This episode features a conversation with three One Utah Summit Startup Pitch runners-up: PÜRTREK, Light Line Medical, Merit3D, and podcast host Pete Codella, Go Utah’s communications director.

The three company founders participated in last month’s VentureCapital.org Deal Forum competition held at Silicon Slopes, where real-world investors identified the top three entrepreneurs to compete at Gov. Cox's One Utah Summit Startup Pitch on May 10, 2022.

Although this threesome of companies didn't present at the summit, they were equally impressive during the Deal Forum pitch event.

PÜRTREK is the world's first combined trek pole/water filtration system, combining two must-have trail items into one simple, efficient tool. Light Line Medical uses visible light to prevent infections in catheters and endotracheal tubes without antibiotic-resistant issues. Lastly, Merit3D helps local manufacturers bypass oversea suppliers, injection molding constraints, and lengthy product development times through additive manufacturing using 3D printers.

The Startup Pitch was a partnership between the summit organizers, Utah-based VentureCaptial, and Weber State University's Hall Global Entrepreneurship Center. Contestants went through a sorting process based on their submitted materials, then mentorship with industry experts.

In this episode, hear from the three entrepreneurs about what inspired their invention, why they participated in the Startup Pitch, lessons they’ve learned, their most significant challenges, and much more.