UofU Health breaks ground on Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation

University of Utah Health has broken ground for the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation (SCMI). The center is located on Mario Capecchi Drive on the university campus.

“Upon its completion in 2026, the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation will serve as a beacon of transformative research and medical device innovation,” UofU Health said in a statement.

Named in honor of James LeVoy Sorenson, a Utah inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, the SCMI will pay tribute to his legacy, UofU Health said. With over 50 patents issued in his name, Sorenson revolutionized the standard of care with inventions such as the disposable surgical face cover, the single-use intravenous catheter and hemodynamic arterial monitoring devices.

“The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation exemplifies our commitment to entrepreneurialism and accelerating the transfer of the U’s research into practical use,” said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “The center will promote collaboration and drive transformative advancements in medical care and device development. The facility will be a national leader and have influence that reaches well beyond campus, shaping the future of healthcare for generations to come.”

The $50 million facility has been made possible by a lead gift of $22 million from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

“The Sorenson Legacy Foundation is so pleased that this wonderful building, the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, will carry on my father’s incredible spirit of medical device innovation, as well as his compassionate spirit toward those who suffer,” said Ann Sorenson Crocker, family representative of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

“This new facility honors not only Jim’s fundamental contributions to the creation of the medical device industry in Utah and nationally, but also ensures that his legacy of innovation and his relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire future students and innovators,” said Gary Crocker, the chair of the Center for Medical Innovation’s board.

“My father’s passion for innovation and commitment to improving health- care have left an indelible mark on the world,” said Jim Sorenson, chairman of the Sorenson Impact Foundation. “This center not only honors his memory but also carries forward his legacy of innovation and impact, ensuring that his pioneering spirit lives on in the work of future generations.”

Consisting of four levels totaling nearly 60,000 square feet of space, the Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation will include:

• Advanced prototyping and clean room assembly labs dedicated to creating and refining groundbreaking medical innovations.
• Collaboration spaces fostering cross-campus interdisciplinary cooperation and fueling the drive for transformative innovation and discovery.
• A state-of-the-art clinical bio-tissue surgery discovery suite enabling physicians, faculty and staff to evaluate and refine new medical technologies and procedures in a hands-on, accessible, real-world environment.
• Startup incubator spaces expressly designed to nurture university spinouts and student startups. The startups will drive technology licensing opportunities for the university and economic growth for the state.

“This center represents more than just a building; it’s a gateway to endless possibilities for future students,” said Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation. “By providing access to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship opportunities and a vibrant community of innovators, this center will empower students to pursue their passion for medical innovation and make a tangible difference in the world. It’s not just about shaping the future of healthcare; it’s about shaping the lives of the students who will lead it.”