BioUtah Announces 2024 Life Sciences Awards Recipients

BioUtah has announced the recipients of its prestigious 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 annual awards recognize leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to Utah's burgeoning life sciences industry, underscoring the state's growing prominence in healthcare innovation and economic development.

This year's awards showcase a diverse array of accomplishments across the life sciences sector. Dr. Wm. Dean Wallace, CEO of Liger Medical, will be honored for his pioneering work in women's health technologies. Wallace's career spans roles as a physician, innovator, and entrepreneur, with a focus on developing medical products to advance women's health, including efforts to eradicate cervical cancer worldwide.

Brad Brown, founder and co-chairman of ATL Technology, will receive recognition for his leadership in expanding the company's manufacturing capabilities globally. Under Brown's guidance, ATL Technology has grown to include facilities in Costa Rica, China, the United Kingdom, and Minneapolis, solidifying its position as a key player in the medical device manufacturing sector.

The awards also highlight individual innovation, with Jay Muse, president and CEO of Piper Access, being honored for his inventive work in catheter technologies. Muse's contributions include co-inventing novel intraosseous access technology and developing the Stiletto Extended Dwell Catheter, both of which have potential to significantly impact patient care and clinician safety.

In the realm of neurotechnology, Blackrock Neurotech will be recognized for its groundbreaking work in brain-computer interfaces. The company's innovations aim to help millions of individuals with paralysis and other neurological disorders regain functions such as walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and feeling. Blackrock Neurotech's technology has already enabled patients to control robotic arms and interact with digital media using only their thoughts.

The final award acknowledges the crucial role of workforce development in sustaining the industry's growth. Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah at the Utah System of Higher Education, will be honored for his efforts in developing targeted funding programs and supporting industry internships and returnships. Hockett's work has been instrumental in securing $4 million in legislative funding for life sciences workforce training in higher education.

These awards reflect the dynamic and innovative nature of Utah's life sciences sector, which has become a significant driver of the state's economy. The recognition of these individuals and companies underscores the industry's potential for continued growth and its impact on global healthcare advancements.

The presentation of these awards at the Utah Life Sciences Summit will not only celebrate individual and corporate achievements but also serve to inspire future innovation and collaboration within the industry. As the life sciences sector continues to evolve and expand in Utah, these awards highlight the state's commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem of research, development, and commercialization in healthcare technologies.

The impact of these achievements extends beyond state borders, contributing to advancements in medical technology that have the potential to improve patient outcomes worldwide. From women's health innovations to cutting-edge neurotechnology, the work being recognized represents the forefront of medical science and engineering.

As Utah's life sciences industry gains national and international recognition, these awards serve as a testament to the state's growing influence in the global healthcare landscape. The continued success and innovation demonstrated by this year's award recipients are likely to attract further investment, talent, and opportunities to the region, reinforcing Utah's position as a hub for life sciences innovation and entrepreneurship.