solutions. With the ever-increasing pressure of our region’s growth, we are uniquely situated to immediately test sustainable solutions and create new markets within desert living.

Why Utah Tech University?

Utah Tech is a comprehensive polytechnic university with a “learn-by-doing” model, aligning perfectly with applied research and workforce development in DeserTech fields. We prioritize nurturing career-ready graduates across all disciplines ready to power regional innovation.

Utah Tech also has extensive innovation and entrepreneurial support services, currently located at the Atwood Innovation Plaza, that provide spaces for startup support, R&D, prototyping, and co-location of industry partners.

We also have extensive industry and global partnerships that give the ecosystem international reach and credibility.

DeserTech at Utah South Innovation District

Utah Tech University is dedicated to advancing knowledge in sustainable desert living. To support this focus, a portion of the proposed 182-acre Utah South Innovation District is reserved for DeserTech, providing space to expand research, test market opportunities, and contribute to our economy in one of the fast-growing desert communities in the US.

Want to be involved in the planning of the DeserTech sector of Utah South Innovation District? Or would you like to become an anchor tenant within the Utah South Innovation District DeserTech sector?

INQUIRE ABOUT UTAH SOUTH INNOVATION DISTRICT TODAY

DeserTech Focus Groups

DeserTech covers such a broad set of topics and economic areas that we want to make sure we are focused on what our regional economy needs as we finalize plans for this area. To do this, we need to hear from you. We are in the process of scheduling out a series of separate focus group meetings to hear from people working in AgTech, biotechnology, construction, manufacturing, molecular sciences, and resource management. Please register for one or more of these focus groups and influence what DeserTech becomes. In addition, we are working with regional professional organizations to meet with their members -you may receive an invitation from your organization about those separate focus group meetings.

If there is an additional industry that should be in these focus groups, we want to hear from you! Please let us know any new areas that need a separate focus group HERE.

AgTech

Innovation Rooted in the Desert

AgTech, or agricultural technology, refers to the use of modern technological innovations and advancements to enhance resource efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. This may include the use of precision farming techniques, data analytics, sensors, robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and other technologies to optimize various aspects of crop cultivation, livestock management, and overall farm operations.

Biotech

Biotech, or biotechnology, refers to the application of biological and molecular principles to develop technologies and products that improve various aspects of life, healthcare, and industries. Biotech involves using living organisms, cells, and biological systems to create innovative solutions. This field encompasses a wide range of applications, including genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, agriculture, and environmental management. Overall, biotech aims to harness the power of biology to address challenges and create advancements that benefit human health, agriculture, and the environment.

Construction

Sustainable Construction and Infrastructure involves the use of environmentally responsible practices and materials to create buildings and infrastructure with minimal negative impact on the environment. The goal of sustainable construction is to reduce resource consumption, energy use, and environmental degradation while promoting long-term resilience and efficiency. This may include using eco-friendly or locally sourced building materials and implementing energy-efficient design principles. Sustainable construction also involves considering the life cycle of a building or utility, from its construction to its eventual demolition or repurposing, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact throughout.

Manufacturing

Sustainable Manufacturing involves the use of processes and practices that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote social responsibility throughout the entire production lifecycle. The overarching goal is to create products in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Key aspects of sustainable manufacturing include: Resource Efficiency; Renewable Energy; Waste Reduction and Recycling; Supply Chain Sustainability; Life Cycle Assessment. Sustainable manufacturing aims to balance economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility to create a more resilient and responsible manufacturing industry.

Molecular Sciences

The Molecular Sciences play a crucial role in addressing environmental sustainability and materials science challenges by providing insights into the molecular-level processes contributing to the development of sustainable solutions. Key aspects of molecular sciences include: Environmental Monitoring; Water, Soil, and Air Quality; Bioremediation; Green Chemistry; Materials Science; Energy Production; Climate Change Research. By delving into the molecular aspects of chemical, materials, biological, and physical processes, molecular sciences provide valuable tools and knowledge for creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This interdisciplinary approach helps address complex environmental issues and contributes to the development of solutions for a more sustainable future.

Resource Management

Sustainable Resource Management involves the responsible and efficient use of natural resources to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The goal is to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure the long-term viability of resources and ecosystems. Key principles and practices associated with sustainable resource management include: Renewable Resource Utilization; Minimizing Waste and Pollution; Biodiversity Conservation; Efficient Resource Extraction; Ecosystem Restoration; Adaptive Management; Policy and Regulation. Sustainable resource management is crucial for ensuring the well-being of ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies in the face of growing resource demands and environmental challenges. It emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach to resource use that considers the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological systems.