June 25, 2025
Fiona Hayes didn’t set out to become a tech entrepreneur. As a professor at the University of Utah, she wanted her students to feel more connected to what they were learning. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic pushed classes online, she noticed an alarming trend: students were logging in but mentally checking out.
“The online teaching tools felt passive and disconnected,” Hayes said. “I wanted to help students see how their role fits into the bigger picture and feel invested in the learning process.”
That revelation led her to create ViewPoint Simulations, a platform that turns traditional lectures into immersive, real-world experiences. Students step into professional roles and navigate scenarios that challenge them to collaborate, think critically, and apply what they’ve learned meaningfully.
The company’s momentum grew when Hayes partnered with Elisabeth Gerber, a professor at the University of Michigan, who had already developed a successful experiential platform for teaching public policy.
“Our collaboration brought together her foundation in experiential learning and my operational experience in launching and scaling programs,” Hayes said. “Together, we saw a clear path to turning the vision into a reality.”
Since its launch, ViewPoint Simulations has gained early traction and financial backing, including a $1 million donation, a $70,000 grant, and initial investment from Summit Venture Studio. Now operating independently from its Utah base, the company continues to expand and deliver measurable improvements in student engagement and institutional outcomes.
As a first-time founder, Hayes credits Utah’s startup community for helping her navigate unfamiliar territory. Organizations like Silicon Slopes, World Trade Center Utah, and the University of Utah’s Executive MBA program helped her build connections and develop the skills she needed to launch and scale.
Hayes also acknowledges her partner, mentors, colleagues, and the students who embraced the platform early on. “Their belief in the vision has pushed me to keep improving.”
When asked what advice she would give other aspiring founders, her response was clear: “Your life is about to get crazy. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the journey. Focus on solving problems you truly care about, and delegate what you can. Stay grounded and adaptable; that’s the only way forward.”
Grateful for the help she’s received, Hayes strives to pay it forward. “Being in Utah has shaped our mission, and I’m committed to giving back to this community that has supported us from the start.”
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The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.