SALT LAKE CITY (March 10, 2025) — The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, legislative leadership, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president of the Senate, the Utah Department of Commerce, the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the Utah System of Higher Education, and colleges and universities across Utah signed a memorandum of understanding with NVIDIA to strengthen the state’s workforce training and research in AI and advanced technology.

This MOU is an important step in Utah’s efforts to foster a tech-savvy workforce focused on economic prosperity and innovative growth. The signing of this agreement positions Utah as a leader in AI innovation and application, benefitting new graduates entering the workforce and workers hoping to upskill. 

Utah colleges and universities involved in this agreement include: 

• Salt Lake Community College
• Snow College
• Southern Utah University
• The University of Utah
• Utah State University
• Utah Tech University
• Utah Valley University
• Weber State University

“AI will continue to grow in importance, affecting every sector of Utah’s economy. We need to prepare our students and faculty for this technological revolution,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “Working with NVIDIA is an ideal path to help ensure that Utah is positioned for AI growth in the near and long term.”

“This collaboration with NVIDIA reinforces Utah’s leadership in the AI and technology space, unlocking new opportunities that will influence the next generation of tech leaders,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “By integrating cutting-edge AI resources into Utah’s universities, we enhance education, empower students and researchers, and fuel long-term economic growth. Investing in technology is investing in Utah’s future — our students, workforce, and continued prosperity.”

This public-private partnership will equip Utah-based universities, community colleges, and adult education programs with resources to help students and workers build skills in generative AI. Utah educators can earn a certification through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program. 

“With AI revolutionizing industries worldwide, it’s critical to prepare current and future workforces with the right skills and training,” said Greg Estes, vice president of corporate marketing and developer programs at NVIDIA. “Through this AI education initiative with NVIDIA, Utah can foster innovation, improve economic growth and prepare students to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.”

The program will provide high-quality teaching kits and workshop materials. Utah educators will also gain resources in accelerated computing and data science, equipping them to enhance classroom instruction and prepare students with in-demand workforce skills.

“We are grateful to NVIDIA and our statewide partners working alongside us in this effort, which gives Utah students and faculty direct access to the latest advancements in AI,” said Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of higher education. “Instructors will be able to adapt their teaching with real-world industry insights, and students will work with AI in practical ways, from analyzing data to automating tasks and developing new technology. Beyond the classroom, this partnership will equip Utah graduates with the skills, certifications, and experience needed to excel in high-demand careers in an evolving job market full of opportunities.”

In addition to this accelerated program, state agencies will provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities that will allow students to attain hands-on experience in AI and technology, further enhancing their skills and positioning them for academic and career success. 

By integrating AI into these fields, Utahns will gain cutting-edge tools to enhance productivity, expand capabilities, and drive innovation across industries.

This release is reposted from: business.utah.gov/news.