Technology Research Initiative Fund (TRIF): making an impact at NAU

Northern Arizona University uses TRIF funding to foster integrated and complementary educational and research activities. These research opportunities create exceptional impact and value for our students, leading to the betterment of Arizona’s communities.

What is TRIF?

Proposition (prop) 301, passed by Arizona voters in November 2000, added 0.6 percent to the state sales tax for the purpose of providing funds to the Arizona K–12 education system, community colleges, and state universities. In response to Prop 301, TRIF was established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to manage the funds intended for the three Arizona state universities. The TRIF agenda at the universities focuses on research, workforce development, and technology transfer activities.

How NAU uses TRIF

TRIF funds are used to support three primary efforts at NAU:

• Access and workforce development to help meet workforce needs of high-priority industries across the state. Transfer-friendly baccalaureate degree completion programs, graduate programs, and support services for adult learners are offered, creating new, high-quality academic programming. Community and business needs are a central focus of this initiative
• Targeted areas of research excellence to support discovery and development in areas where NAU is an industry leader
• Seed funding to develop new and expanded academic programs that enable inclusive access, as well as research projects that support the intersections between research and experiential learning opportunities for students

Our TRIF impacts over five years

From 2017–2021, TRIF funds’ impacts have been reflected and amplified across NAU and Arizona through growing university resources, strengthened student access and development, and rising economic contributions from our graduates.

$118 million impact from research TRIF investment

NAU’s TRIF expenditures support sponsored awards, gifts and other sources, and royalty income to advance our goals.

$79 million economic impact from graduates

NAU graduates contribute to local and global economies as professionals and industry leaders.

1,282 undergraduate students, 692 graduate students, and 232 doctoral appointees

Students shape the research and workforce development missions behind TRIF while inspiring future students through innovation and excellence.

180 invention disclosures transacted and 52 US patents issued

Our faculty, students, and staff are paving the way as innovative leaders, researchers, and experts in their fields.

TRIF initiatives at NAU