Utah Technology Council exploring creation of new focus area in clean tech

Posted by Josh Ewing in Featured Articles, Utah's green economy on Dec 21st, 2009 | 57 responses

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter laid down the green gauntlet earlier this year when he announced the formation of the Colorado Clean Tech Industry Association (CCTIA). One of only a handful of cleantech-focused industry groups in the US, the CCTIA makes clear Colorado’s intentions to be a major player in clean tech, perhaps taking up residence as second in command (behind California, of course) in America’s blossoming clean tech army.

As of yet, Utah doesn’t have the big-time political support for the clean tech industry evidenced by Ritter’s focus in the area. But that doesn’t mean Utah’s highly diverse and energized industry can’t get organized. In fact, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) has just launched an effort to explore the creation of a new sector under its umbrella.

Already, the UTC represents two key components of Utah’s innovation economy – life sciences and high tech. More than 5500 companies are members of the Council, which is fairly unique in the nation combining more than one technology sector under its umbrella.

Last week, at a round table event hosted by Durham Jones & Pinegar, UTC CEO Rich Nelson explained some of the benefits of hosting multiple sectors under one larger organization. For one, UTC already has infrastructure, staff, and a system in place. UTC knows how to organize, listen to industry, and effectively advocate for tech businesses. In addition, the more than 5500 companies already in the game add legitimacy in policy making efforts and lobbying. This is particularly important in Utah, where it seems some politicians still need to be convinced that clean tech really is good economic development.

A new clean tech wing of UTC would certainly be the smallest of three sectors, so one might legitimately worry about clean tech getting the attention and resources it needs to really get off the ground and succeed. But those worries are dwarfed by the challenges of starting a new organization from scratch. Heck, it can take a year just for the IRS to officially grant C4 status. Worries about playing third fiddle will also be dramatically reduced if some major, vocal players from Utah’s leading clean tech companies get involved in the effort.

For now, UTC has not committed to starting a new industry group in clean tech. But with the obvious growth coming to this sector and Utah’s already diverse clean tech community, good money is on UTC moving forward.

Companies that get in on the ground floor will have the greatest opportunity to influence how the clean tech industry evolves. The process is just getting started, so all clean tech companies are encouraged to get involved and help shape the future of green technology in Utah.

If you’d like to get involved, just drop me a line!