Innovation and entrepreneurship are absolutely necessary in the technology and medical industries to be globally competitive. Even traditional industries have found that they must be more innovative to remain successful. With rapid growth occuring on the Wasatch Front, it is vital that Utah be creative and innovative in creating jobs, relieving traffic congestion, and planning for the future. Thankfully, Utah has a long tradition of both innovation and entrepreneurship.

So, what are Utah's innovations and who are Utah’s famous entrepreneurs? Here are a few inspirational notables:

• Alan Ashton developed the world’s first word processing software.

• Alvino Ray invented the electric guitar

• Don Carlos Edwards created fry sauce.

• Frank Zamboni invented... well, the Zamboni.

• Harvey Fletcher invented the hearing aid.

• James Fletcher invented the car stereo.

• Jonathan Coon founded 1-800 Contacts while a student at BYU.

• Dr. Joshua Shiffman is currently pioneering research to discover a cure for cancer.

• Lester Wire invented the electric traffic light.

• Mario Capecchi discovered how to “turn off” genes.

• Nolan Bushnell developed PONG, the first computer game.

• Philo T. Farnsworth invented the television.

• Robert B. Ingebretsen invented the DVD.

• Robert K. Jarvik invented the artificial heart at the University of Utah.

• Walter Frederick invented the Frisbee

• The ACP gene, involved in colon cancer was discovered at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

• The first interactive graphics program as well as the computer animation technology used by Pixar were developed at the University of Utah.

• Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its first restaurant in Salt Lake City

• The Utah Genome Project along with the Utah Population Database is assisting in medical innovation.

• Utah State University, Known as “Space U”, has built and sent the most satelllites into space.