PURPOSE

Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation. Growth brings opportunities, but also challenges - whether you can afford to buy that home or rent that apartment, bike safely to work or access public transportation, breath clean air and drink clean water. These challenges shape our daily lives and their urgency only grows with time.

The Innovation Lab uses data-driven journalism to identify solutions to our most pressing public challenges.

We explore challenges from all angles to “come up with a beautiful, elegant solution that works,” as Steve Jobs said.

We convene relevant stakeholders – impacted citizens and residents, community organizations, and business, nonprofit, and government leaders – to plot a strategic path to a better future.

In short, we use innovative journalism to build solutions to problems that don’t want to be solved.

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

We are grateful for the support of donors and partners that make the work of the Lab possible. Consistent with the Tribune’s mission, the Innovation Lab is Utah’s independent workshop for crafting solutions to our thorniest problems - from affordable housing to air quality. Our work lives and dies by the scientific method, unfettered by politics or outside influence. Whatever the public challenge we are working to overcome, we will always seek the best solution for those most affected by that challenge.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

The Innovation Lab cannot do our work without the support of donors and partners.

We invite you to join our key donors in funding solutions to big problems.

Ivory Foundation

Sorensen Foundation

David Parkinson

Gary Crocker

JOIN US

Beyond donations, we’re looking for great ideas and great partners. If you would like to work to tackle a wicked problem through a joint project, co-hosting an event, or even just pitching an idea, please reach out to Luke Peterson, lpeterson@sltrib.com.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey to craft a brighter future for our state.