Lynne Yocom blends engineering, creativity, and cultural diplomacy to expand Utah’s fiber network, mentor young women in tech, collaborate across agencies, and build trust with tribal communities while strengthening statewide digital connectivity.
by Inga Wilkowske & Brielle Schwendiman
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.