Locations
Auckland, New Zealand
Sydney, Australia
Dates
October 16–25, 2025
Expanding Utah’s reach in the Indo-Pacific.
Utah companies advanced global partnerships this October, building momentum across two of the Indo-Pacific’s most innovation-driven economies.
Led by Gov. Spencer Cox, the delegation of 75 business, academic, and government leaders met directly with commercial and policy decision-makers in Auckland and Sydney — gaining access to strategic markets, investor networks, and emerging-sector opportunities. Over nine days and more than 60 engagements, Utah businesses advanced cross-border partnerships in critical minerals, aerospace, life sciences, and innovation.
New Zealand: Innovation with intention
In Auckland, delegates explored shared innovation priorities with visits to GridAKL, Outset Ventures, UniServices, and Zenith Tecnics. Utah executives joined roundtables with New Zealand ministers, U.S. diplomats, and sector leaders from Rocket Lab, Zenno Astronautics, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment — reinforcing ties in clean energy, aerospace, and dual-use tech.
Australia: Market access with strategic timing
Less than 24 hours after a new U.S.-Australia critical minerals agreement was signed, Utah delegates arrived in Sydney for the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) — where Gov. Cox addressed a global audience on Utah’s role in strengthening supply chains. Targeted sessions with Cicada Innovations, DroneShield, the Sydney Quantum Academy, and financial leaders at Austrade, Export Finance Australia, Macquarie Bank, and Soul Patts opened new channels for trade and investment.
The mission’s highlight: a high-level investor event, “Meet the Governor,” where Australian investors explored U.S. market entry through Utah partnerships.
Four tracks. One shared purpose.
Delegates engaged through four industry tracks — each built for sector-specific outcomes:
Life sciences: Aust, BioUtah, Microvascular Therapeutics, Inc., Owlet, Paterna Bio, Quansys Bio
Critical minerals: Anson Resources/A1 Lithium, AUI, Energy Fuels, Nusano, Trigg Minerals/Bernhardt Group, the University of Utah, and the Utah Mining Association
Aerospace and defense: 47G, EP Systems, NEXT Global Capital, RedCat Holdings, Strider Technologies, and Vector
Development and innovation: Deseret Management Corporation, Nucleus Institute, the Salt Lake Chamber, University of Utah, Utah State University
Trade missions translate Utah’s global vision into actionable partnerships. Delegates returned with investor connections, market clarity, and sector insights they can act on now. From regulatory access to capital alignment, the groundwork laid in Auckland and Sydney sets a strong foundation for future growth.
These visits aren’t just about showing up — they’re about showing what’s possible when Utah companies lead with collaboration, innovation, and readiness to go global.
Led by the governor and organized by World Trade Center Utah in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Utah trade missions strengthen international ties and open doors for local companies to grow globally. These high-level visits spotlight Utah’s business-friendly environment and foster lasting partnerships in key markets — all to drive economic prosperity back home.
