The University of Utah PIVOT Center along with BioUtah and BioHive hosted the biggest Entrepreneur and Investor Life Sciences Summit to date this week. With almost 400 registrants, attendees from across the country—and some from around the world—gathered on the University of Utah campus to experience Utah’s collaborative life sciences ecosystem firsthand.
The event featured expert speakers, an insightful and timely market overview, and a pitch competition as well as networking opportunities at the summit and on the ski slopes. BioUtah President and CEO Kelvyn Cullimore said in his closing remarks that the word he’d use to describe the event is “connection,” and many attendees shared that sentiment.
“This event not only demonstrates the growth of Utah’s thriving life sciences community, but also the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs and investors from across the country to partner with University of Utah and across our ecosystem,” said U Chief Innovation & Economic Engagement Officer Keith Marmer. “I believe Utah’s life sciences industry has a promising and exciting future.”
“PIVOT Center and BioUtah, along with BioHive, are successfully bringing people together in the life sciences community. The E&I summit is an important piece in building and expanding our community here in Utah,” said BioHive Executive Director Aimee Edwards.
“I love the growth that we are seeing at every event. I like how everyone is collaborating and working together in our community,” said Marc Porter, a partner at Wilson Sonsini, the event’s title sponsor.
“I’ve made some promising connections at this event. As a Coloradan, I’ve felt very welcomed by the Utah community, and I’m excited to work with the Utah life sciences ecosystem,” said Clinically Media CEO Victoria Donovan.
“One of my main takeaways from the E&I Summit was how excited people are to collaborate within the life sciences industry,” said PIVOT”s Executive Director of Technology Commercialization Bruce Hunter. “I connected with many people who are willing to partner with us at the University of Utah to continue supporting our growth.”
“This is turning into a genuine check writing event,” said PIVOT’s Deputy Director & Senior Director of Innovation Paul Corson.
“This event created a pivotal connection to facilitate the next financing opportunity for our company,” said Inherent Biosciences CEO and cofounder Andy Olson.
“I love what’s happening here and this meeting to me is illustrative of all that’s happening here. It’s very exciting,” said Eliksa Executive Chair Jane Hollingsworth.
“We truly appreciate the opportunity to be involved with PIVOT and BioUtah in such an amazing event,” said Scott Marty, co-lead of the Ballard Spahr life sciences industry team.