Scale your growth with Utah's best accelerators & incubators

Discover the Behind The Scenes of how everyday start-ups grow into unicorns.

Want a curated list of free resources shared at the world’s best accelerators?

Choosing The Right Accelerator

Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.

Patrick Collison, Founder of Stripe

"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."

Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe

Chris Lynch, Founder of Atlas Venture

"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"

Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture

Raj Aggarwal, Founder of Localytics

"The network we built with Techstars was incredibly valuable during and after the program."

Raj Aggarwal, Founder, Localytics

What truly matters

Two-way communication > Interview

Accelerator’s brand power

Strategic depth in their thinking

Accelerator’s connections in the industry

Discover your perfect match

No accelerator or incubator is perfect for every start-up. Your business’s context and constraints matter. Identify your perfect match by answering this short questionnaire.

Utah's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods

Comparing Accelerators

NameAerial ScoreStandard DealAddress#Investments#ExitsDetails
BoomStartup5.06510 Millrock Dr #400, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA10010Learn more
University of Utah - The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneurship Center4.5105 Fort Douglas Blvd #604, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USALearn more
Utah State University - Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence4.5Logan, UT 84322, USALearn more
Southern Utah University - Small Business Development Center4.5510 W 800 S, Cedar City, UT 84720, USALearn more
Bringham Young University - Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology4.5N. Eldon Tanner Building, 470 Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84602, USALearn more
Hall Labs4.53000 S Sierra Vis Wy, Provo, UT 84606, USALearn more
Altitude Lab4.5$40K48 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA6Learn more
Kinect Capital4.1Utah, USALearn more
WGU Labs2.13798 700 East #200, South Salt Lake, UT 84106, USALearn more
TAILWIND (Accelerator)2.1$50KUtah, USALearn more
Stena fintechXstudio2.1Utah, USALearn more

This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in Utah.

However if geography isn’t a hard constraint, and you are only looking for the best incubators and accelerators across the US, check here.

Brief Overview Of Different Accelerators

1) BoomStartup

BoomStartup - supporting founders in their growth journey

BoomStartup is a nationally recognized virtual accelerator based in Utah that caters to tech entrepreneurs by providing seed funding and mentorship. It offers several targeted programs, including OpenUp, which consists of remote courses and expert-led sessions; RiseUp, connecting founders with experts for intensive problem-solving sprints; and AmplifyUp, focusing on fundraising efforts. To date, over 170 companies have completed these programs, with roughly 70% successfully securing funding between $500K and $1.5 million. Graduates have collectively raised more than $55 million in seed capital. In November 2022, the organization was acquired by VentureCapital.org, a non-profit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds and underserved communities. This acquisition enhances its capacity for investment preparation and access to capital, allowing startups greater connectivity to investors. Entrepreneurs affiliated with this institution can also take advantage of VentureCapital.org's extensive resources, including educational programs, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Founded by John Richards, Jon Bradshaw, and Robb Kunz, it is a vital force in fostering innovation and facilitating the growth of early-stage technology companies across the United States.

BoomStartup's Website
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2) University of Utah - The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneurship Center

University of Utah - The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneurship Center - promoting the start-ups of tomorrow

The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneurship Center serves as a nationally recognized hub for student entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. This flagship public institution offers an extensive range of academic programs, including more than 100 undergraduate majors and 92 graduate degrees, fostering an environment ripe for diverse entrepreneurial initiatives. It has facilitated the launch of hundreds of start-ups, emphasizing innovation across various domains such as technology, healthcare, and social media. The center operates within the innovative Lassonde Studios, designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, housing both innovation spaces and residential facilities for 400 students. Providing vital resources, the organization offers workshops, mentorship, and networking events, while connecting students with potential investors, thereby fostering an environment conducive to successful venture launches. Committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey, it ensures they have the tools and guidance needed to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.

University of Utah - The Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneurship Center's Website
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3) Utah State University - Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Utah State University - Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence - a modern, innovative hub for start-ups in Utah

The Center for Entrepreneurship at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business within Utah State University is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial leadership and promoting entrepreneurship. The accelerator emphasizes skills development in creativity, self-reliance, tenacity, persistence, and resourcefulness through classes, internships, competitions, and the Entrepreneur Leadership Speaker Series. Students benefit from an Entrepreneurship Minor curriculum, learning proven methods for starting successful businesses. They also gain hands-on experience through internships, including opportunities like the SEED Intern Program and in-house internships. The center provides capital for student startups through the Entrepreneurship Club and competitions like Opportunity Quest and The $100 Startup. Specialization domains include technology, social impact, and more. Additional benefits include mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, connections with investors, and a comprehensive ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs. Notable industries involved in the program include Edtech and General Tech.

Utah State University - Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence's Website
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4) Southern Utah University - Small Business Development Center

Southern Utah University - Small Business Development Center - building Utah's entrepreneurial future

The Small Business Development Center at Southern Utah University plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of small businesses in the region. Focused on improving lives through entrepreneurial success, it offers a comprehensive suite of services, including assistance with business plans, startup guidance, financial management, marketing strategies, and tax planning. Additionally, resources for managing cash flow, government contracting, and international trade are provided. The SUU Startup initiative, funded by the Economic Development Administration's Build to Scale Program grant, enhances local entrepreneurship by offering prototyping opportunities, mentoring, and shared workspaces. Catering to various industries such as technology, retail, e-commerce, and edtech, the institution is adaptable and committed to fostering innovation and success among small business owners. The center's impact is evident in its dedication to facilitating business growth and providing valuable networking opportunities and workshops to entrepreneurs in Southern Utah.

Southern Utah University - Small Business Development Center's Website
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5) Bringham Young University - Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology

Bringham Young University - Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology - supporting founders in their growth journey

The Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, part of the Marriott School of Business, is a distinguished program dedicated to cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among students. Its aim is to provide a supportive environment that fosters confidence and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take their initial steps towards business creation and growth. Under the leadership of Executive Director Scott Petersen, the center engages in a diverse range of entrepreneurial endeavors, operating in a sector-agnostic framework. While the specific number of associated and funded startups is not disclosed, it is known for having a robust network for mentorship and resources, critical for launching successful ventures. The initiative draws inspiration from esteemed founders such as Brigham Young and Karl G. Maeser, reflecting a strong foundation and commitment to business education. This nurturing ecosystem not only equips students with necessary skills but also inspires them to innovate and contribute significantly to the entrepreneurial landscape.

Bringham Young University - Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology's Website
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6) Hall Labs

Hall Labs - supporting Utah's best founders

This advanced accelerator located in Provo, Utah, operates with a modern, state-of-the-art facility reminiscent of the legendary Edison Lab. It is dedicated to fostering innovation in diverse sectors, specifically focusing on sustainability and personal transportation. The institution aims to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges by bringing together teams of innovators, including scientists and engineers. The accelerator emphasizes the development of smart products within the Internet of Things (IoT), covering various applications from smart home technologies to revolutionary automotive advancements. With a total funding amount of $5,645 and supported by 24 investors, it offers a robust platform for emerging companies. Although the precise number of start-ups associated with this accelerator is not specified, it supports multiple ventures. Participants benefit from access to specialized expertise, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and essential resources for product development. Founded by H. Tracy Hall, the organization underlines a commitment to nurturing technological progress across sectors such as general tech, logistics and supply chain, and renewable energy.

Hall Labs's Website
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7) Altitude Lab

Altitude Lab - supporting Utah's best founders

Altitude Lab is a pioneering biotech and health care accelerator located in Utah. The program offers lab and office space, funding, mentoring, and entrepreneurial education to early-stage life science and health care companies. Founded with a founders-focused approach, Altitude Lab aims to develop diverse and inclusive businesses in the health care sector. The incubator provides a collaborative 14,500-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology tools, laboratory space, and modern office amenities. The organization addresses critical gaps for founders by offering resources, mentorship, and non-dilutive funding. Half of the resident companies have underrepresented founders or executives, with one-third receiving grants to cover residency costs. Notable start-ups that have benefited from the program include Known Med, focused on personalized cancer treatment strategies, and 3Helix, disrupting traditional histology methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis. The accelerator specializes in biotech development and healthcare technology. Additional benefits include workshops, mentoring, and a supportive community of entrepreneurs.

Altitude Lab's Website
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8) Kinect Capital

Kinect Capital - connecting start-up founders with success

Kinect Capital is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and one of the original accelerators in the U.S., established in 1983. It has distinguished itself as an industry leader in creating economic development opportunities in underserved markets. The Urban Innovation Accelerator, a core program, focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who develop solutions for urban sustainability, efficiency, and livability. This 12-week accelerator equips founders with the necessary skills for raising capital and offers extensive mentorship from industry experts. The 2023 KeyBank and Kinect Demo Day Cohort featured seven startups, including LoChi Market, ARX, Blendyd Studios, Rechast INC, RefloDx, Right Angle Engineering, and TowPro, each addressing key challenges in areas such as waste management, energy, and transportation. This initiative does not require financial or equity compensation from the participating startups, enabling entrepreneurs to retain full ownership while benefiting from valuable training and networking opportunities. The organization specializes across diverse sectors, including Clean Energy, Ecommerce, Edtech, Fintech, General Tech, Healthcare Tech, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Renewable Energy, reaffirming its commitment to empowering innovation that positively impacts urban communities.

Kinect Capital's Website
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9) WGU Labs

WGU Labs - connecting start-up founders with success

This innovative organization, established in 2019, focuses on tackling significant challenges in higher education and workforce development through the Accelerator. It specializes in supporting early-stage EdTech companies that operate at the intersection of education and technology. Their mission is to invent, build, and invest in solutions that improve educational outcomes for learners globally. While specific metrics regarding the number of start-ups and investors are not disclosed, it is clear that the accelerator provides essential support tailored to the unique needs of its participants. This includes research, market development, and product enhancement services. Through tailored mentorship and resources, the institution aims to help start-ups navigate barriers and foster growth within the education sector. Dedicated to advancing EdTech innovation, the organization emphasizes the importance of transforming learning and enhancing access to educational content.

WGU Labs's Website
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10) TAILWIND (Accelerator)

TAILWIND (Accelerator) - Utah's true entrepreneurial hub

A prominent business accelerator located in Salt Lake City, Utah, it focuses on propelling early-stage businesses and their innovative concepts to success. The program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of business leaders by providing $50,000 in cash and services to startups seeking growth opportunities. Operating without specific specialization domains, the institution maintains a sector-agnostic approach, welcoming a diverse range of industries. Its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs is evident through an emphasis on access to invaluable mentorship and capital, making it an attractive option for emerging businesses aiming to elevate their operations. This accelerator plays a critical role in the startup ecosystem, enhancing business capacities and fostering innovation.

TAILWIND (Accelerator)'s Website
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11) Stena fintechXstudio

Stena fintechXstudio - accelerating exceptional start-ups in Utah

This premier startup incubator and accelerator, located at the University of Utah, is dedicated to fostering financial technology innovation among students and recent alumni from all universities in Utah. Founded by fintech entrepreneurs, the center is a collaborative initiative between the David Eccles School of Business and the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, with support from the Stena Foundation, led by University of Utah alumni Steve and Jana Smith. The accelerator provides a comprehensive fintech academics program, allowing undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in financial technology courses, including electives, a minor, or a finance major with a fintech emphasis. Through industry-sponsored labs, participants gain hands-on experience working on real-world fintech projects. The annual Utah FinTech Xchange Summit convenes fintech leaders nationwide, fostering discussions on cutting-edge research and providing extensive networking opportunities. With a $65 million investment from the Stena Foundation, this initiative enhances Utah's reputation as a fintech hub, offering mentorship, resources, and connections to empower student entrepreneurs in various fintech domains, including payments, blockchain, lending, and insurtech.

Stena fintechXstudio's Website
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Top Reasons Start-ups Participate In Accelerators

Holistic growth

Marketing, Sales, Tech, Ops, HR, Finance, Admin...... you can’t go wrong in any one field.

Peer learning

There’s not enough time in the world to learn from one’s own mistakes. Peer learning helps.

Business management skills

Reaching the top is relatively easy. Staying there for years is difficult.

Early state financing

Big ideas arise mostly when you don’t have to worry about day to day expenses.

Why an accelerator might not be right for you

It's usually helpful to consider potential pitfalls. Some common misconceptions

It isn't about the exits

Accelerators and investors care much more about getting a return rather than building a business. However that's not a luxury founders can afford.

What's the real value of your equity

There's a math behind how accelerators decide whether your start-up is worth investing. Did you run the calculation for diluting your equity?

Rome wasn't built in 12-16 weeks

Every business needs a strong foundation, but while some businesses can figure the basics in 3 months, others need > 1 year.

FAQs About Start-up Accelerators

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Accelerators and Incubators in utah

When looking for accelerators in Utah, it's important to consider the top reasons why choosing an accelerator can benefit your start-up. Accelerators provide access to valuable resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding that can help your company grow and succeed. Utah's start-up culture is thriving, with a supportive community of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. The state's strong economy, low cost of living, and access to top talent make it an attractive location for start-ups to establish and scale their businesses. When choosing the right accelerator in Utah, it's important to consider factors such as industry focus, program duration, mentorship opportunities, and funding options. By selecting an accelerator that aligns with your start-up's goals and growth stage, you can maximize the benefits and support available to help your company succeed. Some notable start-ups from Utah that have achieved success include Qualtrics, Pluralsight, and Domo. These companies have grown from start-ups to industry leaders, demonstrating the potential for success and growth that accelerators in Utah can provide to emerging businesses.

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