BioUtah Announces 2024 Life Sciences Awards Recipients

BioUtah has announced the recipients of its 2024 Life Sciences Awards, set to be presented at the upcoming Mayer Brown Utah Life Sciences Summit on November 14 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center Hotel. The awards recognize five individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions to Utah's burgeoning life sciences industry.

This year's honorees include Dr. Wm. Dean Wallace, CEO of Liger Medical, for his pioneering work in women's health technologies; Brad Brown, founder and co-chairman of ATL Technology, for expanding the company's global manufacturing footprint; Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, for innovative catheter technologies; Blackrock Neurotech for advancements in brain-computer interface technology; and Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah, for his efforts in workforce development for the life sciences sector.

Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah, emphasized the significance of these awards, stating, 'Each individual and company receiving an award has made exceptional contributions to our industry, bringing life-changing medical technologies to patients across the globe.' This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Myles Greenberg, CEO of Alucent Biomedical and chair of the BioUtah Board of Directors, who highlighted the awards as a reflection of Utah's dynamic leadership and culture of healthcare innovation.

The recognition of these industry leaders underscores Utah's growing prominence in the global life sciences landscape. From pioneering medical devices for women's health to groundbreaking neurotechnology and innovative manufacturing strategies, the awardees represent the diverse and impactful contributions emerging from the state's life sciences sector.

Notably, the awards also highlight the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government in fostering innovation and economic growth. The recognition of Vic Hockett's work in workforce development, including securing $4 million in legislative funding for life sciences training programs, demonstrates the state's commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the industry's future growth.

As Utah continues to establish itself as a hub for life sciences innovation, these awards serve not only to recognize individual and corporate achievements but also to showcase the state's potential for attracting further investment and talent in the field. The diverse range of technologies and initiatives represented by the awardees—from medical devices to brain-computer interfaces—illustrates the breadth and depth of Utah's life sciences ecosystem.

The presentation of these awards at the Utah Life Sciences Summit will provide an opportunity for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to come together, celebrate these achievements, and discuss future directions for Utah's life sciences sector. As the industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, recognizing and learning from these success stories will be crucial in maintaining momentum and driving further innovation in healthcare and biotechnology.