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.”