USTAR

Overview

What is USTAR?

 

USTAR stands for the Utah Science Technology And Research initiative. It is an innovative and far-reaching initiative of the Utah State legislature to bolster Utah’s high-tech economy by investing in recruiting new, high caliber faculty and university research programs. USTAR has been developed by Utah’s business leaders in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, economic development leaders, key legislators, and university leaders.

 

What is USTAR designed to do?

 

USTAR is designed to increase the flow and commercialization of university discoveries, inventions, and innovations. By investing in university research with high commercialization potential, Utah will accelerate the growth of new businesses and industries, thus creating
high-paying jobs, and providing additional tax revenues.

 

What research does USTAR invest in?

 

Investments are recommended by the two research universities and approved by the USTAR Governing Authority in research areas most
likely to create the largest return on investment for the state. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has identified Utah industry “clusters” that reflect the state’s current strengths and competitive advantages. Similarly, administrators and faculty at both Utah State University and the University of Utah have identified research strengths that best align with those state clusters. At USU, the current funded areas are:

 

 Advanced Nutrition


In the Center for Advanced Nutrition (CAN), the main goal is to study how people respond differently to food in order to learn ways to tailor individuals' diets to reduce risk of obesity, heart disease and other health problems, while isolating health-producing properties of certain foods.

 

Active Imaging and Sensing


In the Center for Active Sensing and Imaging (CASI) the main goal is to use radar-like, laser-based LIDAR technology to measure distances instead of radio waves, for a variet of industrial applications, including sitting wind farms, controlling emissions, and rapid replacement of bridges, runways and other infrastructure.

 

Biofuels

 

In the Sustainable Energy Research Center (SERC) at USU, the primary goal is to maximize biomass production of oil-rich algae for use in alternative fuels.

 

Energy Dynamics Laboratory

 

A USTAR and USU Research Foundation team.

 

Institute for Intuitive Buildings

 

 Team goal: Electric lighting is the largest consumer of energy in commercial buildings (35 percent). Cut lighting electrical use in half in buildings through anticipatory and task-adaptive lighting systems.


Interactive Design for Instructional Applications and Simulations

 

Team goal: Create a world-class institute that combines the components of simulation, interaction and design to inform technology research and develop commercially viable and innovative products.

 

Space Weather

 

Team goal: Keeping the world safe from storms in space. Space Weather Forecasting Center at USU to provide an early warning system to a satellite-dependent world


Synthetic Bio-manufacturing

Team goal: Use the chemical makeup present in single cell organisms to transform raw materials into environmentally friendly products such as low cost bioplastics, biodiesel, light energy and pharmaceuticals.


Veterinary Diagnostics and Infectious Disease

 

 Team goal: Conduct interdisciplinary research that will lead to commercial opportunities in the areas of infectious disease and diagnostics.

 

 

How will research areas be strengthened with USTAR funding?

 

USTAR funding allows USU and the U of U to recruit additional experienced research scientists. Not only should the researchers be talented in one of the targeted research areas, but they must have a strong record of collaborative research and technology commercialization.

 

USTAR-funded researchers are expected to publish research results, grow their sponsored research funding, and promote technology commercialization by filing invention disclosures, patent applications, and applying for business related grants and programs. USTAR funding is also used to create state-of-the-art research
facilities. Technology outreach centers in several strategic areas of the state have been established to further facilitate the commercialization of research by connecting other state colleges
and entrepreneurs with Utah’s two research universities.

 

How much funding does USTAR have?

 

 Funding for the initiative arises from Senate Bill 75 (2006) and Senate Bill 240 (2009). Details are as follows:

Senate Bill 75:

  • Ongoing $15 million a year for Research Team recruitment and support (cut to $13.5 million in the Feb. 2009 legislative session).
  • Ongoing $4 million a year for regional Technology Outreach (cut to $1.8 million in the Feb. 2009 legislative session).
  • One-time funding for the Buildiing Projects:
  • $50 million from General Fund (cut to $4 million in the Feb. 2009 legislative session) plus
  • $111 million in bonding, with
  • $40 million matching contributions from the universities, comprised of:
  • $30 million form the U of U (completed)
  • $10 million from USU (completed)

Senate Bill 240:
Also in March 2009, SB 240 provided a total of $33 million from Dept. of Education American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for FY2010-11. USTAR is allocating these funds as follows:

  • $23 million for existing and new research teams
  • $3 million over two years to retain administration and outreach center programs
  • $2 million to augment existing grant opportunities at the U of U and USU
  • $1 million for the USTAR Technology Commercialization Program
  • $3 million over two years for strategic initiatives across the research and Technology Outreach programs

 

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