Utah Tech University

Proposed Innovation District

To support its mission as a regional innovation hub, Utah Tech launched the Innovation Guidance and Solutions Center (IGSC) in 2016 and the Atwood Innovation Plaza (AIP) in 2018. IGSC has generated over 220 patent applications, while AIP has incubated more than 50 businesses. With demand exceeding capacity, plans began in 2021 to expand AIP into a new “Innovation District” on UT’s 183-acre South Campus.

Julie Wagner and Bruce Katz from the Brookings Institute defined an Innovation District in the landmark 2014 report The Rise of Innovation Districts. “These districts, by our definition, are geographic areas where leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators.”

Mission & Vision

Mission: The UT Innovation District (UTiD) aims to pioneer revolutionary technologies for desert living, functional genomics, and endurance sports, while providing high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students.

Vision: Provide exceptional higher education while advancing economic vitality for societal benefit through a vibrant ecosystem of transformative scientific and technological research, invention, innovation, and commercialization.

Following purchasing the South Campus property, a visioning process was launched in the fall of 2021 by assembling information about the history, purpose, and activities that characterize an “Innovation District” into a visioning document. This booklet was distributed to university, city, county, industry officials, and regional stakeholders to gather feedback about the proposed district’s need, viability, and general nature. The positive response and valuable feedback from these discussions prompted the launch of a formal planning process.

What is an Innovation District

Innovation Districts are hubs where leading institutions and companies connect with start-ups, incubators, and accelerators, blending physical, economic, and networking assets to foster a vibrant business ecosystem. Designed for high interaction within a tight area, they encourage accidental business collisions and serendipitous collaborations, known as Bumpability® (a term trademarked by Dr. Wayne Provost, Mr. Jeffrey Stewart, and Mr. Wyatt Anderson).

Campus Site

The 183 acres of the Utah Tech University South Campus is an elongated strip of land at the corner of River Road and the Southern Parkway (See the light blue plot of land). It is south of the Career and Technical High School and across the road, northeast of an undeveloped portion of the Desert Color neighborhood.

The acquisition of the 183-acre property came about a few years ago as the “Dixie Campus” is nearly at capacity. This ~110-acre space has nowhere to expand; it is landlocked by the surrounding neighborhood and typography. Moreover, academic expansion and programming are key. The main campus has taken decades to build; facility creation has accelerated since Utah Tech received university status.

   Core Industry Sectors

DeserTech

  • Renewable Energy
  • Water Conservation
  • AgTech
  • Sustainable Construction Tech
  • Desert Health
  • Desert Infrastructure
  • Waste Management

Genomics

  • Personalized Medicine
  • Diagnostics
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Agrigenomics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Data Analysis & Management
  • Consumer Genetics

Endurance Sport Tech

  • Endurance Racing & Events
  • Apparel & Equipment
  • Fitness & Sport
  • Sport Tourism
  • Military/Defense
  • Health & Wellness
  • Extreme Conditions

Platform Technologies

  • Bio-Technology Systems: Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering
  • Data Science Systems: Applied AI, Machine Learning, IoT, Computing
  • Engineering Systems: Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics
  • Biochemistry Systems: Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Chemistry
  • Sport technology Systems: Biomechanics, Neuromuscular Functions, Physiology, Psychology
  • Design and Prototyping Systems: Design, Prototyping, Fabrication

Timeline

A formal planning process for a proposed Innovation District was launched in the fall of 2022 to produce a comprehensive planning document.The 2023 comprehensive plan provided the framework for a possible Innovation District as one component of the South Campus Master Plan. The first edition of the comprehensive plan was delivered in fall 2023. As the UT Master Plan is complete, the comprehensive plan will be updated to include several Master Plan elements. Note: there is no breakground date scheduled at this time.

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Utah Tech Proposed Innovation District Core Sectors
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Contact

Cheryle Caplinger

Innovation District Project Manager

Email: Cheryle.Caplinger@utahtech.edu