About us
The Utah AI Safety Hub is an independent, nonpartisan community for people in Utah who want advanced AI to be safe and good for everyone.
Our mission
We help people in Utah learn about AI safety, find each other, and start contributing, whether through research, policy, engineering, operations, or communications. Making advanced AI go well will take many kinds of people, and many of them already live here.
Why now
AI is advancing quickly, and the number of people working to make it safe hasn’t kept up. Most of that work happens in a few cities, but many capable people won’t move to San Francisco or London, and they shouldn’t have to. Meanwhile, states are becoming central to AI policy, and Utah is one of the most active. Now is the time to build a community here.
How we work
We start small and borrow before we build: proven curricula like BlueDot Impact’s courses, borrowed rooms, and partnerships with groups already doing good work in Utah. We add programs where people sign up and drop what isn’t working. We’re nonpartisan, and newcomers are welcome.
Why a local hub
Local hubs like BAISH in Buenos Aires, LISA in London, SASH in Singapore, Trajectory Labs in Toronto, and Collider in New York have become communities that train researchers, run fellowships, and give people a place to work. Some started very small: BAISH began with two students, a reading group, and a borrowed room. As Li-Lian Ang writes in “We need more local AI safety hubs”, talent comes first. Funding and strategy follow.
Why Utah
A state that’s paying attention
In 2024 Utah created the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the first of its kind in the country. Much of today’s AI policy is being written by states.
Strong universities
The University of Utah, BYU, Utah Valley University, and Utah State train thousands of computing and policy students. Alignment research is already happening on campus.
Builders
Utah’s tech industry is full of engineers and founders who work with AI every day.
Our team
Emilio Barkett
Founder
AI safety researcher who studies how large language models behave. Started the hub so people in Utah have a local way into the field.
Website →You?
Organizers wanted
We’re looking for a few people to help run events, reading groups, and campus chapters.
Volunteer →Questions
Do I need a technical background?
No. AI safety needs people from policy, law, communications, operations, education, and more. Our first reading group is built for newcomers.
Does it cost anything?
No. The reading group, co-working, and events are free.
Is this only for people in Salt Lake City?
No. The hub is for all of Utah, from Logan to St. George. Our first events are in Salt Lake City, and we’ll add groups where people sign up. Tell us where you are so we know where to grow.
Are you tied to a university, company, or party?
No. We’re independent and nonpartisan, and we hope to work with universities and community groups across the state.
How can I help?
Come to an event, bring a friend, or help organize. Tick “Volunteering” on the sign-up form or email hello@utahaisafety.org.