APRIL 30th

REGISTER HERE
REGISTER HERE

MILLER FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER

AT SLCC MILLER CAMPUS

Where Utah aligns on the future of our innovation economy.

The State of Innovation is the annual convening of leaders from across industry, government, and higher education to define the priorities of Utah’s innovation economy and propel our ecosystem forward.

This isn’t your typical conference.

This is Utah’s annual moment to step back, align across ecosystem sectors, and shape what comes next for the state’s innovation economy. It’s your chance to have your voice heard. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your expertise at Utah’s Innovation Strategy Session

AGENDA

  • 9:00 AM – Registration & Networking Breakfast
    Guests arrive, check in, and connect with peers across industry, academia, and government.

    9:30 AM – Welcome Remarks
    President Greg Peterson, Salt Lake Community College
    Opening welcome and framing of the day.

  • 9:40 AM – Defining Utah’s Innovation Priorities
    Jefferson Moss, CEO, Nucleus
    Introduction of the three human-centered focus areas shaping Utah’s innovation strategy.

    10:00 AM – State of Innovation: Data & Insights
    A data-driven look at Utah’s current innovation landscape.

    • Live Audience Input
      Real-time insights to inform the day’s discussions.

  • 10:30 AM – Nucleus in Action
    Angela Smith, COO, Nucleus
    How strategy translates into real-world outcomes across the innovation ecosystem.

    10:45 AM – Networking Break

  • 11:15 AM – Keynote Address: The State of Innovation
    Governor Spencer Cox
    A statewide perspective on Utah’s current position and immediate priorities.

    11:30 AM – Fireside Conversation: Where We Go Next
    Governor Spencer Cox in conversation with Jefferson Moss
    A forward-looking discussion on Utah’s path ahead.

  • 11:50 AM – Networking Lunch

  • 12:15 PM – Convergence Hall: A New Model for Collaboration
    A discussion on the role of physical and strategic infrastructure in accelerating innovation.

  • 12:30 PM – Panel: AI Is Here — How Utah Responds

    Panelists include leaders from industry, policy, and academia.

    • Live Audience Input
      Capturing sentiment and priorities around AI adoption and governance.

    1:00 PM – AI Initiative Briefing
    Overview of Utah’s coordinated AI efforts and strategic direction.

  • 1:15 PM – Audience Workshop: Quality of Life
    A deep-dive focused on the future of the innovation economy through with leaders working to solve Utah’s biggest challenges.

    • Facilitated discussion informed by real-time audience input

    • Designed to generate actionable insights

    2:15 PM – Networking Break

  • 2:30 PM – Closing Keynote
    Dr. Arthur Brooks
    Flourishing, purpose, and the future of innovation.

    3:15 PM – Closing Remarks: A Call to Action
    Linda Cabrales
    Key takeaways and next steps for Utah’s innovation community.

    4:00 PM – Conclusion to the day

Our Speakers

Governor Spencer Cox

18th Governor of the State of Utah

Dr. Arthur Brooks

Best-Selling Author

Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School

Jefferson Moss

Associate Commissioner, USHE

CEO, Nucleus

Angela Smith

COO, Nucleus

Linda Cabrales

Director, Nucleus Grow

Kristin Wihera

Director of Fund Operations, Nucleus Fund

Zach Boyd

Director, Utah Office of AI Policy

Dolly Chitta, Ph. D.

Science & Innovation Advisor, Nucleus

Founder, Curie Quantum

Kelvyn Cullimore

President & CEO, BioUtah

Vic Hockett

Associate Commissioner, USHE

Dr. Greg Peterson

President, SLCC

Tara Rosander

Deputy Director & COO, GOEO

Cydni Tetro

President, MTNP

Steven Waldrip

Senior Advisor to the Governor on Housing Strategy and Innovation

David Wright

Co-Founder & CEO, Pattern