Funding

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