BioUtah and the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office Announce Startups Selected to Pitch at the 2025 Wilson Sonsini Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit

Twelve rising startups from Utah’s burgeoning life sciences industry have been selected to present their innovations to investors during the 2025 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit on March 13, sponsored by Wilson Sonsini.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve rising startups from Utah’s burgeoning life sciences industry have been selected to present as part of a shark-tank-like pitch competition during the 2025 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit on March 13, sponsored by Wilson Sonini, and presented by BioUtah and the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office.
  • The 12 Utah companies, representing medical devices, diagnostics, drugs, biotech, and digital health were selected from 37 companies that applied to present. Finalists will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and investors. Winners will receive cash awards and be announced at a ceremony to close the E&I Summit.
  • Following the E&I Summit on March 14, is a networking ski day and luncheon at Snowbird Resort. Join in!

Salt Lake City, Utah - March 4, 2025 - BioUtah, Utah’s only trade association dedicated solely to the life sciences, and the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office, have announced the 12 Utah life sciences startup companies that have qualified for the Shark Tank Pitch Competition as part of the 2025 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit (E&I Summit). The E&I Summit, proudly sponsored by Wilson Sonsini, will be held March 13 at the Sheraton Hotel in Salt Lake City, followed by a ski day at Snowbird Ski Resort on March 14.  

The 12 companies listed below were selected from 37 companies that applied to present. These companies, divided into three industry sub-sectors, were chosen based on a number of criteria, including uniqueness of the product, potential of the product for commercialization, and quality of management. For information on the companies and a complete agenda visit www.eilifesciencessummit.org.

The companies will pitch live to investors, industry experts, and conference attendees. Finalists will be selected by the panel of judges to whom they present. Winners will receive cash awards and be announced at a ceremony to close the E&I Summit. 

“The shark tank competition gives local and national investors a front row seat to some of our most promising life sciences startups that are working to bring new treatments and cures to patients,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah.

"The life sciences startups featured at this year’s E&I Summit highlight the depth of innovation emerging from Utah’s research ecosystem. The University of Utah remains committed to fostering groundbreaking discoveries and accelerating their path to commercialization. This competition not only showcases promising new technologies but also connects these startups with the resources and expertise they need to thrive,” said Bruce Hunter, chief innovation officer for the University of Utah

All the applicants will be prominently featured in the event program.

Medical Device/Diagnostics Group 1

  • Demeter
  • Vira Regen
  • `TAGS Medical

Medical Device/Diagnostics Group 2

  • Freyya
  • RefloDX
  • Zealacare

Therapeutics/Pharmaceuticals Group

  • Evolution Bio
  • Neuropharma
  • Sethera Therapeutics

Digital Health/Biotechnology Group

  • Microvascular Therapeutics
  • Monere
  • Renew Biotechnologies

About BioUtah
BioUtah is an independent 501(c)(6) trade association serving Utah’s life sciences industry. Its member companies reflect a broad spectrum of the industry with strengths in medical device manufacturing and services, research and testing, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, amongst others; and are a key driver of Utah’s economy and advancing healthcare.

About the University of Utah Technology Licensing Office
The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) is dedicated to fostering innovation and creating value through effective technology transfer. As a leader in managing intellectual property, the TLO empowers researchers and inventors by providing the resources and support needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. By facilitating the journey from discovery to commercialization, the TLO plays a critical role in driving economic growth and societal impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve rising startups from Utah’s burgeoning life sciences industry have been selected to present as part of a shark-tank-like pitch competition during the 2025 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit on March 13, sponsored by Wilson Sonini, and presented by BioUtah and the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office.
  • The 12 Utah companies, representing medical devices, diagnostics, drugs, biotech, and digital health were selected from 37 companies that applied to present. Finalists will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and investors. Winners will receive cash awards and be announced at a ceremony to close the E&I Summit.
  • Following the E&I Summit on March 14, is a networking ski day and luncheon at Snowbird Resort. Join in!

Media Gallery

Video Gallery

Life Sciences in Utah: A Collaborative Spirit of Success
View on Vimeo

Quotes

“
The shark tank competition gives local and national investors a front row seat to some of our most promising life sciences startups that are workin...
Kelvyn Cullimore — president and CEO of BioUtah
“
The life sciences startups featured at this year’s E&I Summit highlight the depth of innovation emerging from Utah’s research ecosystem. The Univer...
Bruce Hunter — chief innovation officer for the University of Utah

Related Bios

Kelvyn Cullimore
President and CEO
Kelvyn has three decades experience as a medtech CEO, over a decade on the board of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association and over a decade as mayor of a suburb of Salt Lake City. He brings a unique understanding of industry and policy issues to advance association objectives and help member companies. He has been CEO of BioUtah since October 2018.
View Full Bio>>
Denise Bell
Vice President, Programming & Government Affairs
With over 25 years experience in Washington D.C. in high-level government affairs positions representing physician specialties, laboratories, hospital systems and health insurers Denise has extensive knowledge of healthcare policy and the legislative and regulatory process. In addition to her work in policy and advocacy, Denise served as a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives. She joined BioUtah in 2016.
View Full Bio>>
Josel McCabe
Office Manager
Josel serves as the office and membership manager for BioUtah. Her duties include helping BioUtah members save money through accessing the BIO Business Solutions group purchasing program. Josel understands the entrepreneurial spirit having worked as part of a biotech startup company. Josel has the necessary experience to assure BioUtah’s interactions with its members are personal and professional. Josel has been with BioUtah since February 2018.
View Full Bio>>
Abbey Brewer
Member Program Manager
Abbey is our newest addition to the team as member program manager. Having come from a corporate wellness and exercise science background, she is excited to bring her passion for “improving the human condition” to Utah’s life sciences industry. As member program manager, Abbey is here to provide services regarding our BIO Business Solutions program, event planning and marketing support. She is eager to rub shoulders with current and prospective member companies to advance association and industry objectives.
View Full Bio>>
Nate Gibby
Director of Marketing
Nate has served as BioUtah’s director of marketing since 2016. With degrees in public relations and public administration, Nate has spent nearly 25 years as a marketing consultant for various agencies and companies. In 2006, he co-founded Serfwerks, a boutique marketing agency specializing in strategic marketing development. His background in strategy development, quantitative analysis and web development make him a crucial part of the BioUtah team.
View Full Bio>>

Contacts

Denise Bell
denise@bioutah.org