Events July 13, 2026
Forging the future: U and Nucleus Institute connect industry with faculty expertise
Libby Mitchell
The University of Utah, in partnership with the Nucleus Institute, brought together faculty, industry leaders, small businesses and campus innovation programs for a mixer focused on building practical pathways for collaboration.
The event created space for companies and university researchers to connect around shared interests in AI, engineering, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, critical minerals, diagnostics and software innovation. With strong participation from both industry and academia, the afternoon highlighted a clear appetite for partnerships that can move ideas from research and early-stage development toward real-world application.
University resources and campus programs
University of Utah faculty and campus programs played a central role throughout the event. The agenda opened with introductions from Jacob Hochhalter, who welcomed attendees and framed the mixer around the university’s growing innovation hubs, followed by presentations from Nucleus, the AM&E Lab, the Utah APEX Accelerator and the Capstone Senior Design Program. Together, these introductions showcased the range of resources available to companies interested in working with the university, from student design talent and prototyping support to commercialization guidance and federal partnership opportunities.
Small business technology transfer opportunities
A key theme of the mixer was the opportunity to build Small Business Technology Transfer partnerships that connect industry needs with faculty expertise. Many of the conversations throughout the event centered on how companies can engage with University of Utah researchers, facilities, students and innovation programs to advance emerging technologies.
Small business innovation pitches
The program also featured a series of small business pitches from companies working across high-growth technology areas. Presenters included Nielson Scientific, Vulnaut AI, R.S. Electronics, Uplift Aerospace, Glycosurf, Tinker RnD, Innovative Powders, IonQ, Economic Machines LLC, Light-Hope Diagnostics, BrainThrob Laboratories and Cordin Scientific Imaging. Their presentations gave attendees a look at the breadth of industry innovation seeking connection with university expertise and resources.
Faculty research highlights
The second half of the event put the University of Utah’s research strengths in the spotlight. Faculty lightning talks introduced attendees to major areas of campus capability, beginning with Hochhalter’s overview of the U’s aerospace innovation. Ashley Spear highlighted advanced manufacturing resources, including the Advanced Manufacturing Hub, the REDTAIL AI computer and Nanofab capabilities. Luis Garcia presented work in AI and security, while Ling Zang, associate dean for research, shared opportunities connected to critical minerals research. All represent areas where the University of Utah is positioned to support industry collaboration around nationally relevant challenges, from secure AI and advanced computing to materials, manufacturing, energy and supply chain resilience.
Impact and future connections
More than a traditional networking event, the mixer helped introduce industry partners to the people, programs and facilities that make the University of Utah a strong collaborator for innovation-driven companies. It also gave faculty and campus leaders a chance to hear directly from businesses looking for research partnerships, technical expertise and pathways to grow.
“Events like this help turn introductions into collaborations by putting companies in the same room with the researchers, facilities and programs that can help move new technologies forward,” said Hochalter.
Looking for more opportunities to connect with research faculty and local industry?
Explore the Technology Licensing Office’s Tech Tuesday event series, which regularly brings together University of Utah researchers, entrepreneurs and industry partners.
