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Utah's Innovation Frontiers

The University of Utah is a top-tier research institution powering discovery across disciplines and industries. Our research enterprise drives economic growth, shapes national policy, and delivers real-world solutions. These numbers reflect a growing ecosystem of innovation, collaboration, and impact, on campus, across Utah, and around the world.

SEE FUNDING NUMBERS SEE AREAS OF RESEARCH

Advancing Critical Technologies
that Shape our Future

In Utah, innovation isn’t just a strength, it’s part of our identity. Ranked #1 in the nation for innovation capacity and outcomes*, the state is home to a thriving research and development ecosystem. At the heart of that momentum is the University of Utah.

* Milken Institute, 2024

As the state’s flagship research institution and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the U is advancing ideas, industries, and talent that fuel Utah’s economy and shape the technologies of tomorrow. We’re building what’s next—through research that drives high-wage jobs, attracts federal investment, and improves lives across the state.

The U is also a nationally recognized Innovation & Economic Prosperity University (APLU) and was recently ranked #2 in the nation for producing unicorn companies, a signal of our strength in turning discovery into impact.

At the center of this innovation engine are eight frontier research areas that align with national priorities and leverage Utah’s unique strengths.

Support Across Utah

Our research initiatives are supported by a variety of regional funding sources that help drive innovation and collaboration across disciplines.
Northern Utah

$5,800,196.92

Includes Box Elder, Cache, Rich, Weber, Davis, and Morgan counties.

Wasatch Front

$142,886,080.52

Includes Tooele, Salt Lake, Utah, Summit, and Wasatch counties.

Northeastern Utah

$2,944,522.70

Includes Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties.

Central Utah

$966,875.39

Includes Juab, Sanpete, Millard, Sevier, Piute, and Wayne counties.

Castle Country

$1,034,056.62

Includes Carbon and Emery counties.

Southwest Utah

$5,991,690.22

Includes Beaver, Iron, Garfield, Washington, and Kane counties.

Four Corners

$391,328.79

Includes Grand and San Juan counties.

Data sourced from the IRIS Spending Report shows total research
expenditures by county in Utah between 2020 and 2024

Utah's Innovation Frontiers

University of Utah is leading breakthroughs in technologies shaping our future. From the BioEconomy to AI and Space, University of Utah researchers are pioneering solutions for the world’s greatest challenges.

Robotics & Engineering
BioEconomy
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Energy
Biomedical Engineering
Space
Genomics & Gene Therapy
Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, & Microelectronics

Robotics & Engineering

From drones to disaster response, Utah is becoming a national hub for robotics and smart systems. Our researchers design technologies that improve health, streamline manufacturing, and enhance national security.

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    Human-robot interaction and prosthetics
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    Autonomous systems and unmanned aerial vehicles
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    Intelligent materials and soft robotics
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    Advanced prototyping and automation

BioEconomy

U researchers are using biology to solve environmental and economic challenges. From climate-resilient agriculture to carbon capture and biomanufacturing, we’re building Utah’s sustainable future.

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    Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing
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    Agricultural resilience and soil health
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    Waste-to-energy and carbon utilization
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    Circular and bio-based systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is reshaping every major sector. At the U, we lead in both AI innovation and ethical deployment—with growing impact in healthcare, education, climate, and cybersecurity.

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    Machine learning, natural language processing
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    Responsible AI policy and fairness
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    AI for public health and education
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    Foundational models and robotics integration

Energy

As the home of the Utah FORGE geothermal site, the U leads national efforts in clean, scalable energy. Our research spans geothermal, nuclear, and grid innovation—strengthening Utah’s energy resilience.

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    Enhanced geothermal systems
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    Advanced nuclear and microgrids
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    Carbon capture and clean coal
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    Power grid innovation and integration

Biomedical Engineering

Utah is a medtech leader. Our biomedical engineers create lifesaving tools—from neural implants to wearable diagnostics—spurring new startups and improving care for patients everywhere.

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    Assistive technologies and neural interfaces
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    Medical imaging and diagnostics
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    Wearable health devices
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    Regenerative medicine and biodesign

Space

Utah’s space innovation spans from satellites to deep-space resilience. U researchers support national defense and exploration with breakthroughs in propulsion, materials, and space medicine.

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    Hypersonics and aerospace systems
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    Rocketry and propulsion
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    Planetary observation and detection tech
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    Human resilience in space environments

Genomics & Gene Therapy

With world-renowned researchers in genomics, the U is advancing personalized medicine and gene-based therapies for rare diseases, cancers, and inherited conditions.

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    Precision medicine and pharmacogenomics
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    Gene editing and delivery
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    Genomic data science
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    Translational therapies and trials

Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, & Microelectronics

Utah is home to 40 of the 50 critical minerals needed for emerging technologies. U research in semiconductors and chip-scale systems supports national supply chain resilience and defense priorities.

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    Chip design and fabrication
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    Rare earth mineral recovery
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    IoT and microelectronic systems
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    Cleanroom-based testing and materials research