Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 24, 2026
12 Life Sciences Startups to Pitch at Utah's 2026 Shark Tank Competition
TLDR
- BioUtah and BYU selected 12 life sciences startups from 40+ applicants for a Shark Tank pitch competition offering cash awards and investor exposure at the 2026 E&I Summit.
- The 2026 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit, sponsored by Wilson Sonsini, will feature a pitch competition on March 12 followed by a networking ski day on March 13.
- This competition supports life sciences innovation in medical devices and biotech, potentially advancing healthcare solutions and benefiting society through BYU's technology transfer initiatives.
- Finalists from diverse life sciences fields will pitch at a summit that concludes with a networking ski day at Snowbird Resort in Utah.
Impact - Why it Matters
This event matters because it showcases Utah's growing prominence as a life sciences innovation hub, connecting promising startups with potential investors who can accelerate their development. For entrepreneurs, it represents a critical opportunity to secure funding and mentorship that could transform their ideas into market-ready solutions. For investors, it offers access to cutting-edge technologies in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health that could shape future healthcare. For the broader community, successful startups emerging from this competition could lead to new medical treatments, job creation, and economic growth in the region, while reinforcing Utah's position as a competitive player in the national life sciences landscape alongside established hubs like Boston and San Francisco.
Summary
BioUtah, Utah's premier life sciences trade association, has partnered with Brigham Young University's Technology Transfer Office and College of Life Sciences to announce the 12 innovative startups selected for the Shark Tank Pitch Competition at the 2026 Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit. This high-stakes event, proudly sponsored by Wilson Sonsini, will take place on March 12 at the Hilton Hotel in Salt Lake City, followed by a networking ski day at Snowbird Ski Resort on March 13, creating a unique blend of business and recreation opportunities for participants.
The selected companies represent a diverse cross-section of the life sciences sector, including medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital health innovations. Chosen from over 40 applicants, these 12 rising stars will present their groundbreaking ideas to an accomplished panel of judges in a shark-tank-style competition. Winners will receive cash awards and be honored at a closing ceremony, with the competition serving as a crucial platform for emerging companies to gain visibility and investment in Utah's thriving life sciences ecosystem. For those interested in learning more, you can click here to view the full announcement with additional details and resources.
BioUtah, as an independent 501(c)(6) trade association, plays a vital role in advancing Utah's life sciences industry, which serves as a key economic driver for the state while pushing healthcare innovation forward. Meanwhile, BYU's College of Life Sciences prepares future leaders through rigorous academic programs, and the university's Technology Transfer Office facilitates the transfer of innovative technologies from academic research to practical applications that benefit society. This collaboration between industry and academia demonstrates Utah's growing prominence as a hub for life sciences innovation and entrepreneurship.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Reportable. Read the original source here, 12 Life Sciences Startups to Pitch at Utah's 2026 Shark Tank Competition
