The University of Utah has been ranked second in the nation for producing “unicorn” startups, according to a 2025 Stanford study announced by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. This impressive ranking highlights the strong link between formal education, particularly advanced degrees, and the success of these billion-dollar companies.
A unicorn startup is a privately held company valued at over $1 billion. Unicorns — high-value startups, especially those that achieve this valuation before going public — are often characterized by disruptive business models, rapid growth, and significant investor interest.
Utah’s high standing is a testament to its vibrant startup ecosystem, its highly-regarded entrepreneurship programs, and innovative initiatives such as the Master of Business Creation (MBC) degree.
With more than 330 companies launched from technologies developed at the university, and a growing reputation for innovation, the University of Utah is consistently transforming groundbreaking ideas into major economic successes.