Connect | Collaborate | Create | Commercialize
About
MakeUtah is building the future of hard-tech innovation from concept to commercialization.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to empower entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools, industry partnerships and mentorship to drive innovation, commercialization and economic growth.
Our Ambition
Our ambition is to create a thriving hard-tech ecosystem where innovators collaborate to build and scale breakthrough technologies that transform industries and economies.
501c3 non-profit entity
Meet the Team
Vanessa Perez
President
Vanessa Machin Perez is a dynamic and accomplished professional with a unique blend of expertise to every endeavor. With six-years of experience in senior leadership roles complemented by 23 years of distinguished service in the Australian Army. January 2025 kicked off her latest venture as the President of MakeUtah.
Shad Woodland
Executive Director
Shad is the founder and heart of the Pioneer Village Institute, a non-profit organization and the partner of MakeUtah. He has the passion to bring his vision to life and the endurance to make it happen. Shad grew up in the garage working on many different project cars with his dad.
Ben Smith
Chief Technology Officer & Engineer in Residence
Ben has spent 22 years as an IT professional and 17 years in Electric Vehicle (EV). Ben is passionate about sharing his knowledge though any available method. He is a big proponent of Hands-on learning and the concept of “failure is always an option, just don’t give up.”
Mike Collier
Senior Technologist
Mike loves working with new startups. Founding and running an international battery business for 14 years gave him the experience to work through team conflicts, design or refine products and processes, identify customer segments, etc., that he draws from to consult with startups.
Robyn Okeson
Operations Manager
Robyn has helped, supported, and built several different companies over the past 15 years with her husband. Although she was hesitant to start a couple of the businesses, she has lived through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and looks forward to the next adventure. She sits at the front desk a couple of days a week and is happy to help.