Salt Lake City

Students build it. Founders take it to market.

Students and recent graduates build AI systems on a problem a company already has. They may come from any university in Utah. Recent graduates are welcome, including those who have not yet found a position.

Where a solution shows commercial potential, we pair it with a founder. A founding role is open to those who want the experience and the challenge.

Get involved

How we build

Three doors into the same loop

Students

Do the work

Students and recent graduates from universities in Utah build a prototype on a live industry problem. Founding role opportunities are available, not required.

Email a resume
Industry

Bring a problem

Bring the problem that is in the way of the business. Students build a prototype of it. If the work shows commercial potential, a startup team can take it to market.

Put it on the table
Founders

Take a company

You may lead the company, or join a team that includes student volunteers and early-stage entrepreneurs. Founders and investors may earn or purchase a majority ownership position.

Talk to the lab
One term per problem

A build runs roughly a semester, twelve to sixteen weeks.

Part-time alongside study

Students volunteer about ten hours a week.

What a company supplies

A named problem owner and reasonable access to data or systems. The lab provides mentorship, technology, financing, supply chain expertise, technical specialists, and business networks.

If the work is passed

The company keeps its data and may use the prototype. The student keeps the work in their portfolio. Nothing transfers unless it is agreed in writing.

The loop

Problem, prototype, found or pass

An active industry problem statement becomes a prototype. If it can be a company, we pair it with a founder. If it cannot, the lab passes and begins the next problem.

The Frederick A. Sutton Building, Salt Lake City, lawn and entrance.
The Frederick A. Sutton Building, Salt Lake City. Photograph by Daderot.

Get involved

Write to the lab

A short note is enough. Say whether you are a student or recent graduate, a company with a problem, or a founder, and include the time you can give.

contact@utahailab.com