Innovation Awards Summit: The Gap Between Utah's Ideas and Utah's Economy

Utah is consistently ranked one of the most innovative states in the country. But is that reputation earned? And what's standing between the state's best ideas and the market?

This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Utah Business Innovation Awards Summit, presented in partnership with Nucleus Institute. Three panelists talk through what it will take to mature Utah's innovation ecosystem: an investor and go-to-market leader, a scientist and founder working in AI and quantum, and a deep tech entrepreneur.

They get into the difference between a startup state and an innovation state, why so many promising technologies stall between the lab and the market, the funding gap in the middle, why Utah needs a deeper bench of experienced operators, and why AI and the next generation of innovators give them reason to be optimistic.

Featuring:

• Joe Grover, Chief Growth Officer, Amplēo

• Dolly Chitta, Ph.D., CEO, Tek Holding

• Christian Iverson, Entrepreneur in Residence, Utah State University

The Utah Business podcast highlights the big ideas, remarkable innovations, and extraordinary people who drive the Beehive State’s nation-leading economic success. Each episode brings you in-depth conversations with Utah’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and business mavericks, uncovering the strategies and passion that fuel their achievements. Join us to discover how these pioneering individuals are shaping Utah’s business present — and future.