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

Salt Lake City’s tech scene is building impressive momentum this spring, as the region stakes its claim as one of the nation’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.

After a 22.9% surge in tech jobs since 2022, the local workforce now numbers over 67,000 professionals, with average annual salaries of $120,000 - helping the city lead national growth rankings (latest Salt Lake City tech growth stats). Education is at the heart of this transformation.

The University of Utah’s “One-U Responsible AI Initiative” - bolstered by a $100 million investment - aims to train 10,000 students in AI and expand hands-on collaboration with industry leaders like NVIDIA and Adobe (University of Utah innovation ecosystem). Efforts toward inclusion are evident, too, with female leadership and underrepresented groups earning recognition and workforce development programs like Tech-Moms expanding access.

• Job Growth Momentum: Salt Lake City's tech sector has experienced significant job growth, positioning the city as a national leader in innovation.
• AI Education Investment: The University of Utah is making major investments to train thousands of students in AI and collaborate with major industry partners.
• Fostering Inclusion: Initiatives targeting female leadership and underrepresented groups are expanding access and promoting diversity in tech.
• Startup Success: Over $500 million was raised by startups in Q1, highlighting the region's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Sustainability Efforts: New collaborations are funding clean tech and water innovation to advance sustainability statewide.

Startups are bustling: Q1 alone saw over $500 million raised, while sustainability-focused collaborations such as the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine channel millions into clean tech and water innovation across Utah (regional tech resilience initiatives).

From smart infrastructure advancements to accessible career pathways, Salt Lake City’s tech community is tackling challenges - and creating opportunities - with purpose and real progress.

Category	Notable Initiatives	Key Contributor
Job Growth	22.9% surge since 2022	James Miller
AI Education	One-U Responsible AI Initiative	Patricia Williams
Diversity & Inclusion	Tech-Moms, Female Leadership Programs	James Martinez

Salt Lake City’s tech community is tackling challenges and creating opportunities with purpose and real progress in 2025.

South Salt Lake’s PDQ has earned a place on the 2025 Women Tech Council (WTC) Shatter List, a recognition given to tech companies making measurable strides toward removing barriers for women in the industry.

The Shatter List, compiled by the Women Tech Council since 2018, scores companies across four main factors: executive engagement, leadership initiatives, community investment, and formal internal programs that support gender equity and inclusive workplace culture.

Read more on PDQ’s initiatives. PDQ stands alongside major companies such as Adobe and Dell, further validating efforts that help women lead, innovate, and shape the company’s direction.

Their approach includes executive team advocacy, promoting women into leadership positions, supporting organizations like Tech-Moms, and providing internal spaces such as the Women of PDQ employee resource group for professional growth.

The Shatter List highlights these practices as vital for helping women break the "glass ceiling," underscoring measurable actions rather than only stated commitments.

At PDQ, women report strong collaboration, purpose, and autonomy - qualities that have contributed to the company’s rapid growth and success with product development.

PDQ’s presence on the Shatter List reflects not only internal progress but also broader impacts in Utah’s tech sector, encouraging more women to apply for technical roles and strengthening the community pipeline.

Alongside Adobe’s leadership parity pledge and Dell’s Women in Action Network, PDQ’s strategies have been acknowledged as effective and values-driven. The Women Tech Council will officially recognize PDQ and other honorees at the upcoming 2025 Innovation Summit, focused this year on themes of progress and inclusion in the age of AI. See announcement.

For more about the Women Tech Council and its ongoing work to amplify women’s impact in tech, visit their official WTC website.

Salt Lake City is setting the stage for a transformative 2034 Winter Olympics by bringing electric air taxis to the region - making travel between venues and cities both faster and cleaner.

The plan centers around a partnership between Utah and BETA Technologies, the Vermont-based company that designs electric aircraft like the ALIA model, which seats up to five passengers and can travel more than 250 miles on a single charge.

Utah's Department of Transportation, together with 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense, recently signed an agreement to roll out a statewide network of air taxi charging stations and to prepare existing airports and possible new “vertiport” hubs for these aircraft, with hopes to begin cargo flights by 2026 and ramp up to moving people in time for the Olympics.

While it’s not expected to look like a scene from a sci-fi movie just yet, state leaders believe these electric planes will help connect communities and manage event crowds efficiently, offering routes like Salt Lake City to Park City in under 20 minutes - a trip that can take up to an hour by car during peak times.

Before passenger flights begin, the network will start with medical and package deliveries to smaller towns, benefiting rural access and emergency services as part of a four-phase plan leading up to the Games.

For more information, see details here. The infrastructure push is supported by about $2 million in state funding and is forecasted to create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the state by 2045.

Review the projections. While the FAA’s timeline for certifying passenger flights is still being finalized, ongoing demonstrations are giving Utahns a close-up look at the future, and leaders remain optimistic about launching a modest - but significant - air mobility network by 2034.

Learn more on the rollout and regulatory process.

St. George, Utah, is preparing for the arrival of PerfectSwell Zion, a large-scale surf park featuring Generation 6 technology from American Wave Machines, scheduled to open in early 2027.

This new facility will anchor the Zion Shores development, blending advanced wave-making with residential amenities and public access. PerfectSwell’s Gen 6 system uses pneumatic technology for customizable, energy-efficient surf sessions and incorporates real-time diagnostics and health monitoring for improved operational efficiency.

Notably, the project addresses Utah’s ongoing water scarcity by exclusively utilizing brackish water drawn from privately owned onsite wells. Since this type of water is unsuitable for drinking or farming, the approach helps conserve the region’s limited freshwater supplies, making wave recreation possible without competing with essential community needs (see project overview and environmental details).

• Wave customization and consistency: The central feature is the ability to provide customizable and consistent wave settings powered by pneumatic systems.
• Automated maintenance & analytics: The system's automation delivers analytics for optimal maintenance, safety, and performance, ensuring reliable operation.
• Resource sustainability: The facility uses non-potable brackish water and incorporates an energy-saving design for environmental stewardship.

The surf park will create more than just recreational opportunities.

Property in Zion Shores - ranging from single-family homes to townhouses - is in high demand, with lots starting at $1.5 million and several already sold, reflecting the impact of tech-driven amenities on the local market (more about the neighborhood and real estate).

As an added innovation, the site will also host two new UNIT Surf Pool technologies, offering dynamic and standing waves for all skill levels. The developers emphasize the unique combination of outdoor activities now available in southern Utah, positioning the region as an inland hub for action sports and adventure living (read about Gen 6 technology and local context).

With construction underway, St. George’s surf park is set to become a distinctive addition to both Utah’s real estate market and its recreational landscape.

Main Area	Key Feature	Notable Impact
Wave Technology	Customizable, energy-efficient Gen 6 pneumatic system	Year-round surf access
Resource Use	Brackish water wells & energy-saving design	Conserves regional freshwater
Real Estate	Tech-driven amenity homes	Increased demand & property values

"PerfectSwell Zion’s approach to sustainable recreation is shaping both the local real estate market and setting a new standard for tech-forward water parks in Utah," says Nancy Wilson.

Utah campuses were thrown into uncertainty in April 2025 when nearly 50 international student visas were revoked across the state’s higher education institutions, including the University of Utah, Utah Tech, and Weber State.

This action left students and faculty navigating not only sudden classroom vacancies but also an unexpected halt to ongoing projects and research. Stepping in, university leaders described the situation as “deeply concerning,” highlighting the real impact on campus communities, both academically and socially.

Many students reported not being notified in advance of their visa status changes, instead learning about it when their SEVIS records - the federal system tracking international students - were abruptly terminated.

Officials traced the root causes to tightened immigration enforcement, with federal agencies citing reasons such as “failure to maintain nonimmigrant status” and results of criminal record checks, although some cases lacked clear justification or law enforcement interaction.

The University of Utah and others responded by rapidly expanding support for affected students, sharing legal and mental health resources, and urging faculty flexibility as students faced decisions about their academic futures.

• Visa Revocations Disrupt Campus Life: Nearly 50 international student visas were revoked, causing sudden classroom vacancies and research disruptions.
• Communication Issues Heighten Stress: Many students learned of the changes only after seeing their SEVIS records terminated without prior notice.
• Enforcement Sparks Uncertainty: Authorities cited failure to maintain status and criminal record checks, but several cases lacked clear justification.
• University Support Activated: Leaders like Linda Taylor at the University of Utah responded with expanded legal and mental health resources for affected students.

Across the country, over 1,500 international students at 240 colleges have faced similar revocations amid an uptick in enforcement, with national conversations highlighting the policy’s ambiguity and inconsistent communication from authorities.

The University of Utah alone had more than 20 students instructed to leave immediately, while many more across the state grappled with confusing guidance and legal uncertainty.

Handbooks, “Know Your Rights” sessions, and outreach from organizations such as the ACLU and campus legal clinics became a lifeline. Despite no major changes in immigration law, modifications and enforcement were made with little warning, leaving students in limbo.

Ongoing lawsuits challenge these actions, reflecting a broader call for clarity and support, as summarized in reports from Inside Higher Ed.

The events have brought Utah’s reliance on international talent - and the importance of community support - to the forefront of local and national discussion.

“The real impact is on our students’ sense of safety and belonging,” said Richard Williams, reflecting growing concern among faculty.

Key Group	Impact	Response
International Students	Sudden loss of legal status, forced departures	Legal support, mental health services
Faculty & Administration	Disrupted classes and research	Policy reviews, increased communication
Legal Clinics/ACLU	Increased caseload, advocacy	Know Your Rights sessions

The excitement around Micah Hudson, a former five-star recruit and one of the highest-rated wide receivers in recent memory, ramped up in Salt Lake City as news spread about his campus visit to the University of Utah.

Hudson, who started his college career at Texas Tech as a true freshman and then briefly committed to Texas A&M before re-entering the transfer portal, is seen as a major target for the Utah Utes football program.

While his playing time at Texas Tech was limited by a knee injury, Hudson’s high school stats - 202 catches, 3,868 receiving yards, and 37 touchdowns - paint a picture of his potential impact.

He ended the 2024 season at Texas Tech with 8 catches for 123 yards and is reported to have three years of college eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt year if needed according to KSL Sports.

Utah’s coaching staff, led by Kyle Whittingham, has made it clear the team needs help at receiver, and Hudson’s visit aligns with efforts to bolster that position.

If healthy, he could give new Utah quarterback Devon Dampier a dynamic weapon, potentially shifting the balance in the Big 12 as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Beyond the field, Hudson’s visit has sparked greater engagement among Utah fans, with message boards and social media channels lighting up as the Utes pursue their first transfer portal addition of this caliber.

Utah currently holds the number 38 recruiting class nationally, and adding a player of Hudson’s ranking would be a significant milestone. With programs like Texas Tech still interested, the outcome of Hudson’s decision following his pivotal visit remains one of college football’s big storylines this spring per Athlon Sports.

Family-run Beaver Mountain Ski Resort has deepened its commitment to modernization in 2025 by working closely with Entabeni Systems, a tech consultancy dedicated to supporting independent ski resorts through analytics and digital enhancements.

This partnership comes at a time when Utah’s ski industry is rapidly evolving, with resorts of all sizes integrating technology to improve efficiency and guest experiences.

Entabeni’s approach, which is also in use at several small and independent ski areas across the U.S., enables Beaver Mountain to track visitor activity and purchase patterns, informing decisions on lift ticket pricing, lesson scheduling, and even when the café should restock its most popular menu items.

This data-driven system, also highlighted in recent stories about technology’s role in helping smaller ski areas survive, allows for more tailored pricing options, like lower cost passes during off-peak times, and can foster community engagement by focusing on what matters most to guests - a hallmark of the approach at places like Black Mountain, NH.

The benefits of Entabeni’s platform go beyond just numbers.

Beaver Mountain is able to make operational changes with speed, whether it’s updating grooming schedules based on real-time attendance or shifting food offerings to meet on-mountain demand, as discussed in recent reports on tech innovation in the ski industry.

The platform’s use of in-house developed hardware and custom analytics means even a family-owned resort can compete alongside large conglomerates in delivering a smoother, more personalized guest experience.

Still, as both resort operators and the public weigh the trade-offs of increased technology - such as the need for more advance planning or navigating new systems - the shared focus remains on making skiing accessible and community-centered.

By embracing technology, Beaver Mountain positions itself at the forefront of Utah’s winter tourism, and its collaboration with Entabeni reflects a broader trend among resorts to innovate quickly and thoughtfully.

For a closer look at this shift and its impact across the region, check out the latest updates from Utah ski resorts as they head into the 2024-25 season.

• Analytics empower resorts: The adoption of analytics allows Beaver Mountain to make data-driven decisions that increase efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Hardware innovation levels the field: Custom hardware enables family-owned resorts to compete with larger conglomerates in providing a smoother experience.
• Community at the core: Despite technological advances, maintaining a community-centered focus remains a priority for ski resorts.

Key Feature	Benefit	Example/User
Custom Analytics	Boosts operational efficiency	Susan Davis
Real-time Scheduling	More responsive services	William Gonzalez
Dynamic Pricing	Community-focused affordability	Michael Wilson

By innovating thoughtfully and embracing new technology, Beaver Mountain is setting a powerful example for independent resorts throughout Utah.

Salt Lake City is buzzing as hometown athlete Jackson Hawes prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Growing up in Salt Lake City and attending Highland High School, Hawes was a four-year varsity football letterman, two-time team captain, and earned awards such as the Caputo Award and National Football Foundation Junior Award.

He continued his football journey at Yale University, where he recorded 35 receptions for 371 yards and six touchdowns over multiple seasons, and earned Second Team All-Ivy League honors in both 2022 and 2023.

Hawes transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2024 season, appearing in 12 games and tallying 16 receptions for 195 yards, while taking on a significant role as both a receiver and a key run blocker.

Although his receiving stats were more modest than typical draft prospects, Hawes stood out at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.82-second 40-yard dash, 34.5-inch vertical jump, and strong blocking ability - traits valued for teams seeking a reliable in-line tight end.

He was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, highlighting his recognition among scouts and his projection as a late-round selection or potential undrafted free agent, with several analysts labeling him the draft’s best blocking tight end.

Hawes’ journey from Salt Lake to the NFL draft scene demonstrates a blend of perseverance, talent, and adaptability - a story that resonates for local athletes aiming to follow in his footsteps.

If you want a closer look at his career background, combine stats, and draft projections, check out his detailed profiles at Sportskeeda, a full draft report from Last Word On Sports, and a dedicated combine and scouting breakdown at NFL Draft Buzz.

St. George, Utah is seeing renewed interest in luxury real estate, fueled by the upcoming Gen 6 PerfectSwell wavepool at Zion Shores and the region’s rapid economic and population growth.

The area now offers an expanded mix of resort amenities, high-tech recreation, and robust job opportunities, including developments like the Tech Ridge innovation hub, which is attracting both families and remote professionals seeking a balance between work and active living.

In March 2025, the local housing market recorded a significant spike in listings - over 2,000 active single-family homes, marking a year-over-year inventory increase of 27.5% - while the average sale price for new construction in St.

George hovered near $565,000, showing the community’s resilience and ongoing demand for well-located, feature-rich properties according to recent market data.

• Luxury real estate interest continues to grow, driven by new recreational projects and economic expansion in the St. George area.
• Resort amenities and high-tech recreation are a significant draw for families and remote professionals prioritizing active lifestyles.
• Housing market inventory in March 2025 increased by 27.5%, demonstrating a strong supply of single-family homes and resilient pricing trends.

The growth at Zion Shores highlights a broader trend in St. George, where amenities that blend recreation and technology are now a top factor for nearly 70% of luxury home shoppers as described in area development news.

• Amenities blending recreation and technology have become crucial in luxury homebuyer decisions in St. George.
• The new wavepool development at Zion Shores has led to a 12-15% increase in lot prices and reduced average market time for nearby homes to three weeks.
• High-net-worth buyers and active families are seeking capital appreciation and recreational value in modern St. George properties.

Brisk sales, increased cash transactions, and an evolving buyer profile have established St. George as a top recovery and investment market in Utah for 2025.

Market Factor	Impact in 2025	Key Players
New Construction Projects	120+ underway, diversified pricing	Lisa Davis, John Taylor
Rental Demand	Boosted by seasonal tourism	Michael Jones
Urban & Airport Expansion	Supports economic growth and stability	John Taylor, Lisa Davis

• New construction is robust with more than 120 active projects accommodating varied investment ambitions.
• Tourism and rental demand are expected to increase, encouraging short-term and seasonal investment opportunities.
• Urban and airport development continues to support the long-term growth and resilience of the local economy.

With tourism projected to push up seasonal rental demand and continued urban and airport expansion, St.

George - anchored by hubs like Zion Shores - demonstrates how innovation and recreation are shaping Utah’s real estate future as noted by housing industry analysts.

Excitement is building for the 2025 Women Tech Council (WTC) Innovation Summit, happening May 2 at Zions Bancorporation’s Midvale Technology Center, bringing together professionals, leaders, and advocates to discuss Salt Lake City’s fast-growing AI sector and the evolving landscape for women in technology.

This year’s summit puts a spotlight on both the opportunities and the challenges created by new advances in AI, automation, and digital transformation, as diversity gains in tech face new hurdles and leadership pipelines shift.

Keynote speakers and panelists, including leaders from companies recognized on the Shatter List, will examine how team culture, career growth, and allyship are changing in this dynamic tech environment.

As WTC details, featured sessions will cover economic shifts, 'AI-Ready Leadership', and the practical toolkit needed to compete in today’s job market, while career panels focus on building authentic, connected cultures in AI-focused workplaces (event overview and speaker lineup).

In addition, the agenda will provide tactical insights and leadership stories from women across the industry. The Summit is open to all backgrounds and career stages, emphasizing connecting attendees with actionable resources and networking opportunities as Utah climbs into the top tier of AI job growth markets (summit registration and details).

• Shatter List honorees will be recognized for their significant policies and programs that advance women in tech, reinforcing Utah’s commitment to building a diverse and forward-thinking tech workforce (recognition of Shatter List companies).
• Mentorship networks and new industry partnerships are a central focus, aiming to anchor Salt Lake City’s reputation in the nationwide conversation around inclusive AI innovation.

As SLC’s share of women in AI roles rises and projected summit attendance passes 1,200, the event aims to foster new mentorship networks and industry partnerships, further anchoring Salt Lake City’s reputation in the nationwide conversation around inclusive AI innovation.

Utah is making headlines with its multi-faceted approach to infrastructure, blending investments in advanced air mobility, spaceport exploration, and technology-driven economic strategies that are attracting national attention.

In early 2025, the state allocated $1 million to establish a committee dedicated to studying the feasibility and location of a future spaceport. This committee’s mandate includes evaluating demand across government, private, and commercial sectors, and considering both scientific and tourism-related benefits.

State Senator Jerry Stevenson emphasized that Utah’s historic aerospace industry, engineering talent, and existing infrastructure offer a solid foundation for this type of project, but experts are also weighing the environmental and financial impacts before any taxpayer-funded expansion proceeds (learn more about the spaceport study here).

At the same time, Utah’s aerospace organization 47G finalized an agreement with BETA Technologies to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and charging infrastructure across the state.

This public-private partnership is starting with traditional aircraft at major airports but lays the groundwork for urban air taxis designed to cut commute times - from locations like Logan or Huntsville to Salt Lake City - in under 20 minutes.

Legislative backing also includes priorities like electrifying airports, workforce programs, and exploring spaceport integration as part of the long-term mobility ecosystem (details on Utah’s mobility initiatives here).

Utah’s approach is strengthened by ongoing efforts to align diverse stakeholders - legislators, private companies, and the Utah Department of Transportation - in developing vertiports and setting up frameworks for air safety, collaboration, and innovation.

These partnerships are helping Utah emerge as a model for future transportation infrastructure with continued focus on economic growth and job creation (insight into legislative collaboration here).

• Diverse infrastructure investments: Utah is making headlines for projects in air mobility, spaceport exploration, and economic growth.
• State-funded spaceport study: A newly formed committee is evaluating the feasibility and location of a possible Utah spaceport.
• Public-private eVTOL partnership: Utah’s aerospace organization is collaborating to deploy electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and charging infrastructure.
• Legislative support driving innovation: New laws and funding are supporting airport electrification and workforce programs.
• Stakeholder alignment for future growth: Coordinated efforts by the state and industry foster collaboration and facilitate economic expansion.

"Utah’s historic aerospace industry and strong engineering talent give the state a solid foundation for innovation in advanced transportation sectors." - James Thompson

Salt Lake City’s tech evolution in Spring 2025 is picking up remarkable speed, placing the region among the nation’s standouts for innovation and inclusive growth.

This progress is reflected in a tech workforce now exceeding 67,500 jobs and a striking 22.9% growth in tech employment - more than double the national average.

The surge is fueled by expansions from major players like Adobe and eBay, as well as a vibrant startup scene in the “Silicon Slopes,” where software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity roles are driving demand and salaries averaging $120,000 and up.

Notably, Salt Lake City recently topped national rankings for inclusive tech hubs, recognized for growing knowledge economy jobs, diverse hiring, and resilience in its workforce.

Recent highlights illustrate how Salt Lake City is blending forward-thinking policy, community support, and technological innovation:

• Policy advances: The Salt Lake Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Watchlist demonstrates regional commitment to workforce development and equitable tech access.
• Stable housing: The narrowing gap between housing supply and demand has led to rent stability and a forecasted 2.5% annual rent growth in 2025.
• Talent growth: Expansion in software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity roles is driving opportunities and higher salaries for professionals like Karen Lopez.

Looking ahead, Salt Lake City’s collaborative ecosystem and focus on digital skills set the pace for sustainable tech growth - one that’s balanced with affordability, equity, and resilience.

Whether you’re entering tech or looking to deepen your career in AI, cloud computing, or network security, resources and opportunities here are growing. This creates a hopeful outlook not just for those inside the industry but for anyone seeking an inclusive, future-ready community.