Where Utah founders go to turn ideas into funded startups

Founders wear many hats, learning on the job to keep the dream alive. But even if they’re new to entrepreneurship, they’re expected to make high-stakes calls before having the experience, network or feedback loops to do so confidently.

Startup incubators and accelerators can help.

For companies in the idea stage, incubators provide the office space, shared administrative services and networks of accomplished founders you need to nurture the concept, while accelerators specialize in accelerating growth for those with MVPs and early customers.

Here are some of Utah’s top startup accelerators and incubators.

This program shepherds founders from idea to product-market fit in just eight weeks. Through personalized support, mentorship and VC introductions, 80% of graduates secure pre-seed funding within six months of completion.

Website: accelerator.convoiventures.com

Remote friendly: Yes, with some in-person requirements

Differentiator: Graduates raise, on average, $1M in pre-seed funding

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. In partnership with Mountain America Credit Union, ‘Start Squad’ students meet weekly to build together, work through curriculum covering the fundamentals of business and keep one another accountable.

Website: www.siliconslopes.com/start-school

Differentiator: Most mentors have built companies valued at $100M+

Built for the top students in university, Sandbox integrates with college, allowing founders to build without dropping out. Undergraduate seniors replace up to 18 credits with Sandbox, while postgraduate fellows earn a master’s degree while building full time for 12 months.

Location: Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, University of Utah, Boise State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Louisville

Differentiator: Students earn academic credit toward their undergraduate degree

Website: web.sandbox.ing/fellowship

Location: Provo, UT (in-person only)

Cost: $6,300 per semester, 3 semesters

Differentiator: Goes toward fully accredited Master of Computer Science degree; no undergrad required

Designed for life science startups, Altitude Lab cohorts lay the foundation for success over a two-year on-site program. Participants share private lab, coworking, and office space. Graduates have raised $185M since 2020.

Cost: $300-$2,250 per month, depending on membership tier

Differentiator: Wet and dry lab space, including molecular and cell bio labs, BSL-1 & BSL-2

Specializing in consumer products, outdoor recreation and manufacturing startups, RAMP’s 10-week program connects entrepreneurs with mentors, manufacturing experts and specialists who’ve built and scaled product-focused companies. Participants have access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, supporting their growth from concept to company.

Location: Northern UtahEquity requirement: No

Differentiator: Product-focused companies

Providing the workspace, education and resources to gain traction, The Mill supports entrepreneurs with a collaborative coworking environment. Resources include networking, funding and educational opportunities that help founders test ideas, refine business models, and grow with purpose.

Cost: $75-$300 per month, depending on membership tier

Differentiator: Strategic partnerships, including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program

Part incubator, part coworking space, iHub supports early-stage startups and young entrepreneurs. Featuring mentorship from over 200 experienced leaders, a commercial kitchen and warehouse space, iHub has grown to over 400 members in just two years. Collaboration is part of the culture. Founders support one another as they navigate the challenges of growing a business together.

Differentiator: Accountability and community with 150+ events every year

A 12-week program focused on critical business skills that entrepreneurs can immediately implement in their businesses. Graduates exit with an actionable growth plan and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Businesses must be at least two years old and have $75,000+ annual revenue.

Differentiator: Not for novice entrepreneurs. Cohorts are limited to businesses with traction.

The most famous startup accelerator in the world, Y Combinator provides early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, community, and $500,000 in seed funding. Cohorts move to San Francisco for an intensive three-month program before returning to their home state. Alumni companies are worth a combined ~$1.3 trillion.

Differentiator: Extensive track record