2008 Finalists

The inaugural 2008 event proved highly successful, awarding more than $30,000 in awards to the Top 3 inventors (three times what was advertised). We are happy to communicate that all three continue to develop their concepts.

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1st Place: Klymit Insulation Technology

See Klymits video on YouTube.

What they won

• $6,000 in Entrepreneurship coaching (Prosper)
• $2,500 in Product Development / Industrial Design (Rocketship)
• $2,000 in prototyping services (Tuscany 3d)
• $2,000 in Sampling (Ensign Group International)
• $1,000 in Marketing Services (Spin Media Marketing)
• and $600 Cash (Utah Inventor.org)

Development Stage

"We are currently signing up a number of manufacturers for the Klymit Beta test this winter. Several have already committed and we are seeing some good interest from others. This will give them the opportunity to explore the best ways to integrate Klymit into their products. After this evaluation stage, we anticipate going to contract phase next year with these companies who are testing it out now."

'Invented in Utah' Experience

"IIU was the first competition that we ever entered. It really helped us hone our presentation skills, and anticipate questions that we would later receive from investors, customers, and reporters. We have won first or second place in about 10 national/international competitions now, and the IIU was an awesome way to start things off right and to prepare for these other competitions. More importantly, it helped us to think about presenting the product in a way that is clear, concise, and powerful—and this has definitely improved the way we sell it to our customers. The support we received from the donated services has led to a number of improvements in our product and our marketing--some of the work done by IIU sponsors who donated services to Klymit has been seen by high-level executives in a number of the most successful companies in our industry. Thanks IIU and sponsors! Klymit recommends this competition to every individual in Utah who is looking for a jump-start to his/her innovation!"

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2nd Place: Portable Landing Zone

See Portable Landing Zone's video on YouTube

What he won

• $2,000 in Video Marketing (CopperRain)
• $2,000 in Sampling (Ensign Group International)
• $1,500 in Product Development / Industrial Design
• $1,500 in Marketing Services (Spin Media Marketing)
• $1,100 in Printed Circuit Board services (Suntech Circuts)
• and $300 Cash (Utah Inventor.org)

Development Stage

Following the 'Invented in Utah' competition, the Portable Landing Zone system was picked up by Skaggs Public Safety Equipment and Uniforms, one of the largest providers of products and services to Public Service Providers. Skaggs has provided development support needed to bring the product to market. It is currently in the final stages of development and should be on the market in 2009.

'Invented in Utah' Experience

Invented in Utah had a very open minded group of judges who wanted to understand every aspect of someone’s idea and hard work. The entire experience left me with the feeling that someone does care about what an inventor has put his/her time into. Emotional appeal was what drove me to try harder and stick with my product. The emotional attitude of the judges really motivated me.

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3rd: BiceCream - Bicycle Ice Cream Maker

What they won

• $2,500 in Marketing Services (ThinkBox Design Marketing)
• $2,000 Provisional Patent (Workman | Nydeggar)
• $1,000 in Product Development Industrial Design (Rocketship)
• and $200 Cash (Utah Inventor.org)

Development Stage

Currently progressing under development. More information will be posted when the Intellectual Property protection is completed.

'Invented in Utah' Experience

"There are few things in life that compare to the excitement of inventing something new. The challenge of developing a new product or process is very motivating, empowering, and exhilarating. After all, innovation feeds the success of a nation. Coming up with a truly great idea, however, is only 10% of the battle. The real test of an invention's viability is the inventors ability to bring the product to market. This requires not just a novel idea, but a capable team and sufficient resources to drive key components of success, including design, development, production, sales and marketing."

"'Invented in Utah' has been instrumental in helping me build this team and develop these resources, and get my idea off the ground and into the marketplace. From the IIU organizers to the judging panels, I was very impressed with the quality of people involved! It was a well planned event and focused on helping inventors succeed. You are to rub shoulders with many people that have the potential of up becoming a key person on the team, or who can connect you with key resources to help you achieve success. Becoming acquainted with other inventors who, like you, are trying to bring a new product or concept to market is exciting and builds confidence in what you are doing."

"In addition, you're able to see what other credible sources have to say about your product, what they think of its potential, and hear valuable feedback from them on how to improve or market your invention. Overall, to the IIU competition was a great experience and has propelled me forward with my invention and helped me establish the team and resources needed to make my invention a success. To anyone who has an invention they are working on or an idea they'd like to pursue, I would highly encourage putting the idea or invention to the test and participating in the IIU competition. "