BioUtah, Utah's life sciences trade association, in partnership with Brigham Young University's College of Life Sciences and Technology Transfer Office, has opened early-bird registration for the 2026 Entrepreneur and Investor Life Sciences Summit. The event, sponsored by Wilson Sonsini, will take place March 12-13, 2026, beginning with conference sessions at the Hilton Hotel in Salt Lake City and concluding with a ski day and luncheon at Snowbird Ski Resort. Early registration discounts are available through February 15, 2026.
The summit's programming addresses critical intersections between entrepreneurship, investment, and scientific innovation in the life sciences sector. Monica DiCenso, managing director and head of the global investment opportunities group at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, will deliver a keynote presentation analyzing the current life sciences investment landscape and future outlook. This analysis provides attendees with valuable market intelligence directly from a leading financial institution, potentially influencing investment strategies and business planning for startups and established companies alike.
A central feature of the event is a Shark Tank-style life sciences pitch competition, where participants will present their innovations to compete for a cash prize. This competition serves as a direct conduit for emerging companies and researchers to secure funding and visibility, accelerating the commercialization of new medical technologies, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. The partnership between BioUtah, representing Utah's broad life sciences industry, and BYU's academic and technology transfer arms underscores a collaborative model for translating academic research into market-ready solutions.
The implications of this summit extend beyond the event itself, signaling Utah's strengthening position as a hub for life sciences innovation. BioUtah's member companies, which span medical device manufacturing, biotechnology, research, and diagnostics, are described as key drivers of the state's economy and healthcare advancement. Events like this summit facilitate the networking and knowledge exchange necessary to sustain this growth, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and academic resources. The inclusion of a technology transfer office as a co-presenter highlights the importance of bridging the gap between university research laboratories and the commercial market.
For professionals in the life sciences sector, attendance offers opportunities to gauge market trends, explore funding avenues, and witness emerging technologies. The ski day component at Snowbird Resort further encourages informal networking in a setting conducive to relationship building. The summit's structure, combining formal presentations with competitive pitches and recreational activities, is designed to foster a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation. As detailed in the full announcement available here, the event represents a strategic gathering for stakeholders committed to advancing healthcare through scientific and entrepreneurial ventures.
