Recap: 2025 Mayer Brown Utah Life Sciences Summit

November 14, 2025

The 2025 BioUtah Utah Life Sciences Summit (ULSS) took place November 12 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, featuring keynote speakers, awards, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. With 650 registrants, this year’s Summit was the biggest yet.

Jefferson Moss, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, opened the summit with his perspective on Utah’s life sciences industry as a strategic economic sector, while Carter Dredge, executive director of the Intermountain Health Institute, and a panel led by Halia Therapeutics CEO, David Bearss, examined the impact of AI on healthcare systems and drug development.

Peter Marks, MD, PhD, senior vice president of molecular discovery and head of infectious disease for Eli Lilly, explored the history of key drug discoveries that have paved the way to innovative life-changing treatments for today and tomorrow.

The audience also had a chance during a virtual town hall to pose questions directly to Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Federal Trade Commissioner Melissa Holyoak engaged in a fireside chat on federal regulation of the industry. Other expert panelists discussed the findings of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.

“This year’s Utah Life Sciences Summit set an attendance record, reflecting our industry’s deep-seated commitment to innovation and collaboration,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah. “The gathering brought together all segments of our community to learn, exchange ideas, and make new connections.”

BioUtah presented the following annual awards as part of the programming:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Wes Sundquist, PhD, Professor and Chair of Biochemistry, University of Utah
• Executive of the Year: Fred Lampropoulos, Executive Chairman, Merit Medical Systems
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Shawn Fojtik, CEO, Distal Access
• Innovation Impact Award: Nusano
• Friend of Industry: Taylor Randall, President, University of Utah

To wrap up the day, a delegation of life sciences leaders from Korea joined GOEO, Utah World Trade Center, and BioUtah in a special MOU signing ceremony to establish opportunities for cooperation between Utah’s and Korea’s life sciences industries.

Four targeted tracks – Regulatory and Quality, BioUtah, Workforce, and Legal and Compliance – offered sessions on timely and thought-provoking topics.

An array of life sciences companies and professional service providers filled the exhibit hall.

BioUtah is grateful to our title sponsor, Mayer Brown, and our generous sponsors who made the Summit possible.

We hope to see you next year!