TRIF: Research, Innovation, Impact
Investing in Arizona and solving our biggest challenges
Through TRIF, or the Technology and Research Initiative Fund, the University of Arizona creates impactful solutions to state and global problems, prepares students for the workforce of tomorrow and contributes as one of the largest economic engines for Arizona.
Established with public support via voter approval, TRIF is an essential resource for growing Arizona’s economy and providing opportunities for Arizona residents to work, learn and thrive.
A Bold, Achievable Vision
Continued TRIF investment will enable us to position Arizona as The Resilient State, capable of dealing with any challenge. Through TRIF, Arizona will:
Help create an agile and dynamic state economy
Support a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem
Produce a workforce that stays in Arizona and adapts to any challenge
Expand the technical prowess, innovation and discovery synonymous with UArizona
In the News
TRIF Funding Drives Discoveries and Solutions
Leading the Way
TRIF ensures the health, security and economic development of Arizona and the nation through groundbreaking research and education.
#1 in astronomy and astrophysics
U of A has ranked No. 1 in this category each year since 1987.
#2 in water resources
U of A develops innovative solutions for environmental and energy sustainability in Arizona.
TRIF Impacts at the U of A
Training the next generation of leaders
Postdoctoral
researchers*:
1,446
Graduate
students*:
6,540
Undergraduate
students*:
14,996
Moving breakthrough discoveries into the marketplace
Invention
Disclosures*:
869
US Patents
Issued*:
223
Startup
Companies*:
38
*since 2017, sources: ABOR and Tech Launch Arizona
Initiatives
Building on past impacts to solve the state's most significant challenges through shared infrastructure, advanced research, and complex partnerships. Explore the key TRIF initiatives below:
Economic Impact
Fueling a powerful engine of growth
At the University of Arizona, TRIF enhances the economic development of the state by:
• Catalyzing research that ties to Arizona businesses
• Translating research results into new products and services that benefit the state
• Providing infrastructure through research and business development services and facilities
State & Global Impact
Transformative solutions to critical challenges
TRIF investments allow the university to respond effectively to threats and operate collectively through challenges.
• Tackling COVID-19 antibody testing head-on at the BIO5 Institute
• Discovering science-based solutions to Arizona’s water challenges
• Building complex partnerships to improve opioid crisis outcomes
Advancing Knowledge
Preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow
The University of Arizona trains students to realize their highest potential and take on roles as innovation leaders in science and technology.
• Pairing high-school students with university faculty to learn advanced research techniques
• Offering undergraduate Native American students programs in optics and environmental sciences
• Training teachers to address shortages in nursing, math, science and agriculture