The Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) program is administered by the Utah Innovation Center, now part of the Nucleus Institute under the Utah System of Higher Education. This state-funded program is designed to bolster Utah-based small businesses in their pursuit of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. UTIF offers financial assistance to both applicants and awardees of these federal programs to promote the development of innovative technologies with commercialization potential.
UTIF consists of two funding instruments: microgrants and nonrecourse loans. Microgrants are available to eligible companies applying for a Phase I SBIR or STTR award, offering funding to offset the costs of preparing competitive proposals. Nonrecourse loans are designed to assist businesses that have successfully received a Phase I SBIR/STTR award and are preparing to submit a Phase II proposal, bridging the financial gap between the two phases. Each company may receive one microgrant and up to two nonrecourse loans, provided eligibility requirements are met.
To apply for UTIF support, businesses must first identify an active federal SBIR/STTR solicitation. Applicants must submit their UTIF application at least four weeks before the federal submission deadline. Applications are processed through GOEO’s online submission portal and must be pre-approved by the Utah Innovation Center. Required registrations include SAM.gov, SBIR.gov, and the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. A valid Utah business registration is mandatory.
UTIF funding is non-competitive, meaning all eligible applications will be awarded until funds are depleted. Although a business license is not required under UTIF, local regulations may impose such a requirement. Application documents must be uploaded separately into the portal and should not be compressed or merged into a single file. Key program guidance and FAQs are available online, and staff are responsive to inquiries within one business day.
Applications must align with a specific SBIR/STTR opportunity and include relevant submission timelines. Businesses are advised to work closely with the Utah Innovation Center throughout the process to maximize their chances of success. While no fixed application deadlines are listed for UTIF itself, its timing is tightly coupled with the deadlines of associated federal SBIR/STTR opportunities. The Utah Innovation Center offers monthly SBIR 101 workshops and direct support to applicants.
Applicants seeking additional support or clarifications are encouraged to contact the Utah Innovation Center via innovationcenter@nucleusutah.org or (801) 538-8680. The office is located at 60 East South Temple, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, Utah. The UTIF initiative is one of many efforts by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity to stimulate technological innovation and economic growth across the state.
Submit at least four weeks before federal SBIR/STTR deadline; ensure all business registrations are current and active; upload files separately; work with Utah Innovation Center for assistance.
