TRIF supports the KEYS Research Internship Program, a unique summer opportunity for motivated Arizona high school students with a strong interest in bioscience, engineering, environmental health, or biostatistics to work side-by-side with top faculty in University of Arizona laboratories. (Image credit: The University of Arizona)
What is TRIF
The Technology & Research Initiative Fund was created under Education 2000 (Prop. 301) to provide the funding for Arizona’s public universities to invest in technology and research-based initiatives. TRIF is funded by about 12 percent of the $0.006 sales tax established under Prop.301 in 2000 and extended by Governor Ducey and the State Legislature in 2018.
PURPOSE
To strengthen Arizona’s economy through targeted research and workforce development.
HOW TRIF IS USED
Universities use TRIF funding to strengthen Arizona’s economy through targeted research and workforce development.
TRIF is chartered to promote university research, development, and technology transfer related to the knowledge-based global economy and to expand access to baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate education, among other priorities.
TRIF IS FOCUSED ON:
Improving Health; Water, Environment & Energy Solutions; Space Exploration & Optical Solutions; Defense & Security Systems; and Higher Education Access & Workforce Development.
TRIF PROGRAMS:
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Support early-stage research and act as a magnet to bring in additional funding from government and industry
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Improve infrastructure for research that can make life better for people in Arizona
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Promote commercialization of discoveries and foster new start up companies
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Expands rural educational access and creates STEM education opportunities
IMPACT
# of TRIF Supported Student Researchers in FY 2018
# of TRIF Supported Student Researchers in FY 2019
# of TRIF Supported Student Researchers in FY 2020
Millions of Dollars in Additional Funding
Millions of Dollars in Additional Funding
Millions of Dollars in Additional Funding
New Companies Created in FY 2018
New Companies Created in FY 2019
New Companies Created in FY 2020
TRIF SUPPORTED INITIATIVES
CREATING COLLABORATIONS
TRIF has allowed Arizona’s universities to attract world class research talent and to fund the research programs that will shape our future.
Research within our universities can then expand out through collaborations with other non-profits research institutes, with industry, and with other reseachers across the state and accross the country.
The Arizona Wellbeing Commons is one example of how TRIF funded researchers and others are making the connections needed to build the collaborations that will tackle big challenges and can make life better for all of us.