Last Update: August 17th, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Learn about the Utah AI Moonshot Program and Higher Education Research Funding Pilot Program, and join town halls on August 12 to learn more and get answers to your questions.
FAQ for AI Moonshot and HERFP Programs
Utah AI Moonshot Program
A new $5 million initiative supporting bold, pro-human AI projects that can deliver meaningful benefits to Utahns. Funding is available through $1 million Moonshot Awards, $200,000 Pathfinder Grants, and $50,000 Spark Grants.
Focus areas: Health and human flourishing, environmental intelligence, bioinnovation, autonomous systems, and an open wildcard category.
Key Links:
LOI deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Higher Education Research Funding Pilot (HERFP) Program
A new multi-year, $45 million competitive grant program supporting high-impact research that advances Utah’s economic competitiveness, strengthens strategic industries, addresses public policy challenges, expands research capacity, and creates opportunities for student engagement.
Funding is anticipated through two tracks: Research Translation and Research Acceleration. Eligible areas include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, life sciences, quantum computing, advanced robotics, secure computing, emerging energy, advanced materials, nanotechnology, precision genomics, critical minerals, and aerospace and defense-related research.
A town hall on Thursday, August 6, at noon will introduce the competition, review key requirements, explain the University’s internal selection process, and answer questions.
Key Links:
HB 373 Town Hall- Cost Shares
Learn what HB 373 means for University of Utah research and get answers to your questions regarding cost shares.
USHE/Nucleus Institute HB 373 Town Halls
USHE and the Nucleus Institute are leading town halls about HB 373 funding initiatives. Information Sessions for the Higher Education Research Funding Pilot Program (HERFP) and the AI Moonshot Program funding opportunities will be held jointly at the following dates and times:
Session #1: Friday, August 14 at 1:00 pm MDT – https://utah.zoom.us/j/89172249125
Session #2: Tuesday, August 18 at 1:00 pm MDT – https://utah.zoom.us/j/88354475874
There is no need for anyone to register for these info sessions. The Zoom links above are active and will take folks directly into the sessions. We have also noticed that some users may be seeing different times for these sessions when they login to the portal. We are investigating, but the information above is correct per the funder.
There is no restriction on attendance.
