Dr. Dinesh Patel, PhD

What does it take to be a Utah Genius? Born in Southern Africa? Go to school in India? Getting a Ph.D. at Michigan? We're not exactly sure of everything that was required of Dr. Patel to become a Utah Genius, however, we know a Utah Genius when we meet one. And Dr. Patel tops the list. Besides success and fame that come along with being a Utah Genius, Dr. Patel gives a lot back to his community and especially entrepreneurs. Let's take a look at a brief summary of what he's accomplished.

A few of his many achievements include:

• Founding managing director of vSpring Capital
• Founder, and former Chairman, President & CEO of Ashni Naturaceuticals, Inc.
• Currently holds 15 US Patents and Foreign Counterparts
• Has been an active angel investor in over 20 biotech and technology companies
• Co-founder and former Chairman of Salus Therapeutics, Inc.
• Co-Founder, and former Chairman of The Board of Directors and President & CEO of TheraTech, Inc., a biotechnology company which he took public and eventually sold for $350 million to Watson Pharmaceuticals.
• Dr. Patel also serves on a number of non-profit boards

A few of his many awards include:

• 2006 Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2006 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, US Small Business Administration's Business Achiever Award
• Scientific and Technology Award (State of Utah)
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Mountain West Venture Group)
• Scientific and Technology Development Pioneer of Progress Award

Dr. Patel is also a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs, served as co-chair of Utah Governor Huntsman's transition team, and is currently on the board of the Utah Policy Partnership (UPP). Recently Dr. Patel was appointed Chairman of the USTAR Governing Authority board.

Come hear Dinesh Patel accept his lifetime acheivement award in front of this year's Utah Geniuses. Individual tickets cost $60, or $400 for a table of 8. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.utahgenius.com or call Maggie Franz at 801.533.0320.