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UT REAL Health AI Pilot Program – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UT REAL Health AI Pilot Program?
- The UT REAL Health AI Pilot Program is a UT System-wide initiative designed to strategically identify, fund, and oversee pilot projects that advance the mission of UT REAL Health AI. The program supports AI-driven projects that demonstrate impact, scalability, and measurable outcomes across UT health-related institutions.
What is the overarching goal of this pilot program?
- The goal is to generate demonstrable outcomes by October 2026 that showcase successful AI-enabled healthcare innovations, support continued legislative funding, and position UT as a leader in health AI across Texas.
Why is October 2026 important?
- October 2026 is the UT System AI Symposium in Austin (AT&T Conference Center). Funded projects are expected to show tangible progress or results that can be presented at this symposium.
What types of projects are being solicited?
- The program supports three categories:
- Moonshot AI Projects – High-impact, innovative projects with system-wide relevance.
- UT Health AI Collaboration Projects – Multi-institution projects that expand or deploy existing AI solutions across UT health entities.
- AI Scale-Up Implementation Projects – System-level implementation of AI solutions leveraging UT infrastructure and partnerships.
How many awards are expected?
- Three to five moonshot projects and multiple collaboration and implementation projects depending on quality and alignment
What are the budget limits?
- Moonshot AI Projects: up to $500K (one may be promoted to a $1M Mega Project)
- UT Health AI Collaboration Projects: $100K–$300K
- AI Scale-Up Implementation Projects: up to $100K
What is a Mega Project?
A Mega Project is a Moonshot project selected by the Steering Committee for expansion (up to $1M) based on impact, momentum, and system-level scalability.
Who can serve as contact Principal Investigator (PI)?
- The contact PI must be from one of eight UT Health-related institutions (HRIs). External collaborators are allowed.
Are multi-institution teams required?
- Multi-institution teams are required for Collaboration Projects. For Moonshot and Scale-Up projects, it is not required if system-level translation is clear demonstrated.
Can clinical and non-clinical projects apply?
- Yes. Projects may focus on patient care, safety, access, workflow efficiency, operational improvements, or administrative AI use cases, as long as value and outcomes are demonstrated.
What is the proposal deadline?
- January 10, 2026
What is the earliest project start date?
- March 1, 2026
What is the review timeline?
- Initial screening and shortlisting: within 10 days of submission
- Full review completed by: February 10, 2026
- Final approvals: February 20, 2026
- Awards announced: Early March 2026
How long are projects expected to last?
- 12–18 months
How long is the proposal?
- A maximum of 5 pages, following the provided submission template.
What level of detail is expected?
- This is not an NIH-style full proposal. The application should resemble an expanded Letter of Intent, focusing on:
- Problem and innovation
- Expected impact and outcomes
- Feasibility within 12–18 months
- Alignment with UT Real Health AI pillars
Is a detailed budget required?
No. Only a high-level estimated budget (up to ~½ page) is required. Detailed budgets will be developed post-award.
How to prepare a budget for the project?
- Personal effort of the research team with the NIH Salary cap applies. The budget is expected to cover travel and registration for the October 2026 AI Symposium. Institutions can be allowed to have10% indirect costs but total costs (direct + indirect) must remain within the project cap.
Do PIs need to take salary?
No. Choosing to allocate funds entirely to staff or technical support will not be viewed negatively if justified.
Must projects use UT data?
- No. Projects may use community or external healthcare data; however, use of UT Health infrastructure is strongly encouraged.
Does the UT System provide computing resources?
- Yes. The UT Health Intelligence Platform (UT-HIP) provides: Secure compute and storage, GPU resources, Engineering and technical onboarding support
Are medical notes and images available?
- Currently limited, but expanding. Projects may onboard their own datasets into UT infrastructure at no cost for computing and storage.
Who reviews the proposals?
- The UT REAL Health AI Pilot Program WG will shortlist the proposals through a consensus-based process and align with the priorities. Each shortlisted proposal is reviewed by:
- 3 Pilot Program WG members, 1 Steering Committee member, and 1 representative from the relevant UT Real Health AI pillar.
What are the main review criteria?
- Innovation and potential impact
- Alignment with UT REAL Health AI pillars
- Strength of leadership and team
- Feasibility and readiness
- Ability to demonstrate outcomes by October 2026
Are interviews required?
- Yes, for shortlisted Moonshot projects (30–45 minutes).
What is meant by resource sharing?
- If a project is already partially funded or developed elsewhere, applicants should disclose this to clarify future IP allocation and avoid conflicts.
What reporting is required after award?
- Quarterly progress reports, milestone-based reviews, and project showcases at UT Real Health AI meetings.
Is a revised full proposal required after selection?
- No. Teams will work with UT Real Health AI staff to finalize milestones and budgets.
Is the UT System AI Symposium (October 2026) open to the public?
- Yes. Registration will be open; no invitation is required.
Do funded teams need to present?
- Yes. Funded projects are expected to present progress or outcomes.
Will there be future pilot funding opportunities?
- Yes, contingent on demonstrated outcomes and continued legislative and UT System support. The intent is for this to be an ongoing, multi-cycle initiative.
Who should I contact with questions?
- Contact your institution’s designated point of contact listed in the submission site. https://uthtmc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0e6GgmCufSFZy9U
Pilot Program Informational Session:
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