SALT LAKE CITY — Utah partners unveiled The Nucleus Institute, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to connect higher education, industry and government around a shared vision: innovation through collaboration. In partnership with the Utah System of Higher Education, the Institute will serve as the hub for Utah’s innovation economy, accelerating the path from breakthrough ideas to systemic solutions that drive statewide impact.
Nucleus connects students, researchers, innovators and mentors to high-impact opportunities, bridging the gap between idea and execution. It addresses early-stage funding challenges, helping research and startups move from concept to market. The institute also supports long-term systems for innovation by aligning talent development, strategic partnerships and real-world problem-solving. Anchored by Convergence Hall, Nucleus creates physical and collaborative environments,where disciplines converge and innovation districts across Utah operate cooperatively.
“This is more than a launch,” said Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Nucleus Institute. “Nucleus is the culmination of years of effort to position Utah as a global leader in innovation and economic impact.”
“Utah is at a pivotal point,” said Governor Spencer Cox, “We’ve laid the foundation, now it’s time to build on it. The Nucleus Institute brings the right people to the table to help us scale what we do best: solve real problems, grow smart, and lead with purpose.”
The $40 million Utah Innovation Fund that supports deep tech startups across Utah will be rebranded as the Nucleus Fund. The Utah Innovation Center, now Nucleus Grow, joins the institute in guiding research from Utah’s campuses to the marketplace. By bringing these programs together, Nucleus provides the tools and partnerships Utah needs to transform ideas into industries.
Talent Ready Utah, in partnership with Nucleus and the Utah System of Higher Education, launched Talent Hub, the state’s new, unified platform for internships, apprenticeships and employment.
“The launch of Talent Hub represents a major step forward for Utah’s system of public colleges and universities,” said Geoffrey Landward, Utah commissioner of higher education. “By connecting students to opportunities with top employers, we are creating clear pathways from education to meaningful careers. Talent Hub not only strengthens collaboration across higher education but also accelerates innovation statewide, ensuring Utah’s workforce and economy are prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
With a unified structure and a commitment to public impact, The Nucleus Institute is designed to scale Utah’s innovation economy, while ensuring all communities benefit from its growth.
About The Nucleus Institute
The Nucleus Institute is Utah’s cross-sector innovation catalyst—uniting universities, industry, government, and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impact. By offering connection, commercialization, funding, systemic solutions, and innovation spaces, Nucleus empowers Utah’s next generation of breakthroughs and economic growth. Learn more at nucleusutah.org