"Innovation Idol" contest takes on nanotechnology – Statewide competition for cash, glory and free consulting

The nanoUtah 2011 conference announced today a statewide contest to identify, celebrate and support entrepreneurial ideas that have the most potential as viable and exciting business opportunities. In a fast-paced conference session to be held in Salt Lake City October 13, an "Innovation Idol" will be crowned.

During the session, up to five finalists will compete by presenting their ideas and answering questions from a panel of judges and the audience. The "speed pitch" format is lively, entertaining, and a good way for finalists to get expert feedback on their concepts. The winning "Idol" – based on audience votes – will win a cash prize of $500.

The contest is open to any Utah resident. Entrants may co-apply with another researcher, student, entrepreneur or industry representative.

HOW TO ENTER: If you have an idea for a nanotechnology product or business, complete the three-page application on the conference web site by Sept. 15. The nanoUtah selection committee will evaluate the ideas and invite up to five finalists to present at the session, to be held Oct. 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Hilton City Center in Salt Lake City.

THE FINE PRINT: USTAR reserves the right to offer a limited number of applicants (whether finalists or not) consulting services to refine their ideas following the contest. Complete terms and conditions and an application form are available on the conference web site:

http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/nanoutah11/index.php?n=Abstract.Abstract
or http://tinyurl.com/3v59qat

SESSION JUDGES AND EMCEE:

* Troy D’Ambrosio, Director Educational Programs, Lassonde Center, University of Utah

* Lisa Davis, Program Director, The Leonardo

* Dr. Glenn Prestwich, entrepreneur and professor of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah

* Michael O’Malley, marketing director, USTAR (emcee)

Nanotechnology deals with the manipulation of atoms and molecules. This science is impacting everything from medicine and energy to computing and telecommunications. It promises to make drugs, solar panels, computer chips and wireless components faster, cheaper and more effective. The nanoUtah conference is anchored by presentations from international and local leaders in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and fosters collaborations and the exchange of knowledge among scientists, engineers, clinicians, industry leaders, and students. For more information, visit http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/nanoutah11/index.php

"Innovation Idol" was first held in September 2010 as part of "Leonardo After Hours," a joint production of USTAR and The Leonardo that brings current technology and science topics to the public. That contest focused on general technology. USTAR and The Leonardo plan future iterations of the contest in coming years. For more information on The Leonardo, visit http://www.theleonardo.org

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About USTAR:

The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s "knowledge economy" and generate high-paying jobs. Funded in March 2006 by the State Legislature, USTAR is based on three program areas. The first area involves funding for strategic investments at the University of Utah and Utah State University to recruit world-class researchers. The second area is to build state-of-the-art interdisciplinary facilities at these institutions for the innovation teams. The third program area involves teams that work with companies and entrepreneurs across the State to promote science, innovation, and commercialization activities. For more information, go to http://www.innovationutah.com or follow http://twitter.com/Innovationutah.

Michael O’Malley

Marketing and Communications Director

USTAR

324 S. State St. #221

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Direct: 801-538-8879

Mobile: 801-652-5578

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.innovationutah.com

Follow: http://twitter.com/Innovationutah

Turning innovation into industry