The University of Utah, one of the nation’s leading research universities and a premiere R1 institution in the region, has partnered with XPRIZE, the world’s leader in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity’s grand challenges, to improve healthy aging and close the gap between life and health expectancy through XPRIZE Healthspan. The $101 million, 7-year global competition will leverage the U’s Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC) to validate the science of competing XPRIZE Healthspan teams, who are working toward a goal of extending health spans for aging populations.

This global initiative represents one of the most ambitious efforts yet to rethink how we approach aging, and the U is proud to be an important partner. “We believe innovation must serve humanity,” said Taylor Randall, president of the U. “Our partnership with XPRIZE Healthspan reflects our deep commitment to accelerating discovery and enhancing quality of life. With the support of our Utah Data Coordinating Center, this bold effort seeks to transform the way we understand and experience aging.”

Launched in 2023, XPRIZE Healthspan incentivizes teams to develop a proactive, accessible therapeutic that restores muscle, cognition and immune function by a minimum of 10 years, with an ambitious goal of 20 years, in persons aged 50-80 years, in one year or less. “Partnering with the University of Utah marks a pivotal milestone in our mission,” added Jamie Justice, executive director, XPRIZE Healthspan. “Their expertise and the support through the Utah DCC will be instrumental to our teams progress as they undergo rigorous clinical trials in the years ahead.”

Jamie Dwyer, director of the Utah DCC, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “The DCC looks forward to working with the XPRIZE Healthspan and the study teams from around the globe as we evaluate their entries to improve health span. This is one of the most important topics facing humans today, and we are honored to work with XPRIZE to advance the mission of this prize.”

The U’s role in the competition reflects a larger strategic priority: leading in translational research and innovation. “We feel that our work with XPRIZE Healthspan will be transformative for the health care enterprise at the University of Utah,” said Jim Hotaling, associate vice president for research commercialization. “This partnership is a testament to the excellence of the DCC and the commitment of President Randall and the Senior Vice President of Health Sciences, Bob Carter, to advancing the translational and innovation footprint of the university health system.”

Jake Jensen, associate vice president for research (AVPR), echoed the global relevance of the initiative. “It is incredibly exciting to join with XPRIZE Healthspan on this initiative. All humans age, which makes the topic universally relevant and powerful. Identifying new pathways to maintain quality of life as we age provides every person on the planet with the opportunity for a better life and more time with family and loved ones.”

The collaboration between XPRIZE Healthspan and the U represents a significant step forward in the quest for healthier aging. As Randall said, “We are proud to help lead this global competition—one that aspires not only to extend lifespan, but to enrich health span, empowering people to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

Learn more and get involved here.

• Jared Jones PR & marcom, Office of the Vice President for Research
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