From the Director

Four years into the Doman Innovation Studio, one lesson has become increasingly clear. While entrepreneurship is often measured through companies, products, and funding, its greatest determinant is the founder. When founders gain clarity, companies gain momentum. When they learn to respond to markets, ask better questions, and make better decisions, the ventures they build become stronger as a result.

This understanding has shaped the direction of the Studio over the past year. Rather than expanding programs for the sake of growth, we have focused on building a stronger entrepreneurial environment across the University of Utah. We launched the Builders Track to create a new academic pathway for founders, established our first research commercialization cohorts with the Technology Licensing Office and the Office of the Vice President for Research, expanded our international Praxis programs, and continued strengthening the connections between founders, faculty researchers, community entrepreneurs, and the University’s broader innovation ecosystem. These efforts share a common purpose: helping people move ideas into the world.

We have also come to see the University itself as a remarkable incubator. Every day, students, researchers, faculty, and community members develop ideas with the potential to create meaningful impact. What has often been missing is not innovation, but a responsive environment that helps founders navigate commercialization, connect with the right resources, and continue moving forward. We believe Doman fills that role by working alongside our partners across campus and helping strengthen the ecosystem as a whole.

The founder stories throughout this report reinforce that belief. Every project is different, but the pattern is remarkably consistent. When founders develop greater clarity, confidence, and alignment, better businesses naturally follow. That remains the purpose of our work.

I would like to thank Curt Doman, our partners across the University, and the entire Doman team for their continued commitment to building this community. Together, we look forward to continuing to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture of the University of Utah and creating new opportunities for founders to transform projects into lasting companies.

Onward,

Cord Bowen

DIRECTOR, DOMAN INNOVATION STUDIO