NVIDIA, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), the Utah System of Higher Education (UHSE) and legislative leaders, among others, signed a memorandum of understanding with plans to upskill educators, integrate new technologies in the classroom and create AI-related apprenticeships in state agencies.
USHE and several universities — the University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Tech University, Southern Utah University and Salt Lake Community College, to name a few — will be involved in the partnership to start, according to NVIDIA. Their instructors will have access to NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute, where they can earn certifications in areas like generative AI, data science and accelerated computing. NVIDIA will also provide teaching materials, some of which are fully developed courses housed on Canvas, to help university teachers incorporate graphics computing into their instruction.
“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,” Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of higher education at UHSE, said in a public statement. “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.”
Both Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and NVIDIA leader Greg Estes called AI revolutionary and emphasized the need to prepare Utahns for that sea change, especially in the workforce. State agencies will develop internships and apprenticeships for students to gain hands-on experience, according to news releases from participating institutions.
This is not Utah's first statewide initiative around AI. Last year, the Department of Commerce established an Office of AI Policy, and the Division of Technology Service has an AI program to improve government operations, led by Chief Information Officer Alan Fuller.
As an early adopter of AI initiatives, Utah and its higher education system followed California, which formed a similar partnership with NVIDIA in August 2024.
“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,” Ryan Starks, executive director of the GOEO, said in a public statement. “Investing in technology is investing in Utah’s future — our students, workforce and continued prosperity.”
