University of Utah
UT · AI Readiness #3 of 227
AIREDEX™ Score: 9.5 /10
Utah undergrads get a new AI degree, free ChatGPT Edu access, and GPU-powered research support. The $150M campus-wide AI investment is among the largest at any public university. Dr. Manish Parashar, the university's inaugural Chief AI Officer, leads a cross-campus governance structure spanning multiple institutes.
Utes can pursue AI minors through both the Kahlert School of Computing and the Eccles School of Business, the latter open to any major. The Redtail supercomputer, a $50M partnership with the state and Huntsman Family Foundation, and a $20M NSF-backed AURORA cloud laboratory grant extend research capacity well beyond the classroom. Cross-campus AI governance also spans the SCI Institute and the One-U Responsible AI Initiative, helping lead Utah to one of the top AI spots in the country.
Pillar grades
- Commitment: A+
- Curriculum: A+
- Partnerships: B
- Research: A+
A(I)ttitude™: leading edge
Selected Highlights
- Dr. Manish Parashar named inaugural CAIO February 2025, reporting directly to the Provost — primary role confirmed, not a secondary assignment.
- Nine-member cross-campus One-U RAI Executive Committee confirmed with named chair (Parashar), named members (e.g. Simon Brewer), and public outputs including seed grants and policy documents within past 2 years.
- Combined confirmed institutional AI investments total $150M+ ($100M One-U RAI + $50M Redtail AI Factory), placing this in the $50M–$499M bracket.
- SCI Institute confirmed as named cross-disciplinary AI hub with named director (Parashar), affiliations across School of Computing, School of Medicine, and College of Engineering, and active programming including fellowships and seed grants.
- BS in Artificial Intelligence approved by Board of Trustees June 2025, launched Fall 2026 — standalone degree, first of its kind in Utah.