Lindsey Wright, a doctoral student in piano performance at the U, is making learning the piano easy and affordable for elementary school students in Utah. Wright observed that Utah schools were cutting the funding for music programs. In response, Wright created U-Play Piano, an online computer-based piano curriculum that is much more affordable and engaging […]

While some may dream about hacking into computers to clear their student debts, one group of EAE students is aiming to make that dream possible — in the video-game world, at least. “Cyber Heist” is a two-player game where players take the role of either a hacker or thief and work together to break into […]

Mechanical engineering students Jessica Kuhlman, Scott Ho and Andy Thompson developed a mechanical leech to replace biological ones used in post-surgical tissue reattachment treatment. Addressing biological leech drawbacks, the cost-effective device reliably reduces blood pooling and pressure, precisely injects anti-coagulants into the therapy site, and eliminates the “ick” factor. The mechanical leech was named runner-up […]

Can a game get you walking your pet, even if it’s a virtual pet? U MBA student and co-founder of StepPets, Tim Cooley, is developing a game where players compete with pets they earn by walking more and more each day. The players earn, raise and train their virtual pets in a fun and exciting […]

It’s Friday night, and you need a break from classes and homework. Where will you find your friends? Now, there’s an app for that! NiteOut is a new, socially driven application. “This is a quick way to check the scene at local bars or at an event,” said Jeffrey Morelli, NiteOut cofounder. “Never again will […]

While only a paper prototype, a game being developed by U graduate students is already reducing bullying and increasing attendance in classes in a local elementary school. “One mother told us it used to be a struggle to get her kid to school on time, but after the game, he pushes her to get him […]

Prime Swords by Formidable Toys are just as appealing to kids as adults with a nerd streak or an itch for mortal combat. “When people see our swords, it captures their imagination,” said Mark Jarman, an Entertainment Arts and Engineering student who helped launch the company. Jarman drew the first prototypes in 2012, when his […]

University of Utah alum Erik Larsen started a cupcake company in the U’s Foundry program and had no idea what would happen next. The idea exploded, taking him to the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and leading to the chance of a lifetime. When University of Utah student Erik Larsen sent in his promo video for […]

Looking for the perfect gift for someone with everything? How about the “coziest pants in the world?” A pair of U students has launched a line of uniquely designed pants — dubbed Sakpants — through a university-sponsored entrepreneurship program and a crowdsource funding campaign to raise money. Students Brayden Iwasaki, a graphic design graduate, and […]