BYLINE: Jared Jones, associate director, PR and comms, Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Utah
Newswise — The University of Utah, one of the nation’s leading research universities, announces the launch of Trace Air Quality (Trace AQ), a science-driven smoke and air quality forecasting technology company, and the closing of its $1.25 million seed round.
Trace AQ delivers advanced forecasting and air quality solutions to enterprise customers facing environmental, economic, and regulatory perils. The company was co-founded by University of Utah researchers Heather Holmes, Derek Mallia, and Taylor (Kai) Wilmot, and Victor Gill who joined as the founding CEO to drive commercialization efforts.
The $1.25 million seed round was led by Los Angeles-based Rusheen Capital Management, LLC, with additional investments from Thin Line Capital and Curt Doman. Trace AQ’s foundational technology is licensed from the U through a collaborative agreement led by the university’s Technology Licensing Office.
“I am very excited to lead Trace AQ and work with this team of world class technologists. We have developed a market leading, enterprise-quality product which produces highly reliable air quality forecasts; providing our customers with the insights to be proactive and continuously adapt to changes in air quality,” said Gill, Trace AQ CEO.
“Trace AQ’s journey from campus research to market launch is exactly what the Utah Venture Hub and Energy Accelerator were designed to make possible,” said Jim Hotaling, associate vice president for innovation and translation. “By connecting faculty and founders with the right resources and guidance, we’re helping turn world-class research into Utah startups that can make a real difference.”
“Facilitating technology transfer is about more than just agreements—it’s about building pathways for university discoveries to reach the world,” said Bruce Hunter, chief innovation officer at the Technology Licensing Office. “Trace AQ shows what can happen when collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit drive innovation forward.”
“Utah’s strength as an innovation hub comes from our culture of collaboration and our commitment to turning ideas into impact,” said Erin Rothwell, vice president for research at the U. “Trace AQ is a testament to the power of research, entrepreneurship, and partnership at the U. Our researchers don’t just generate new knowledge—they deliver real solutions that address urgent challenges. From our labs to the marketplace, we’re proud to support breakthroughs that shape Utah’s economy and create healthier, more resilient communities everywhere.”
About Trace Air Quality
Trace Air Quality is on a mission to deliver the world’s best air quality solutions. With a deep understanding that air quality directly impacts every person’s quality of life, Trace AQ uses it’s foundation in cutting-edge data science to provide actionable insights to businesses, agencies, and consumers. By transforming complex environmental data into simple, reliable insights and alerts, Trace AQ empowers its users to make informed decisions in the face of rapidly changing air quality conditions. Specializing in the forecasting of smoke, dust, inversions, and other air quality hazards, Trace AQ sets the standard for accurate, timely, and industry-leading air quality intelligence.
About the Technology Licensing Office
The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) is dedicated to fostering innovation and creating value through effective technology transfer. As a leader in managing intellectual property, the TLO empowers researchers and inventors by providing the resources and support needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. By facilitating the journey from discovery to commercialization, the TLO plays a critical role in driving economic growth and societal impact.
About the Utah Venture Hub
The Utah Venture Hub at the University of Utah serves as a central resource for innovation and startups, committed to supporting faculty, entrepreneurs, and investors. By fostering collaboration and providing access to essential resources, the Hub drives the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies and contributes to the economic growth of Utah. Its main goal is to reduce the activation energy necessary for faculty to form successful venture backable companies.
About the Energy Accelerator
The Energy Accelerator, as part of the Utah Venture Hub at the University of Utah, facilitates the launching of energy related technology startups by working with entrepreneurial focused inventors on campus to advance and de risk their technology, identify market opportunities, create business plans and commercialization strategies, while providing access to industry and investment networks.
About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 36,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. Ranked #1 public university in the West by the Wall Street Journal, the U strives to be a model public university in delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care while making social, economic and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, the nation and the world.
