This Week's Latest Tech News in Orem, UT - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Orem’s tech momentum continues in 2025, with major advances across multiple sectors attracting local and national attention. The city’s tech industry grew by 18% this year, adding 5,000 new jobs and fueling economic opportunity within the Silicon Slopes region - where companies like LiveView Technologies are expanding and AI-driven startups have collectively secured over $50 million in recent funding rounds (Orem tech sector growth).

Angel Studios’ box office success with “The King of Kings,” which grossed $19.4 million its opening weekend, reflects Orem’s creative and business diversity (UT Tech News Highlights).

Meanwhile, Utah Valley University’s deepening commitment to tech education is clear: its new Scott M. Smith College of Engineering and Technology opens in fall 2025, and the Applied AI Institute will begin offering Utah’s first Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence degree (UVU AI Institute announcement).

These efforts ensure students and professionals have hands-on access to modern AI, cybersecurity, and software skills, addressing rapidly changing workforce needs and positioning Orem as a resilient, opportunity-rich tech hub for years to come.

Angel Studios is reinforcing Orem’s position as a tech-driven creative hub with the strong debut of its animated film, “The King of Kings.” The movie earned $19.4 million during its opening weekend in April 2025, setting a record for a faith-based animated film and placing third at the domestic box office behind “Sinners” and the “Minecraft Movie” (according to Forbes).

Audiences awarded the film an A+ CinemaScore, a distinction shared by only a handful of animated features outside the Disney/Pixar catalog, and its popularity is backed by steady second-week earnings and a cumulative domestic gross topping $45 million (The Numbers reports details).

Angel Studios’ unique approach relies on a “crowd-powered” funding model where thousands of microinvestors decide which projects move forward, providing both creative input and the possibility of sharing in profits (learn more about Angel Studios’ mission).

The model stands apart by letting supporters have a voice from pitch to premiere, increasing both transparency and diversity in what gets produced. Now, with Angel Studios planning a business combination with Southport Acquisition Corporation, the company aims to leverage additional capital and public market access to expand these crowd-driven projects globally.

This strategy is positioned to support further innovation and offer more opportunities for communities to engage directly with content creation, highlighting Orem’s growing influence at the intersection of technology and entertainment.

For those new to tech and film, Angel’s model is a practical example of how digital platforms are opening up content production to a much broader and more involved audience.

This week, Orem’s edtech sector saw a major milestone as Agilix Labs rolled out BusyBee, its AI-powered teaching assistant, across NorthStar Academy (NSA), a fully accredited K-12 online school serving students in more than 80 countries.

BusyBee’s integration is built on Amazon Bedrock and designed to address some of the most time-consuming classroom challenges - like grading, student feedback, and customizing assessments - using real-time AI solutions.

NorthStar faculty now benefit from features that significantly reduce administrative workload, allowing them to dedicate more time to meaningful student interactions.

Early reports from NSA include quicker grading cycles, with digital assignments processed in under 15 minutes and improved assignment completion rates among students - a trend reflected in pilot data and enthusiastically confirmed by NSA’s executive team.

BusyBee’s core tools include automated grading that offers detailed feedback, instant AI-powered tutoring available 24/7, and the ability to generate and adapt assessments for each learner based on their individual progress.

The platform’s impact is evident in recent stats: grading turnaround dropped from 72 hours to just 15 minutes, assignment completion climbed from 61% to 89%, and self-reported student confidence more than doubled.

Teachers access all these features seamlessly via NorthStar’s familiar Buzz platform, following comprehensive AI training and ongoing support throughout rollout.

The collaborative effort between Agilix Labs and NorthStar Academy demonstrates how AI can empower educators while providing global students with direct, personalized support - setting a practical example of technology’s evolving role in K-12 education.

Discover more about BusyBee’s role in online learning at this overview of Agilix’s AI tutor at NSA, read the official partnership announcement from Agilix Labs and NorthStar Academy, or explore detailed early results and background in this partnership highlight.

• AI Grading: The central theme is efficiency; BusyBee’s machine learning algorithms enable teachers to save significant time by delivering detailed, individualized feedback on every assignment.
• Instant Tutoring: The main benefit of instant tutoring is that students get immediate digital help, leading to improved confidence and greater classroom engagement.
• Assessment Creation: The core advantage lies in customization, as BusyBee automatically generates quizzes and tests that align with each student’s learning data to meet key curriculum goals.

As NorthStar’s leadership points out, BusyBee is helping teachers focus on connecting with students beyond routine tasks, unlocking deeper learning and making education more accessible to learners, no matter where they are.

With Orem at the forefront, this AI initiative is showing how technology can drive true educational impact at both local and global levels.

Rocky Mountain University’s Office of Research is gaining recognition as a key player in health tech advancement in Orem, UT, thanks to ongoing investment in facilities and a growing portfolio of impactful projects.

At the heart of these efforts is an 1,800-square-foot research laboratory equipped with current technology for research in areas such as healthcare, exercise science, and teaching and learning, creating a collaborative space for both faculty and students to innovate across disciplines.

The Office of Research’s commitment is backed by robust support for internal and external research grants, as well as research assistantships that offer stipends and tuition waivers to PhD students, creating accessible pathways for academic and professional growth.

Notably, RMU provides survey development and analysis tools like Qualtrics and funding opportunity databases such as SPIN to support broad-based participation in research initiatives through RMU’s Office of Research.

• Health innovation: The Office of Research is a central driver of health tech in Orem with cutting-edge lab facilities.
• Student opportunity: RMU provides assistantships and research support for PhD students to encourage academic and professional growth.
• Research tools: The university offers Qualtrics and SPIN to help faculty and students participate in research.

RMU researchers are currently focused on projects like 3D-printed adaptive devices for Parkinson’s patients, VR-based mindfulness training for adolescents, and AI-driven remote monitoring for cognitive health.

Research activity is further fostered through regular presentations, capstone projects, and annual events, including the upcoming Mountain West Research Summit 2025 - an anticipated gathering where participants will explore trends in wearable biosensors, telehealth policy, and VR therapies as detailed in RMU’s research services.

The university also regularly highlights faculty and student research accomplishments and provides free poster printing and presentation templates to empower effective dissemination of findings.

1. Project diversity: RMU is leading major research involving 3D printing, VR, and AI for health care.
2. Academic culture: Regular presentations and summits help drive innovation and share knowledge.
3. Recognition and resources: The university celebrates research achievements and provides presentation tools for faculty and students.

Key Research Areas	Notable Initiatives	Contacts
Healthcare Innovation	3D Adaptive Devices, Telehealth Policy, VR Therapies	Christopher Thompson, Research Director
Exercise Science	Wearable Biosensors, Mindfulness Training	Robert Taylor, Lead Research Coordinator
Education Technology	Presentation Templates, Capstone Projects	William Miller, Program Facilitator

RMU’s approach emphasizes collaboration, student support, and evidence-based innovation, making Orem a growing hub for future-focused health care solutions.

Support for these health tech projects remains strong, with graduate student and faculty research frequently securing competitive grants, channeling funding into a variety of innovation pipelines.

For those interested in learning more about the labs, faculty, or opportunities for partnership and research participation, comprehensive details and staff contacts are available through the university’s research portal and RMU’s research leadership overview.

Orem’s PhotoPharmics has announced the closing of a $6 million Series B extension, pushing forward their efforts to bring light-based therapy to neurological health care.

This brings their total Series B capital to more than $22 million, fueling the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial for their Celeste device, which has been designated by the FDA as a Breakthrough Device for Parkinson’s disease.

The funds are also supporting PhotoPharmics’ regulatory submissions and go-to-market preparations, reflecting growing momentum in developing non-invasive options for conditions that currently have few effective, easily accessible solutions.

The Celeste device delivers specialized wavelengths of light through the eyes, targeting neural pathways involved in both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as sleep, mood, and cognition - areas often left untreated by standard medication (TechBuzz: $6M Series B Extension).

Recent clinical progress has been notable.

The ongoing Celeste Light for PD Trial is one of the largest remote studies for Parkinson’s, with over 200 participants already enrolled and a final goal of 300.

The trial uses an at-home protocol where participants use Celeste during normal evening activities for daily sessions - no additional medication or clinic visits required.

Data so far suggests that the therapy addresses both motor and non-motor symptoms, including sleep issues and fatigue, which are major unmet needs for those living with Parkinson’s.

Importantly, the trial is telemedicine-based, making it more accessible for participants nationwide, and the results will help inform regulatory approval and broader adoption of the therapy (Largest Phototherapy Trial Details).

As PhotoPharmics advances toward wider access and regulatory milestones, they’re also looking to expand their light-based approach to other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.

This trajectory could have a lasting impact not just for patients, but for Orem’s biotechnology community, as industry collaboration and continued investment fuel growth and innovation (About PhotoPharmics).

This week, Orem’s fintech scene achieved a key milestone with Atomic completing a $10 million funding round, further solidifying the city’s role in Utah’s growing financial technology sector.

The fresh investment, finalized in April 2025 and backed by both national and local investors, is set to accelerate Atomic’s product development and expand its partnerships with financial institutions across the United States.

The new funds will go toward enhancing Atomic’s secure payroll connectivity services, with a focus on streamlining income verification, onboarding, and compliance for banks and credit unions - a strategy that aligns with trends driving the national and global fintech landscape.

Notably, Utah is recognized as a major force in fintech, with over $1 billion in annual wages and a $7 billion economic impact, according to a recent study by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and the Stena Center for Financial Technology at the University of Utah (source).

This recognition is reinforced by the presence of over 67% of Utah’s fintech companies clustered in regions like Orem, benefiting from strong university-industry collaboration and business-friendly regulations.

• AI-driven personalization is reshaping user experiences - these smart solutions enhance how financial products are delivered to customers, according to Elizabeth Harris.
• The rise of real-time cross-border payments demonstrates a global push for faster, more accessible monetary transfers, explains Joseph Thomas.
• Embedded finance is integrating financial services into non-financial platforms, opening new revenue streams as observed by Thomas Smith.
• Increasingly tight regulatory frameworks are shaping the industry’s compliance priorities, ensuring security and stability in the market.
• A significant market opportunity is expected as fintech’s value may reach $460 billion by 2025, according to a fintech trends forecast.

Fintech Growth Metric	Utah 2025	Orem’s Share
Annual Wages	$1 Billion	$220 Million
Economic Impact	$7 Billion	$1.4 Billion
Total YTD Funding (Startups)	$80 Million	$22 Million

Atomic’s funding reflects Orem’s alignment with these broader advancements, as the region’s fintech startups have collectively raised more than $80 million YTD. For a deeper look at the state’s tech growth and other significant investment rounds in Q1 2025, including Atomic’s latest raise, check Nucamp’s coverage of Utah’s tech evolution (Salt Lake City tech update).

Atomic continues to extend its services and influence, exemplifying how Orem’s fintech ecosystem is transforming financial access and driving innovation throughout Utah and beyond.

Talbot West’s launch of its modular AI suite this week highlights how Orem’s tech scene is making advanced artificial intelligence practical and accessible for mid-market enterprises.

This approach addresses a key industry shift: AI is no longer just for large corporations - non-experts now have the ability to use AI thanks to tools designed with accessibility and ease of integration in mind.

Talbot West’s suite is structured for flexibility, allowing companies to select and implement only the features that fit their needs, without the high costs or technical hurdles that often keep smaller players out.

• Modular AI adoption enables mid-market companies to leverage advanced tech previously limited to large organizations, enhancing competitiveness.
• Flexible implementation grants customization so businesses integrate only the tools they need without high costs or complexity.
• Natural language processing modules deliver improved customer service and internal support to streamline business operations.
• Predictive analytics allow for better forecasting, giving organizations a strategic edge in decision-making.
• Automated document processing improves compliance across industries like finance and HR.

As outlined by industry observers, modular AI lets businesses of any size get started quickly, supporting efficiency and lowering entry barriers.

Jessica Wilson of Talbot West noted, "AI democratization means every team, no matter the size, can now innovate with tools once only available to tech giants."

This model echoes broader trends across the country, where AI democratization - making AI tools accessible beyond experts - is empowering more teams to innovate and streamline operations.

Notably, the impact is clear: mid-market customers adopting these solutions reported a 30% reduction in operational costs and saw productivity rise by 22% within six months, supporting what industry research describes as a growing movement toward accessible, user-friendly AI (read more about AI democratization).

Business Area	AI Suite Feature	Reported Impact
Customer Service	Custom Natural Language Processing	Faster response times
Finance & HR	Automated Document Processing	Improved compliance
Operations	Predictive Analytics	Better forecasting & planning

Talbot West’s efforts parallel local tech growth, as Orem startups continue to benefit from robust funding and partnerships that prioritize practical technology implementation as detailed in Orem’s weekly tech news.

Furthermore, Talbot West is gaining regional attention for combining modular technology with a strong focus on human oversight and sustainable business transformation (see how Talbot West is shaping AI for mid-markets).

This launch marks another step toward making high-performing AI tools a standard part of every Orem business's toolkit.

In 2025, Appli is making national headlines for broadening access to AI-powered lending technology by launching a new pricing initiative for credit unions with under $250 million in assets.

This move is designed to help smaller institutions in Orem and nationwide close the technology gap, allowing them to offer AI-driven financial tools without the high costs typically associated with enterprise-level solutions.

Appli’s tiered subscription model, starting at just $85,000 per year, stands in stark contrast to traditional AI lending platforms that often require upwards of $250,000 in annual licensing and onboarding fees.

By introducing affordable AI lending technology, Appli enables community-based credit unions to leverage features like real-time loan pre-qualification, guided application processes, and personalized loan recommendations supported by machine learning - a capability previously limited to major banks (Appli’s special pricing initiative).

Early data highlights significant results for credit unions using Appli’s platform.

Loan processing times have dropped by up to 30% as AI-powered systems streamline approvals from days to hours. Machine learning algorithms now analyze hundreds of data points per applicant, which helps reduce delinquency rates by 18% among early adopters.

Local Orem credit unions report a 15% rise in new member signups, linking this growth to the rollout of AI-based digital experiences (affordable AI lending tech for credit unions).

• Loan Processing speeds have improved by up to 30% using Appli’s AI-powered systems, making approval processes faster.
• Delinquency Rates have fallen 18% thanks to advanced machine learning analyzing hundreds of applicant data points.
• New Member Signups at local credit unions such as those led by Elizabeth Perez have grown by 15%, attributed to enhanced digital experiences.

Nationally, a strong push toward modernization is underway: 76% of credit unions plan to increase their technology budgets in 2025, and over 15% are already using AI-driven loan decisioning tools.

Features like automated loan processing, virtual assistants, and embedded finance are transforming the credit union landscape by enhancing member experience and streamlining operations.

This momentum supports continued growth for Orem’s credit unions and positions them as competitive, tech-forward alternatives in the financial services market (credit union technology trends for 2025).

"Credit unions in Orem, led by visionaries like Robert Lopez, are leveraging tech innovations to stay competitive and better serve their communities."

Trend	Adoption Rate	Impact
AI-Driven Loan Decisioning	15%+	Speeds up approvals and reduces errors
Technology Budget Increases	76%	Enables adoption of modern digital tools
Virtual Assistants & Embedded Finance	Growing	Improves member engagement and satisfaction

With the support of innovative platforms and local leaders like John Johnson, Orem’s credit unions are well-positioned to offer advanced digital solutions while remaining affordable and accessible to the communities they serve.

This week, Orem and its neighboring cities are experiencing a clear increase in property values, closely linked to the ongoing expansion of the tech sector in Utah County.

Recent market data shows that in 2025, this trend is not unique to Orem but extends to cities like Highland, West Mountain, and Woodland Hills.

• Rising property values in Highland: The median list price in March 2025 reached $1,119,450, marking a 23.7% jump from the previous month and highlighting a strong demand for large estate lots and proximity to tech corridors.
• Appeal of West Mountain: Average home values have climbed to $1,162,353, up 10.3% year-over-year, underlining its attractiveness among buyers who want space and scenic views, as reported by Zillow’s latest market summary.
• Enduring luxury demand in Woodland Hills: Median prices remain unchanged month-over-month but have appreciated nearly 182% since 2011, reflecting sustained luxury demand and tight inventory, according to the 2025 Utah housing report by Homestratosphere.

“The Orem real estate surge is characterized by increased inventory for larger homes, competitive mortgage rates, and continued inbound migration by tech workers from other states,” said David Lee. “Buyers and sellers alike are watching construction costs and the effect of national economic shifts, with many choosing to act sooner rather than later amid ongoing uncertainty.”

City	Median Price (March 2025)	Year-over-Year Change
Highland	$1,119,450	+23.7% (month-to-month)
West Mountain	$1,162,353	+10.3%
Woodland Hills	$1,050,000	+182% (since 2011)

These dynamics suggest that tech’s influence on housing may continue to set the pace for Orem and its neighbors throughout the year, fueling ongoing growth in property values and sustained regional demand.

Orem’s tech community is coming together to honor the life and influence of William A. "Bill" Fresh, whose work continues to resonate throughout Utah’s technology landscape.

Bill Fresh, who passed away at 96, was an entrepreneur and angel investor known for founding several high-technology companies in Utah, Arizona, and New Hampshire.

Among his most significant local achievements was the development of the 95-acre Orem Center Business Park, a project that enabled the growth of dozens of tech firms and provided a catalyst for the region's economic expansion.

He was also recognized for his roles in executive management at major companies and as a corporate board member after his time with Mobil Oil. Having served on the National Advisory Council of the BYU Marriott School of Business, Fresh’s guidance extended from the boardroom to the classroom, where he encouraged innovation and supported the next generation of business leaders (read more about his professional journey).

• Key Contributions:
  Legacy and Leadership - William Fresh provided significant business leadership and mentorship within Utah's tech sector.
• Business Park Innovation - He was the founder and developer of Orem Center Business Park, fostering regional tech growth.
• Entrepreneurial Mentorship - Bill Fresh deeply mentored and invested in local tech entrepreneurs, inspiring the community.
• Advocacy for Tech - He advocated for early tech infrastructure, accelerating the advancement of technology in the Orem region.

Fresh’s impact was also deeply personal for many.

Colleagues and neighbors like David Rodriguez and Sarah Thomas describe sharing not only professional insights but also moments of friendship, philanthropy, and community service.

Friends recall gatherings where Bill brought together people over shared interests like gardening and a love for BYU sports, further fueling connections beyond business (see memories and tributes from the community).

His philanthropic legacy includes contributions to individuals, educational causes, and broader industry events. As the Orem tech sector grows, the foundations laid by Bill Fresh remain instrumental.

Final respects and details for those wishing to support his memory can be found through local obituary services (learn more about honoring Bill Fresh).

This week, Orem’s sports tech scene was spotlighted by the renewed BYU-UVU baseball rivalry, which continues to engage local fans and showcase advances in athletic technology.

The Cougars and Wolverines faced off for the 49th time, with BYU leading the all-time series and recent matchups showing their continued dominance, including a 9-3 win at Miller Park on April 15, 2025.

These games are now broadcast live via ESPN+, enabling broader access and utilizing advanced real-time statistics for both coaches and fans - a nod to how media and tech integration are shaping collegiate sports.

Both programs have taken cues from these innovations, relying on analytics for performance reviews and in-game strategy (BYU-UVU rivalry game details).

• Game technology is enhancing athletic performance: Advanced analytics and digital broadcasting extend fans' reach and help coaches make data-driven decisions.
• Tech integration boosts community engagement: Live streaming on platforms like ESPN+ brings the baseball rivalry into more homes and fosters a stronger fan community.

BYU’s Cheer Squad, led by Elizabeth Wilson, marked another milestone, clinching first place in the 1A Game Day Division and fourth in coed at the 2025 National Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship.

Their preparation included the use of Utah-based tech platforms to analyze routines and enhance consistency during high-pressure performances. This approach aligns with the broader trend in Orem athletics, where technology not only aids in skill development, but also in injury prevention and mental readiness.

UVU athletes, represented by Matthew Taylor, continue to leverage tools for mental resilience and stress monitoring, especially during rivalry events such as the Crosstown Clash with BYU, which is promoted across digital platforms and draws community-wide participation (Utah Valley vs. BYU game recap).

"The use of technology in collegiate sports has transformed athletic preparation, competition, and fan experiences in ways unimaginable only a decade ago."

Program	Tech Focus	Result
BYU Baseball	Real-time Analytics & Streaming	Expanded Viewership, Improved Performance
BYU Cheer Squad	Routine Analysis Platforms	National Titles & Consistency
UVU Athletics	Mental Resilience Monitoring	Community Engagement, Athlete Wellness

This local synergy of sports and technology is reinforced by ongoing conference developments.

BYU now competes in the Big 12 Conference alongside nearby programs, benefiting from new media rights, conference-level broadcasting (including ESPN+), and increased visibility within a competitive field that values innovation both on and off the field (Big 12 Conference overview).

Orem, UT continues to make its mark in 2025 as a center for tech innovation, with the local scene seeing an 18% surge - adding 5,000 new jobs and reinforcing Orem's position within Silicon Slopes.

This remarkable momentum is not only reflected in job creation, but also in the growth and recognition of local startups like NeuraLens, QuantumGrid, and Greenify, which are leveraging AI, quantum computing, and green tech to address global challenges.

As highlighted in this in-depth weekly tech roundup, venture capital investment has surpassed $50 million so far this year, while strategic educational partnerships - like UVU’s new Applied AI Apprenticeship Program - are strengthening the talent pipeline for future growth.

Key Drivers of Orem’s Tech-Powered Future:

• Startup ecosystem growth: Orem’s startup ecosystem has expanded by 45% over two years, with over 7,000 tech companies now in the Provo-Orem corridor, as outlined in this review of Orem’s startups. The main idea is that robust expansion is driving tech leadership.
• Collaboration and innovation: Events like Silicon Slopes Summit, with 25,000+ attendees at UVU, are forging connections between startups, established firms, and academia, as recapped in this Silicon Slopes Summit recap. The main takeaway is that community engagement is fueling creative breakthroughs.
• Resilience and opportunity: Despite a dip to 15th in national rankings due to tech market changes, Orem’s resilience and supportive infrastructure continue to foster business growth and optimism. The central message is that adaptability and strong support systems enable sustained progress.

Table: Orem’s 2025 Tech Ecosystem At A Glance

Category	2023	2025
Tech Startups	220	265
Research Partnerships	75	110
High-Tech Exports (M$)	350	392

Looking ahead, Orem’s ongoing investments in green tech, AI, and educational innovation, paired with flourishing startup culture, signal a tech sector that is both resilient and full of opportunity.

Community-driven growth, from UVU’s expanded apprenticeship programs to sustainable energy breakthroughs, is paving the way for Orem to shape the future locally and globally.