AGP Executive Report

Forest Tech: Park City is testing portable kilns to turn forest debris into biochar during fuels work in Thaynes Canyon, aiming to reduce smoke while storing carbon. AI in Health Care: Utah has authorized Nolla Health to pilot AI-written acne prescriptions, with outside evaluators reviewing tools in the state’s expanding health-care sandbox. Gov. Spencer Cox’s new order also directs state agencies to take a “pro-human” approach to AI. Data Center Debate: Iron County data-center rules are headed to a public hearing as residents and tribal leaders seek more time; a statewide poll found most Utahns oppose building more centers. Research and Water: University of Utah researchers are investigating dust from the shrinking Great Salt Lake, while a separate study finds drought conditions often move in sync across the Great Basin and California, complicating water planning. Flight Innovation: UDOT has demonstrated an all-electric aircraft, offering a glimpse of emerging technology for Utah transportation.

AI in Health Care: Utah is the first state to let an AI startup prescribe acne medication without a doctor’s direct oversight, expanding a health-tech pilot as questions grow about regulation and patient safety. Schools and Government: Utah districts are taking different approaches to classroom AI: Canyons allows it for high school students, while Provo is still developing its policy. Gov. Spencer Cox’s new order directs state agencies to adopt AI with human-centered safeguards and training. Data Center Debate: A statewide survey found nearly 76% of Utahns oppose building more data centers, citing concerns about water, power and whether the benefits justify the costs. Iron County residents and tribal leaders are also seeking more time to review proposed rules for large projects. Research and Energy: Scientists are narrowing in on the sources of dust from the shrinking Great Salt Lake. In Beaver County, Fervo Energy’s new podcast traces the company’s effort to build next-generation geothermal power at Cape Station.

AI in Health Care: Utah has authorized Nolla Health to pilot AI-generated initial prescriptions for acne, with physician involvement in the rollout. The company says it’s the first such state-approved U.S. program. AI in Government: Gov. Spencer Cox ordered state agencies to adopt a “pro-human” approach to AI, while a University of Utah hackathon drew 102 participants developing classroom tools, including real-time accessibility support. Utah Research: The U received $7.5 million in federal funding to search coal seams, mining waste and wastewater for critical minerals. Utah Tech landed its first NIH grant—just over $1 million—for research into a rare childhood neurological disorder. Electric Aviation: UDOT and partners demonstrated an all-electric aircraft in Utah, part of an effort to test future passenger, cargo and emergency services. Energy and Data Centers: Carbon County officials tabled a proposed technology park east of Wellington pending more information. Its first phase would include a 250-megawatt gas plant to power potential industrial tenants, including data centers.

Great Salt Lake Dust: University of Utah researchers are modeling how much dust comes from the shrinking lakebed and which areas produce it; early findings are expected next year, while health risks from airborne metals remain unclear. AI in Health Care: Utah has authorized Nolla Health to pilot AI-issued initial prescriptions for acne, expanding the state’s health-tech experiments even as questions grow about patient safety and federal oversight. Gov. Spencer Cox also ordered state agencies to train staff in AI and adopt tools under human-guided safeguards. Geothermal Power: Fervo Energy’s Cape Station in Beaver County has begun commercial operation, a major milestone for enhanced geothermal systems. Space Research: NASA’s SunRISE satellites, built at Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, are complete; the mission is now scheduled to launch no earlier than mid-2027 to study solar bursts that can threaten satellites and astronauts.

Utah Pro-Human AI: Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order setting a “pro-human” framework for AI across state agencies, including AI literacy training, guardrails, and use of the State-Endorsed Digital Identity framework. AI Healthcare Oversight: Utah is also expanding its health AI pilots for prescription refills, acne, and women’s health, with outside groups evaluating tools while the companies being tested pay for the reviews. Local Tech & Data Centers: Logan City held a data center open house with Utah State University researchers, focusing on what residents want to avoid near homes and what regulations should cover next. State Cyber/IT Leadership: NASCIO named Utah CIO Alan Fuller as president for 2026-2027, highlighting Utah’s early AI and digital identity work. Utah Health Alerts: Salt Lake County urged flu shots early as hospitalizations rise ahead of schedule, with measles outbreaks elsewhere renewing vaccine urgency. STEM/Workforce: Mountainland Technical College set a record with 11 students earning all eight ASE certifications. Manufacturing Tech: Becton Dickinson announced a $19B U.S. investment tied to federal milestones, including expansion at its Sandy, Utah site.

Utah Health AI Pilots: Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy signed agreements with Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health to test AI tools in doctor workflows, including faster medication refills plus expanded dermatology and postpartum services, with third-party oversight. Broadband & Voice Tech: GFiber selected Alianza One to power GFiber Phone, bringing cloud-based voice services to homes and businesses across much of its Utah footprint. Enterprise AI Delivery: ModelOp teamed with AHEAD to help companies move AI from pilots to production with governance and lifecycle controls. Cyber/Trust Infrastructure: DigiCert reported strong growth for its Trust Lifecycle Manager as enterprises automate certificate management amid shorter certificate lifespans and outage fears. Directed-Energy Defense: The Pentagon picked four systems (laser and microwave) for a homeland counter-drone pilot to test real-world performance and sustainment at U.S. bases. Utah Workforce Pressure: Utah’s tech colleges released new waitlist counts: 8,055 students stuck in queue, including 5,634 adults seeking training. Public Health Alert: Utah officials warned of fatal overdoses tied to illegal kratom/“cat’s claw” products containing MGPI and MGM-15. Tech in Healthcare Policy: NIH grant terminations are under fire after researchers say funding was cut over “DEI-related” research claims. Cooling for Chips: HF Sinclair launched Innovate DTC25, a direct-to-chip cooling fluid aligned with OCP heat-transfer specs. Utah Business & Ingredients: Capsoil acquired Red Mesa Science & Refining to scale Liposoll liposomal delivery ingredient manufacturing.

Directed-Energy Drone Defense: The Pentagon picked four high-energy laser and microwave systems for operational testing against drone threats, signaling a push to scale “layered” counter-drone tech. Utah AI in Healthcare: Utah expanded its Pro-Human AI regulatory sandbox with new clinical pilots and outside evaluators, including AI-enabled prescription renewals and acne/therapy guidance under limited, disclosed use. Nolla Health Pilot: Utah also approved an AI startup to automate acne prescription refills with minimal physician oversight, forwarding out-of-scope cases to licensed clinicians. Great Salt Lake Dust: University of Utah researchers mapped active dust hotspots on exposed lakebed, warning costs of inaction could grow as more acreage dries. Measles Resurgence: Pennsylvania topped 1,000 cases and New York declared a disaster emergency, as outbreaks spread amid lower vaccination rates. Apple/Google Liability Push: A report says Apple and Google lobbied to reshape kids’ online safety laws to reduce private lawsuit risk. Cybersecurity Funding Gap: A federal state/local cybersecurity grant program lapsed again, leaving Utah and other states with fewer resources to defend critical systems. Space/Science: A U of Utah astronomy professor received a major Berkeley Prize tied to JWST UNCOVER work.

AI in Healthcare: Utah regulators announced a pilot that lets an AI system assess mild-to-moderate acne and generate prescriptions, with a clinician sign-off at first—raising big questions about how much “human oversight” is really needed. Online Shopping Scams: A national study says Utah is among the states most likely to be scammed online, with high losses tied to non-delivery and fraud. Utah Tech & Industry Growth: Wize Solutions says it’s rapidly expanding after acquisitions, boosting warehouse automation and material-handling services. Energy & Power Demand: Nvidia is arguing AI-driven electricity growth makes nuclear expansion urgent, pointing to AI-assisted reactor design and faster build timelines. Water & Wildfire Impacts: New research finds wildfires are burning more watershed land in the Mountain West, including Utah’s Wasatch and Uinta regions—an issue for water quality and infrastructure. Local Business/Real Estate Tech: SegPro Solutions marks two years in Utah with cost-segregation studies totaling over $1B in property basis analyzed.

Autonomous Flight in Utah: Joby Aviation’s J208 touched down at Salt Lake City with a safety pilot onboard but no control inputs, a step toward FAA-supervised autonomous operations that could expand advanced air mobility in Utah. AI in Faith & Learning: A BYU professor and other church-linked voices are debating whether AI chat tools can strengthen faith when used carefully, as families and educators rethink how to teach and learn. Domestic Violence Tech Gaps: Utah’s “high-risk” police referral program isn’t delivering fast “warm handoffs” often enough, leaving thousands of cases without immediate advocate contact. Space Science from Utah: NASA’s Bennu samples point to a surprising origin near the solar system’s water-ice line, reshaping how scientists think asteroids formed. Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: A new report highlights how Utah and other states are building statewide cyber defense plans as AI accelerates attacks on utilities, hospitals, and transportation. Meta Glasses for Blind Veterans: Meta’s initiative is helping Utah veterans use Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses for daily independence. Great Salt Lake Research: A new study using lake sediment cores finds the lake was much fresher and covered a wider area in the past, offering fresh context for today’s crisis. Utah Higher Ed Restructuring: The University of Utah’s “modernization” effort and potential staff cuts are drawing scrutiny from the Academic Senate.

Autonomous Aviation in Utah: Joby Aviation’s J208 (a converted Cessna 208B) landed in Salt Lake City after a coast-to-coast autonomous flight controlled from California, with a safety pilot onboard who never touched controls—UDOT says the data will help shape future advanced air mobility rules. University Workforce Shakeup: The University of Utah plans “modernization” that could cut up to 15% of non-faculty, non-clinical staff (up to ~855 roles) over the next year, aiming to redirect resources toward education, research, and patient care. Data Center Backlash: Utah State University researchers launched a data-center development initiative; early survey results show 75.4% oppose a proposal, with opposition rising as sites get closer to residents’ homes. Great Salt Lake Deep History: A new study using a 120-meter sediment core finds the lake was once much fresher and far larger—shedding light on major past shifts in salinity. Public Health & Safety: A major Gatorade recall affects 37 states after FDA flagged undeclared Yellow No. 5/6 in multiple flavors. Tech & Health Startup: A former OpenAI exec is building AI tools to tackle chronic diseases, including her own.

Data Centers in Utah: Utah State University launched a “Data Center Development in Utah” initiative after an early survey found 75.4% of respondents oppose or strongly oppose new data centers, with opposition rising closer to people’s homes. University Workforce: The University of Utah says it may cut up to 855 operational staff positions (about 15%) in a modernization effort, after input from national consulting firms and growing faculty concerns. Rural AI Push: Snow College secured a $3M federal grant to build a five-year AI initiative for rural Utah, including an enterprise AI center focused on responsible adoption. Childcare Funding Cuts: Utah families face reduced or eliminated childcare subsidies as the state responds to a loss of $20M+ in federal funding, tightening eligibility thresholds. Utah Tech & Surveillance Debate: Utah’s license plate reader removals and broader backlash against automated surveillance keep privacy and accountability in the spotlight. STEM in the Classroom: BYU students are developing smart toys to help autistic children transition between tasks, using visual cues to support daily routines. Local Science Spotlight: A genetic study presented on Gila monsters highlights how Utah’s northern range boundary may be key to understanding the species’ diversity and conservation needs.

Rural AI push: Snow College just landed a $3M federal grant to build a five-year Center for Rural AI Adoption and Integration, aiming to give students and rural communities enterprise AI access plus AI literacy. Utah policy + tech: Utah’s 3rd Congressional District candidates Celeste Maloy and Kent Udell clashed over AI and data center rules, affordability, energy, and national monument boundaries in their first debate. Childcare crunch: Utah families face reduced or eliminated childcare subsidies after a $20M+ loss of federal funding, with eligibility tightened to 50% of state median income for entry. Permitting + energy: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would let opponents sue faster and seek fines if an administration blocks an entire class of energy projects like solar or wind. Health tech in the classroom: BYU students are using smart toys to help autistic kids with transitions, using visual cues and task “priming.” Cyber/privacy: A court fight over Utah’s VPN-age verification law continues, with a judge blocking it as technically impossible. Data centers in the spotlight: Utah’s debate and broader coverage keep circling the same theme: power, jobs, and public pushback as the data center boom grows.

Utah Tech & Policy: A federal judge blocked Utah’s porn-site VPN-age-verification rule, saying it would be an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce because “perfect” geolocation isn’t possible. Public Safety Tech: Unified Police pulled automated license plate readers from Kearns after backlash escalated into vandalism, even as officers said the cameras helped find stolen vehicles and missing people. AI & Government: The Technology Modernization Fund announced about $83.4M in new investments to add AI to federal help-desk systems and speed environmental permitting. Energy & Jobs: A long-sought bipartisan permitting reform is back in play in Congress, aiming to cut grid interconnection delays for major projects. Space/Climate Research: University of Utah research links tropical ocean-and-atmosphere patterns to how much snow falls on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Local Education & STEM: Utah’s Board of Higher Education approved FY 2027-28 operating and capital budget priorities, including workforce-focused funding and expanded technical college access. Community Tech/Partnerships: Pocatello City Council approved a formal partnership agreement with Idaho State University to build longer-term collaboration.

Transit & STEM in Utah: UTA turned a FrontRunner train car into a rolling “Read & Ride” book party for Salt Lake City’s inaugural book festival, with events tied to the Free Fare Zone. Space tech: Cornell student-built light sails and palm-sized ChipSats sent full data packets from orbit, showing how cheaper, lighter spacecraft are getting more capable. Geothermal power: Fervo’s first Cape Station GeoBlock hit commercial operation in Utah (33 MW), with more units ramping toward 2027. Health tech: BlueWind Medical won an AMA Category I CPT code for subfascial tibial neuromodulation, effective Jan. 1, 2028. Wildfire safety: A new federal push targets long-term health risks for wildland firefighters, including better respirators and gear decontamination. Policy & privacy: Utah’s VPN age-check rules were struck down by a judge, while Florida police questioned unpermitted Flock cameras. Workforce & research: USU’s Utah Women & Leadership Project released new findings on Utah employers backing women.

Utah Innovation & Research: Utah leaders broke ground on Convergence Point at The Point in Draper, a new home for the Nucleus Institute meant to speed up collaboration between universities, industry, and government, with an opening targeted for summer 2029. Data Centers & Community Impact: A “Data Center Revolt” tour stop in Brigham City highlighted growing local pushback over data center growth, while West Jordan residents say generator noise from a nearby data center rattles homes and disrupts sleep. AI Policy (Federal): The U.S. General Services Administration issued an AI acquisition clause policy update, letting contracting officers use it immediately while narrowing how it applies. Defense Tech: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” speech announced major changes including an Autonomous Warfare Command and a 120-day “Project Meridian” study co-led by Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey. Space/Connectivity (Utah): Utah-based Wilson Connectivity began marketing a vehicle signal booster designed to strengthen SpaceX Starlink Mobile direct-to-device service in dead zones. Education & Reading: Utah State University joins the statewide Read-a-Thon Friday, urging faculty, staff, and students to read for an hour.

Utah AI infrastructure politics: A new report and interview revisit Kevin O’Leary’s “Wonder Valley/Stratos” plan for a massive Utah AI data center, arguing local democracy and transparency issues helped derail the project. Autonomous mining in Utah: Dyno Nobel unveiled an autonomous blasting system, with a prototype trial planned at Mariana Minerals’ Copper One site in southeastern Utah. Grid-edge batteries in Utah: Pila Energy won GridFWD 2026’s innovation pitch competition in Snowbird, aiming to modernize home power with plug-in battery-and-compute nodes. Defense drones partnership: Red Cat’s Blue Ops expanded maritime defense operations via a strategic partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Digital trust expansion: DigiCert launched a new Partner Network to push certificate lifecycle management, PKI modernization, and post-quantum readiness. Contact center AI deal: TCN acquired Abstrakt to bring real-time agent assist and automated QA into its platform. Space science: A study suggests Jupiter helped “filter” dust that shaped asteroid Bennu, using NASA sample data. Privacy and surveillance: A Florida case highlights unauthorized Flock Safety license-plate readers, raising questions about who installed them and what data access looks like.