Published on: May 13, 2025
The University of Utah, a leading research institution and a top-tier R1 university in the region, has joined forces with XPRIZE, the global leader in designing large-scale incentive competitions aimed at addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. Together, they are working to enhance healthy aging and bridge the gap between life expectancy and health expectancy through the XPRIZE Healthspan initiative. This ambitious global competition, valued at $101 million and spanning seven years, will utilize the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC) to validate the science behind the competing teams working toward extending health spans for aging populations.
This initiative marks one of the most groundbreaking efforts to rethink aging, with the University of Utah proudly serving as a key partner. We believe innovation must serve humanity, said Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah. Our partnership with XPRIZE Healthspan reflects our deep commitment to accelerating discovery and improving quality of life. With the support of our Utah Data Coordinating Center, we aim to transform the way we understand and experience aging.
Launched in 2023, XPRIZE Healthspan challenges teams to develop a proactive and accessible therapeutic that restores muscle, cognitive, and immune function by at least 10 years—aspiring to 20 years—in individuals aged 50-80, within one year or less. Partnering with the University of Utah marks a pivotal milestone in our mission, said Jamie Justice, Executive Director of XPRIZE Healthspan. Their expertise and the support of the Utah DCC will be essential as our teams undergo rigorous clinical trials over the coming years.
Jamie Dwyer, Director of the Utah DCC, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: The DCC is excited to work with XPRIZE Healthspan and global study teams to assess their contributions to improving health span. This issue is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and we are honored to collaborate with XPRIZE to advance this mission.
The University’s involvement in this competition reflects its broader strategic goal of advancing translational research and innovation. Our work with XPRIZE Healthspan will be transformative for the University of Utah’s healthcare system, said Jim Hotaling, Associate Vice President for Research Commercialization. This partnership highlights the excellence of the DCC and the commitment of President Randall and Senior Vice President Bob Carter to expanding the university’s footprint in translational research and innovation.
Jake Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research, also emphasized the global significance of the initiative: It’s incredibly exciting to partner with XPRIZE Healthspan. Aging is a universal process, and finding new ways to maintain quality of life as we age offers everyone the chance for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
The partnership between XPRIZE Healthspan and the University of Utah represents a major step forward in the quest for healthier aging. As President Randall noted, We are proud to lead this global competition, aiming not just to extend lifespan, but to enrich health span, empowering individuals to live longer, healthier lives filled with greater fulfillment.
Source: https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/u-and-xprize-partner-to-revolutionize-healthy-aging/
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