Occasionally, when traveling to share stories of Neumont's unique approach I am asked "Why Utah"  I thought this might share some perspective on the thriving tech economy of Utah's Silicon Slopes:

Silicon Slopes: Utah's Past, Present, and Future
by Stacy Cahoon Hughes

While the name "Silicon Valley" immediately conjures the association of high-tech innovation, the lesser-known Silicon Slopes represents just as great a source of technology research and development. Based in the metropolitan Wasatch Front in Utah, Silicon Slopes stretches from Logan in the north to Nephi in the south and includes Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. Silicon Slopes possesses not only a great presence in the world of modern technology, but also a distinct history in the field, and is a driving force in the state's future growth.

Utah's relationship with technology began in earnest in 1961 when University of Utah professor Ivan Sutherland invented the sketchpad, the forerunner to the graphical user interface (GUI) present on every modern computer. Nolan Bushnell, a University alumnus, developed the first commercially sold video game, Computer Space, in 1971, and five years later, he formed the first successful video game company, Atari. Thomas Stockham, a professor at The University of Utah, produced the first digital audio recording in 1976 and became known as the father of digital audio. Over the next few decades, several tech companies, including Novell, Adobe, Pixar, and Netscape, established roots in Silicon Slopes.

Now, Utah's Silicon Slopes boast a strong technological presence in what many believe to be an unexpected part of America. The successful Internet company Overstock.com, now known as O.co, started out in Cottonwood Heights outside Salt Lake City. Other start-ups such as Park City's Skullcandy and Provo's Ancestry.com continue to generate revenue for themselves and the state. Silicon Slopes also hosts a selection of successful biotechnology firms, including Myriad Genetics, Inc., in Salt Lake City. The area continues to grow with Adobe planning a new branch in Lehi in 2012. Newly established universities, like Neumont University, and expanded programs at The University of Utah and Brigham Young University provide all of these companies with new and local talent from which to develop their businesses.

About the Author:
Stacy Cahoon Hughes serves as Communications Manager of Neumont University, a technology-focused university in South Jordan, Utah.