January 23, 2025
With Utah Tech Week around the corner, it’s an ideal time to reflect on Utah’s emergence as a major tech hub. The growth of Silicon Slopes and the abundance of tech companies flocking to Utah have attracted talent, investors, and entrepreneurs eager to be part of its thriving tech scene.
Ideally situated among scenic mountains, the Utah tech community has become a hotspot for innovation and entrepreneurship. Growth didn’t happen overnight — companies like WordPerfect and Novell began the movement decades ago, setting the stage for today’s thriving industry.
A proponent of Utah’s rise in the tech world is the Silicon Slopes Summit, one of the premier tech conferences in the country. The 2025 summit, held mid-January, featured over 100 speakers with dozens of sessions packed with insights, networking, and resources for entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Continuing the momentum, Utah Tech Week is set to take place Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2025. Instead of a single large conference, this is a community-driven event where startups, investors, and tech leaders across the state sponsor their own panels, networking events, and workshops. It’s free to register, though some events may have nominal fees.
The idea is to spark “happy collisions” between people, leading to new partnerships, business deals, and friendships. It’s a chance for people in the tech community to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other in an ever-changing industry.
A highlight of the week is the pitch competition hosted by the Utah Tech Week organizers on opening night, Monday, Jan. 27. Five early-stage Utah startups will vie for a grand prize of $200,000 in funding. Sponsored in part by the Startup State Initiative, this event gives attendees a front-row seat to Utah’s next wave of innovation. After the competition, attendees can go to the venue upstairs to access the Opening Party Night Market, where attendees can check out Utah’s top up-and-coming vendors and enjoy a lively night of networking and celebration.
Utah’s rise as a tech hub speaks to its strength as an ideal place to start and grow a business. With a strong sense of community, a history of innovation, and plenty of opportunities to connect, it’s no wonder startups are choosing to build their futures here.
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.