The Technology Outreach and Innovation Program (TOIP) line item represents USTAR's State wide offices that provide services to entrepreneurs and connect research inventions and technologies from the research universities to entrepreneurs, regional colleges, universities, businesses and industry to support the technology ecosystem in the State and accelerate development of technology related jobs and companies.
The Technology Outreach and Innovation line item includes seven programs:
TOIP directors, associate directors, and interns to work with local companies, entrepreneurs, the universities, and regional stakeholders. These individuals collaborate with the research universities to commercialize innovations, assist industry, connect investors to promising opportunities, and maximize economic impact of new technologies created in Utah. The TOIP offices achieve this goal through the following programs and initiatives.
Business Accelerators: Emphasize rapid-growth and assist entrepreneurs in accelerating the development of start-up companies; business accelerators provide resources and services to support start-up companies through any obstacles they may encounter.
Business Incubator Programs:Provide mentorship and support during the time it takes a company to get on its feet. The focus is on speeding up the growth and success of start-up and early state companies. Incubation times vary for each company.
Go-To-Market (G2M) Program:Helps Utah's high potential technology companies perform customer and product validation activity before initiating equity fundraising or sale efforts.
Grant Development Support:Includes information and assistance in preparing and submitting SBIR-STTR applications.
Industry Support:Includes 1) working with established companies and corporations, connecting them with applied research and new innovations 2) connecting start-ups with valuable resources to facilitate collaborative partnerships, and 3) helping to identify gaps in needed areas such as education and workforce development.
Mentoring/Business Services:Provided by USTAR regional offices and a network of experts; offers one-on-one mentoring in setting goals for success while developing business plans and refining strategies.
Prototyping:Services to early stage companies looking to validate their business model. Prototyping support includes 3D printers, engineering assistance, and machine shop time.
COBI contains unaudited data as presented to the Legislature by state agencies at the time of publication. For audited financial data see the State of Utah's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.