2017 Issue

75 The USU Synthetic Biomanufacturing facility, located in the USTAR BioInnovations Center in Logan, houses advanced life-science laboratories and provides researchers the resources to seek cures for a range of human and animal diseases. It is a world-class fermentation facility and was designed to conduct proof of concept, optimization and pilot scale studies for the production of synthetic bioprod- ucts through bacterial fermentation. Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) USTAR’s competitive grant programs help address gaps in Utah’s technology ecosystem. The Technology Acceleration Program (TAP) is a USTAR competitive grant that supports private sector technology development for Utah-based companies. While designed for start-ups and early stage companies, mature companies can apply to TAP for devel- opment of a new technology or product. Proposed work can include research and development, proof of concept, product validation, and product development. TAP grants are used to accelerate technology development and com- mercialization. The next call for TAP proposals is expected in early FY18. Other USTAR Grants Other USTAR competitive grants include the Utah Technol- ogy Acceleration Grant (UTAG) and the Science Technology Initiation Grant (STIG) focused on university researchers, and the Industry Partnership Program (IPP) which focuses on partnerships between industry and the research ca- pacity within Utah’s higher education institutions. The IPP addresses specific technology problems or gaps in indus- try. Companies with a major presence in Utah can contact USTAR to connect to an expert researcher within Utah’s higher education community. The company and the identi- fied researcher or research team will submit a joint proposal for IPP funding. Guided by Utah’s economic clusters, USTAR supports technology entrepreneurs and innovators through training, funding, incubator and accelerator programs; brokering technology transfer by connecting capital, management and industry; addressing market gaps in Utah’s technology ecosystem and strengthening the state’s research capacity. Information on all USTAR programs can be found by visiting www.ustar.org or emailing ustar@utah.gov . Ivy Estabrooke, PhD Ivy, USTAR executive director, has over a decade of experience developing and executing high risk/high payoff technolo- gy programs for economic development and national security. She is a neuro- scientist by training with degrees from Smith College, Georgetown University and the National Defense University. specialized equipment including 3D printers, a laser cutter, OMAX Waterjet, CNC mill and lathe. USTAR Incubation Enterprise Besides the Innovation Center, other facilities included in the USTAR Incubation Enterprise include the BioInnova- tions Gateway (BiG), the Nanofab, located in the USTAR Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building on the Univer- sity of Utah campus, and the Synthetic Biomanufacturing facility, located on the Utah State University (USU) Innova- tion campus. BiG, a strategic partnership between USTAR and the Gran- ite School District, is a life science incubator for emerging biotech and medical device companies. Tenants have access to private or shared office and lab space, specialized equipment, and services tailored to startup operations. The program also works with high school students to provide hands-on real-world experiences, helping prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and scientists. The Utah Nanofab provides a clean environment, exper- tise, and equipment necessary for micromachining, micro- fabrication, and nano-scale semi-conductor materials. It is located in the USTAR building on the U campus. The Nanofab is accessible to all Utah-based academics and companies at the same base pricing levels through pro- grams supported in partnership with USTAR. The labs offer process equipment with advanced capabilities in pattern generation, photolithography and thin film deposition, and have characterization capabilities to include surface analy- sis and nano-imaging.