“Utah Game Wars” Will Award $25K to Best New Games

Salt Lake City, May 20, 2013 Utah is fast becoming known for a vibrant digital media and entertainment industry. The state is at the forefront of the industry with a digital media pipeline of developing innovative technologies, attracting new businesses and promoting world-class education. This innovation combined with Utah’s robust entrepreneurial spirit creates the ideal environment for 2013 Utah Game Wars competition- a game developer contest that will award $25K to the best new games.

Utah Game Wars leverages the digital media pipeline that has produced some of the best innovations in 3D animation, compression technology, and game design in the world. In addition to these innovations, the pipeline has been strengthened as Utah has become home to digital media giants. Companies such as Adobe, Electronic Arts and Smart Bomb Interactive see locating within the state as a huge opportunity to expand and develop their business. The attraction to the state is fueled by Utah’s top universities and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in the field, such as the University of Utah’s Entertainment Arts and Engineering Program (EAE) program. The EAE program was recently ranked the number one undergraduate and second best graduate program for gaming design by the Princeton Review.

“The goal of Utah Game Wars is to stimulate creativity and job creation in the exceptionally high-paying digital media and gaming”, said Ryan Angus, associate director of USTAR’s Central Region technology outreach office. “Many gaming studios have grown from small independent shops to major players in Utah over the years and we want to encourage more of the same behavior.”

The competition, a Concept to Company contest, focuses on new game development driven by innovators and entrepreneurs. Entries to the competition can enter into one of two categories: unreleased (not yet distributed) or released (distributed) mobile, console, or computer games. The competition is open to Utah residents, students, and small businesses with under $5 million in annual revenues. The goal is to help further develop the state’s digital media pipeline while spurring creativity and innovation.

Entries must include a short highlight video of the game being played. Eight finalists will be selected in June. The finalists will present their games to industry judges and the general public at an energetic event held at the new Adobe office building in Lehi.  The best unreleased and released games will be awarded cash prizes of $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.  A crowd favorite will also be awarded a small cash prize. Entries may be submitted until midnight on May 31, 2013.

The contest is organized and hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, Utah Valley University, UVU Business Resource Center, and Zions Bank. Sponsors of the contest include the Utah Science and Technology initiative (USTAR), and the Digital Media UCAP project. Many industry experts and game developers will also contribute their time and resources.

“We’re proud to have the support of industry partners for this event”, said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures.  “It’s one of the best aspects of this event – to have peers from the industry participate and judge at the event.  If the game is good, the industry will recognize it, along with the talented developers.  I’m sure critical connections between industry and developers will be made.  Those who participate will not regret it.”

For more information about Game Wars, entering the competition, or attending the final event visit: www.UtahGameWars.com or www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Concept to Company Contests

The Concept to Company competitions are ongoing entrepreneur contests held in various regions across the State of Utah. Organized by the non-profit Grow Utah Ventures, the main objectives of the contests are to encourage and support Utah’s entrepreneurial innovators with the intent of helping them bring concepts to the marketplace. Competitions are held in all regions of the state with each competition focusing on the unique entrepreneurial strengths of that region. To date, over $6200,000 in cash and services have been awarded and nearly 90 entrepreneurs helped across  12 different contests.

The competition leverages the digital media pipeline that has produced some of the best innovations in 3D animation, compression technology, and game design in the world. In addition to these innovations, the pipeline has been strengthened as Utah has become home to digital media giants. Companies such as Adobe, Electronic Arts and Smart Bomb Interactive see locating within the state as a huge opportunity to expand and develop their business. The attraction to the state is fueled by Utah’s top universities and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in the field, such as the University of Utah’s Entertainment Arts and Engineering Program (EAE) program. The EAE program was recently ranked the number one undergraduate and second best graduate program for gaming design by the Princeton Review.

“The goal of Utah Game Wars is to stimulate creativity and job creation in the exceptionally high-paying digital media and gaming industry that was recently highlighted in Governor Herbert’s keynote address at the 2013 Utah Economic Summit,” said Ryan Angus, associate director of USTAR’s Central Region technology outreach office. “Many gaming studios have grown from small independent shops to major players in Utah over the years and we want to encourage more of the same behavior.”

The competition, a Concept to Company contest, focuses on new game development driven by innovators and entrepreneurs. Entries to the competition can enter into one of two categories: unreleased (not yet distributed) or released (distributed) mobile, console, or computer games. The competition is open to Utah residents, students, and small businesses with under $5 million in annual revenues. The goal is to help further develop the state’s digital media pipeline while spurring creativity and innovation.

Entries must include a short highlight video of the game being played. Eight finalists will be selected in June. The finalist’s games will be judged by representatives from major local game studios based on potential commercial appeal. The best unreleased and released games will be awarded cash prizes of $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Entries may be submitted until midnight on May 31, 2013. For more information about Game Wars or to enter the competition visit: http://www.concepttocompany.org/current-contests/gaming13

The contest is organized and hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, Utah Valley University, UVU Business Resource Center, and Zions Bank. Sponsors of the contest include the Utah Science and Technology initiative (USTAR), and the Digital Media UCAP project. Many industry experts and game developers will also contribute their time and resources.

The Concept to Company competitions are ongoing entrepreneur contests held in various regions across the State of Utah. The main objectives of the contests are to encourage and support Utah’s entrepreneurial innovators with the intent of helping them bring concepts to the marketplace. Competitions are held in all regions of the state with each competition focusing on the unique entrepreneurial strengths of that region. To date, over $450,000 has been awarded to nearly 30 entrepreneurs amongst 12 different contests.

St. George, Utah, March 26, 2013 – Grow Utah Ventures, SEED Dixie, and USTAR are in search of the next “Big Idea.” They want to know if you have what it takes to turn your idea from a concept to a company. If so, they want to award you with cash and services to build your company and create the economic development of the future.

Now in its fifth year, the Concept to Company competition seeks to help encourage entrepreneurs and bring “value added” growth to the region. The competition will focus on general technology innovations, however Jill Elliss, Director of southern Utah USTAR, says, “The category is actually very broad and can include any innovation that creates, supports or utilizes technology. Our focus is on marketable solutions that have the potential to establish job creating companies.”

The contest organizers expect another great turnout of wonderful ideas. Winners from previous contests are all progressing. Ductwizard, the 2012 Grand Prize winner from St. George, has launched its software and is attracting attention among HVAC suppliers and installers alike. Also from 2012, John Lee’s jar opener innovation, from Springdale, has gone through several prototypes and is being assessed by a manufacturer in Las Vegas and Scent Master, from Iron County, has introduced its new diffuser to target groups on the east coast and has received so many orders that the company is now adding employees.

This year’s prizes include:

• Grand Prize winner: $20,000 total package; $10,000 Cash, $5,000 in-kind and $5,000 in consulting services.
• Two runners up: $10,000 total packages (each): $5,000 Cash, $2,500 in-kind and $2,500 in consulting services.
• In-kind services include legal counseling from Durham Jones and Pinegar Law, accounting services from Savage, Esplin & Radmall, CPAs; and web development from OverAct Development Technology Partners as well as consulting from the USTAR, SEED Dixie and Utah Small Business Development Center Resources. The cash is awarded from an anonymous donor who supports entrepreneurship.

Grow Utah Ventures CEO Craig Bott says his organization is pleased to facilitate the southern Utah contest once again. “We are excited for another great contest. Every year the entrepreneurs seem better prepared with more advanced ideas that are ready to become significant new businesses in the region.”

Applications may be received from throughout the state, however the Five County regions of: Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver, will receive a special point preference for this particular contest.  Aside from brand new startups, existing companies with new products or product versions may enter the contest if their product idea is in the pre-revenue phase. To register and see complete contest rules, please visit www.ConceptToCompany.org.

The contest is totally free to apply and applications will be accepted until April 30, 2013. Although it is not required, USTAR and Utah Small Business Development Center staff will be available by appointment to review entries prior to submission.  “We want to help applicants submit their best entries,” Elliss said.  Review inquiries may be directed to Matt Ehrenberg, mehrenberg@utah.gov.

About SEED Dixie

Through an initiative sponsored by the Washington County Economic Development Council, the SEED Dixie project has established a strategic direction for the Washington county area and surrounding region for fostering entrepreneurial development and the creation of growth and high growth businesses. The overall objective is to strengthen the regional economy by creating more diversified industries.

http://www.dixiebusinessalliance.com/seed/index.php

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 95 companies. For more information about Grow Utah Ventures, visit www.GrowUtahVentures.com.

About USTAR

About USTAR:
The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative (USTAR) is a long-term, state-funded investment to strengthen Utah’s “knowledge economy” and generate high-paying jobs. Funded in March 2006 by the State Legislature, USTAR is based on three program areas. The first area involves funding for strategic investments at the University of Utah and Utah State University to recruit world-class researchers. The second area is to build state-of-the-art interdisciplinary facilities at these institutions for the innovation teams. The third program area involves teams that work with companies and entrepreneurs across the State to promote science, innovation, and commercialization activities. For more information, go to www.innovationutah.com or follow http://twitter.com/Innovationutah.

- Mobile App Contest Will Award Utah Startups $45K for Best Apps -

OGDEN, October 10, 2012 – Grow Utah Ventures, Northfront Business Resource Center and Weber State University/StartUp Ogden announced its Mobile App “Concept to Company” contest today.  The contest is open to all innovators and designers with a new application or software to be delivered on a mobile platform such as a smartphone or tablet device.

The contest is designed to help mobile app entrepreneurs turn their concepts into a company. “It couldn’t be easier and at the same time more challenging to launch a mobile app business,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “The idea and the code are often the easy part. But its all the other things- the user experience, the marketing strategy, the strategic partners and of course the initial funding that make the difference, “ he continued. “That’s where the Mobile App Concept to Company contest comes in- those who apply and win this contest will be much further down the road in achieving their dreams.”

From among the entries, a small group of finalists will be selected to present their innovations to mobile app and industry experts who will judge the applicants. A grand prizewinner will be awarded $22,500 in cash and services. Two runner-up winners will each receive $11,250.  Cash prizes are provided by Grow Utah Ventures, Zions Bank, Northfront Business Resource Center and StartUp Ogden which is part of Weber State University. Service prizes are offered by Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services) which are corporate sponsors of the 2012 contest.

“Utah is filled with bright and innovative developers and programmers, “said Alex Lawrence, Vice Provost at Weber State University and StartUp Ogden supporter. “This contest goes hand-in-hand with our goal to work with more mobile developers in Ogden,” he continued. “This initiative is focused on accelerating the creation and successful launch of mobile businesses by concentrating all that energy and innovation into a central location in downtown Ogden. This will put northern Utah on the map as the place to launch a mobile application business in Utah,” he concluded.

“We’re supportive of this vision and feel that the Mobile App Concept to Company Contest is a great way to kick start it,” said Steve Cloward, Executive Director of the Northfront Business Resource Center located in Kaysville. “Our resources and expertise are dedicated to helping all businesses in northern Utah, and through this contest, we are able to focus on those serving the mobile applications market,” he concluded.

In addition to the prizes, finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their winning innovations at the Pushbutton Digital Media Summit on November 29. The summit, sponsored by Grow Utah Ventures and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is the state’s premier digital event bringing together all of the players across the spectrum of digital media. “This will be great exposure for the contest winners,” Bott added. “They will get cash, professional services, and receive the attention of the industry…. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Applications for this contest are due November 4^th. To apply or get more details on this and other “Concept to Company” contests, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 85 companies.

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Follow Us:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/growutahventures

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/groutahventures ; #growUT

PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

info@growutahventures.com

- Medical Device Companies get a little First Aid from Grow Utah Ventures Concept to Company Contest-

SALT LAKE CITY, September 10, 2012 – Every entrepreneur needs a little first aid when it comes to launching their new business, especially those in the highly competitive medical device market. “The medical device and technology market is often overlooked because it’s complicated and challenging,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “Given the additional hoops and regulations a medical device innovator has to jump through, it can seem a bit daunting. That’s where the Concept to Company contest is the perfect prescription,” he continued. “Just apply, win the cash and services, and of course call us on the morning you succeed.”

The Medical Concept to Company contest is open to entrepreneurs with new medical devices or medical technology innovations such as disposable medical devices, drug delivery systems, imaging equipment, monitoring technologies, or any other non-pharmaceutical technology that can be used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis or prevention of a disease or abnormal physical condition.

From among the entries, a small group of finalists will be selected to present their ideas to industry judges. A grand prizewinner will be awarded $22,500 in cash and services. Two runner-up winners will each receive $11,250.  Cash prizes are provided by Grow Utah Ventures & Zions Bank while the service prizes are contributed by Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services) which are major sponsors of all the 2012 contests.

“The State of Utah is committed to a renewed focus on our medical device industry and the C2C competition is a great way to help focus time talent and resources on the entrepreneurs in this sector, “ said Dr. Suzanne Winters, newly appointed Executive Director of the Utah’s Life Science Cluster Acceleration initiative. “Utah has a rich history in medical devices and the number and quality of medical device inventions coming out of contests such as C2C is an important component for our growth.”

What make these contest so unique are the industry experts that review and advise the innovators.  “To compete for the grand prize was great, but to receive advice and input from experts in my industry was invaluable,” said Jake Hall, 2011 Medical Contest Winner.  “The quality of the judges was amazing and connecting with them was just as valuable as the prize.”

In addition to the prizes, finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their winning innovations to those attending Utah’s annual MD4 Medical Device Summit which will be held at the Grand America Hotel on November 8.  The MD4 Summit is Utah’s premier medical device summit gathering industry experts from across the state and the nation. This affords the contest winners with the unique opportunity for expert review and to make invaluable connections with the industry leaders.

To apply, complete a short on-line application describing the innovation. All applications must be received by October 7, 2012.  For more details on this, and other “Concept to Company” contests, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org

About Grow Utah Ventures

Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.

The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 85 companies.

###

Follow Us:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/growutahventures

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/groutahventures ; #growUT

PR Contacts:

Justin Bott

Grow Utah Ventures

(801) 593-2269

info@growutahventures.com