The 2026 Wilson Sonsini Entrepreneur & Investor Life Sciences Summit will feature a Shark Tank-style pitch competition co-hosted by SPARC Health and BioUtah, offering early-stage healthcare companies a premier platform to present innovations to experienced investors and industry leaders. The event, scheduled for March 12, 2026, at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, represents a significant opportunity for startups to translate momentum from major industry conferences into tangible regional investment. Participants will gain access to a specialized panel of judges with deep industry expertise required to fund and scale complex medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and digital health solutions.
The competition's timing is strategic, occurring after the global JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, allowing companies to leverage what organizers call "JPM momentum" and apply it to a focused regional stage. This enables founders to present refined business cases to an audience specifically interested in investing in the Intermountain West's growing life sciences ecosystem. The competition structure includes category-specific tracks for Medical Devices, Pharma, and Biotech, ensuring founders are evaluated against their true peers rather than competing across disparate sectors.
Beyond the cash prize pool, companies benefit from high-level exposure, complimentary summit registrations, and a year of BioUtah membership to sustain their growth long after the event concludes. This comprehensive support system addresses the common challenge startups face in maintaining momentum following pitch competitions. The collaboration between SPARC Health (Startup Platform for Advice, Resources, and Community) and BioUtah brings together complementary strengths in startup acceleration and industry representation.
SPARC Health accelerates healthcare startup growth through targeted programming, mentorship, and capital access, while BioUtah serves as an independent trade association representing Utah's diverse life sciences industry. Their partnership at the summit, now in its 12th year, reflects the growing importance of structured support systems for early-stage healthcare companies navigating complex regulatory and funding landscapes. For the Intermountain West region, this competition represents more than just another startup event—it serves as a catalyst for economic development and healthcare innovation.
By providing a dedicated platform for local companies to connect with investors specifically interested in the region's ecosystem, the competition helps retain talent and intellectual property within the area while attracting external capital. The long-term benefits extend beyond individual companies to strengthen the entire regional life sciences infrastructure, positioning Utah and surrounding states as increasingly competitive hubs for healthcare innovation. The event demonstrates how targeted regional initiatives can amplify the impact of global healthcare conferences and create sustainable pathways for startup growth in specialized sectors.
