By Amanda Ashley, Sr. Director of Research & Innovation Communications
In a time when federal belt-tightening threatens to shrink science budgets across the nation, Utah is continuing to grow in innovation and research. A new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute analyzes the flow of federal research and development dollars into the state and the economic partnerships they power. According to the report, Utah received a record-setting $4.4 billion in federal R&D funding in FY 2023—underscoring the state’s evolving role as a hub for innovation, defense, and discovery.
Zooming out, the broader picture makes the University’s role all the more significant. Of the $4.4 billion in federal research funding Utah received in FY 2023, nearly 80% went to private companies like Northrop Grumman and Biofire, 10% flowed to higher education, and 9% supported in-state federal agencies. The University of Utah and Utah State University captured more than 95% of the R&D funding directed to higher education. In total, over 85% of Utah’s federal research funding came from the Department of Defense, underscoring the state’s strategic role in securing the nation while investing in innovation.
At the heart of this achievement isthe University of Utah. As one of only 18 public universities in the country to combine a comprehensive research enterprise with an academic medical center, the U is uniquely positioned to solve real-world problems—from federally prioritized critical minerals to innovations in cancer detection. More than half of the university’s research funding comes from federal sources, with the lion’s share directed at health-related discovery via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Whether it’s decoding genetic risk factors or engineering trauma care innovations, U research turns public dollars into public good.
This robust funding landscape has tangible effects. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 100 entities across 41 cities and 11 counties in Utah received federal R&D dollars. The University of Utah alone spent research-related funds in 27 of Utah’s 29 counties last year, pumping resources into labs, paychecks, infrastructure, and small businesses. Research here doesn’t sit on a shelf; it circulates through the economy.
This record-breaking federal investment isn’t just a number—it’s fuel for Utah’s innovation ecosystems. At the University of Utah, these dollars drive new discoveries, spark breakthrough technologies, launch startups, and translate into real products that save lives and create jobs. From cutting-edge medical trials and clean energy solutions to AI ethics and national defense applications, research funded today directly improves life quality tomorrow—locally and globally. These investments ripple outward, strengthening the state’s economy, enriching communities, and positioning Utah as a national leader in science and innovation.
It’s no wonder the U now ranks 45th nationally in federal research expenditures—a climb driven not just by ambition but by outcomes. Whether it’s advancing medical technologies through the Center for Medical Innovation or developing AI-powered tools to enhance math learning, the University of Utah isn’t waiting for the future—it’s building it.
In an era of complex challenges—from national security to rural health—Utah’s research institutions don’t just uncover problems. They offer data-driven solutions, practical tools, and long-term strategies that benefit communities across the state. For policymakers navigating these decisions, research offers more than insight—it offers partnership. The Office of the Vice President for Research serves as a resource, helping leaders connect evidence to action.
From foundational discovery to real-world application, research at the University of Utah moves ideas into action—and action into impact.
Learn more in the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s full report on federal research funding in Utah, released in April 2025.