Mary-Lou Smulders built a career in engineering, startups, and drone security, helping shape policy and technology while promoting mission-driven leadership, innovation, and safer airspace in an evolving global landscape.
by Shruthi Kamalanathan
Nucleus Fund invests in Provo's Terraphene, a hemp-based materials startup with a nine-figure pallet supply deal, fire- and strength-tested building materials, and a pitch to help refill the Great Salt Lake by replacing thirsty alfalfa acreage with hemp.
DHS named Fortem Technologies (Lindon, UT) the only small business among seven prime contractors on a five-year, $1B+ counter-drone IDIQ. CEO Jon Gruen discusses the win, subcontractors Lockheed Martin and Microsoft, and plans to scale Utah manufacturing.
South Jordan-based Obra emerges from stealth with two linked products, Obra Jobs and Obra Hire, betting that AI broke hiring's inbound signal and that a trust-first, outbound-focused platform can restore it.