Why it matters

Small and growing businesses across Utah received hands-on help to integrate AI, not through theory, but through real-world problem-solving. The Dec. 1 pre-summit workshop brought more than 60 mentors together with local companies to build actionable 30, 60, and 90 day implementation plans, proving that responsible AI adoption starts with practical support.

The big picture

Utah is positioning itself as a national leader in pro-human AI, where technology enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. The 2025 Utah AI Summit (aisummit.utah.gov) showcased this approach through keynotes from Governor Spencer Cox, Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, and NVIDIA Co-Founder Chris Malachowsky, alongside interactive policy discussions and workforce panels.

The day before the summit, SeedAI, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, partnered with the State of Utah to host a full-day workshop where businesses identify their biggest AI challenges—from process automation to supply chain optimization—and workshop solutions with technical experts, policy leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs.

What they’re saying

Stuart Styron, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SeedAI: “This isn’t like a panel. This isn’t coming in for breakfast. This is from 8:30 till 3:30—real work, real activity. The people in this room came out on their own time to do a very intense experience, and that’s something that I think is a real testament to the people in the room.”

The workshop’s three-part structure walks businesses through identifying challenges, building solution frameworks, and creating week-by-week implementation roadmaps—all with peer-to-peer learning at its core.

What to expect

The workshop aimed to deliver three outcomes:

• Workable solutions: Every table developed a concrete 30-60-90 day implementation plan
• Community infrastructure: Build a lasting support network for AI adoption across Utah’s business ecosystem
• Scalable insights: Create a policy workbook to replicate this model in other states and cities

With representation from state government, nonprofits, universities, industry associations, and civil society, the event creates what Styron calls “a substrate of infrastructure” for ongoing AI support.

The bottom line

Utah is proving that AI leadership isn’t just about cutting-edge technology, it’s about meeting businesses where they are and providing tailored, concrete support. This all-volunteer effort, powered by local expertise and commitment to pro-human values, offers a replicable model for responsible AI adoption nationwide.

The 2025 Utah AI Summit took place December first and second at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Learn more at aisummit.utah.gov.