University of Utah business and ethics student Houston Brackett is an innovative artist with a love of creation and purpose. He is the founder of Juice Artistry, a startup focusing on making fashionable, eco-friendly accessories, such as handbags and bracelets. “Juice” is his family nickname, and “Artistry” refers to the artistry aspect of his business. […]
Brennah Strange, a multi-disciplinary design student at the University of Utah, is designing gear that looks good, feels good, and works hard while being kind to the planet. She is the founder of Hookchute, a community-driven brand that sells sustainable outdoor apparel that merges her passion for sewing and her love of the outdoors. Strange’s […]
Ethan McQuarrie, an entrepreneurship student splitting his time between the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, took notice of the rapidly evolving men’s personal-care market and increasing demand for natural and sustainable products. So, he decided to take it on with his startup, OCOVES. “I see brands like Axe and Old Spice starting […]
Taby Davila is on a mission to bring inclusivity to the fashion industry. She is the founder of Shop Taby — an inclusive and empowering clothing brand, dedicated to providing a positive shopping experience to all women while supporting their “Better Body Love” journey. This journey enables women to cultivate a positive relationship with their […]
At the University of Utah, the magnificent peaks that surround campus serve as a powerful source of inspiration for us to climb toward greater heights. Our students ascend literal mountains to hike, ski, and bike, but they also climb metaphorical mountains by mastering new subjects, advancing their careers, achieving personal goals, and devoting their time […]
Tarifflo, a student startup from Utah State University that offers an AI-powered platform that automates international trade documentation, won the $20,000 Tim Draper Grand Prize and first place in the 2025 Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge today at a final awards and showcase event at the University of Utah. The statewide business-model competition is managed by the Lassonde […]
Browse photos from the Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge 2025 final awards event on March 22, 2025, at the University of Utah. College entrepreneurs from across the state competed for more than $75,000 in cash and prizes. Learn more about the competition at lassonde.utah.edu/uec.
Eight student startup teams received $9,000 in Get Seeded milestone grants in the round ending in February 2025. See below for a list of teams and their product ideas. The final pitch event for regular grants was held at Lassonde Studios. It included live startup pitches, free food, and public voting to determine who received […]
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah announced the finalist teams in the 2025 Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge recently. The student startup teams advance to the final round of this business-model competition for college students across the state. Teams are competing for over $75,000 in cash and prizes, including a $20,000 grand prize. […]
Mental health treatment often takes place inside fluorescent-lit, sterile, and windowless rooms. But what if there was a more effective way of healing? For Zach Bird, the founder of Utah Outdoor Therapies, the outdoors have always been more than just adventures — it’s been an outlet and space to heal. Bird was inspired to create […]
