AI · RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
The University of Utah will begin accepting Redtail AI Factory allocation requests on November 9 for the Winter 2027 quarter. Researchers can request GPU or CPU computing time through the Center for High Performance Computing; this is access to computing resources, not a cash grant. Applicants must be CHPC principal investigators, and requests are reviewed by project.
QUANTUM · RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
University of Utah researchers have developed five custom robotic systems to automate steps in two-dimensional materials research, including sample preparation and analysis. The work connects to AURORA, a $20 million, four-year National Science Foundation-supported programmable cloud laboratory that will let researchers run experiments remotely using Utah’s robotic equipment and research infrastructure.
ADVANCED MATERIALS · COMMERCIALIZATION
Urban Armor Gear’s Phone Recovery Pouch, featuring technology from South Jordan-based DRYOUT, was named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026. The pouch uses DRYOUT’s reusable material to draw moisture away from exposed electronics and trap it inside an absorbent core.
CRITICAL MINERALS · RESEARCH
A University of Utah-led regional coalition received $7.5 million from the Department of Energy to identify critical minerals and rare-earth elements in coal, coal waste and other unconventional sources across the Rocky Mountain region. More than $2 million in additional support brings the project’s total value to nearly $9.6 million.
GEOTHERMAL · RESEARCH COMMERCIALIZATION
University of Utah teams were selected for award negotiations on two Department of Energy geothermal projects worth up to approximately $35 million. One could receive up to $25 million for an enhanced-geothermal field demonstration in Nevada, while the other could receive up to $9.7 million for drilling and subsurface work at Utah’s Cove Fort geothermal field.
WOMEN’S HEALTH · COMMERCIALIZATION
Freyya, a women’s health medical-device startup operating in Salt Lake City, closed an oversubscribed pre-seed financing round led by Alamo Angels. The company says it has completed its product build and clinical testing, including the ERICA clinical study conducted at the University of Utah, and engaged a contract manufacturer for commercial-scale production.
SPACE · RESEARCH COMMERCIALIZATION
Advanced Space selected Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory to provide two flight-qualified Iris Radios and related communications, navigation and timekeeping technology for NASA’s CAPSTONE 02 mission. Launch is targeted for late 2027.
NEUROTECH · COMMERCIALIZATION
A September 10 profile detailed the bidirectional prosthetic system being developed by BIOS and University of Utah researchers. The system uses implanted interfaces and AI-assisted signal interpretation to let users control a prosthetic limb and receive sensory feedback. BIOS estimates it is approximately 18 to 24 months from potential availability for adult patients, with regulatory approval and reimbursement still ahead.
AI · RESEARCH
The $5 million program is accepting proposals led by Utah public higher-education institutions for pro-human AI projects. Its three funding paths offer awards of up to $50,000, $200,000 and $1 million, with at least 12 awards planned.
ENERGY · RESEARCH
Utah State University and Hi Tech Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate, plan and advance a technical-training and applied-research campus for advanced nuclear energy and defense. Brigham City’s participation remains subject to city-council approval.
AI · RESEARCH
The Utah AI Moonshot is accepting proposals led by Utah public higher-education institutions. The program plans at least 12 awards across three paths, with awards of up to $50,000, $200,000 and $1 million. The funding notice was updated August 12.
