Utah’s Division of Technology Services (DTS) is driving innovation in 2025 with AI, IoT advancements, and modernized systems to enhance state services. With a $277M budget and 750 projects, DTS prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and security to support long-term growth.
Utah has become a thriving hub for tech companies and startups. Building on this momentum, state government continues to play a role in promoting innovation and technological advancements and contributing to an ecosystem that attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries from around the globe.
As we kick off the new year with fresh projects and opportunities for growth, we explore what the State of Utah and the Division of Technology Services (DTS) have planned for 2025. In this article we look at the state's capacity at providing technology to the state's executive branch its myriad agencies. DTS aims to modernize existing systems while incorporating cutting-edge technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) software and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
To start, DTS is launching an AI program designed to streamline processes, enhance data analysis, and improve state operations and decision-making efficiency. DTS is committed to advancing AI by fostering innovation, collaboration, and ethical practices across state agencies. These efforts aim to position Utah as a leader in leveraging AI for public services and infrastructure improvements.
This initiative will also complement the IoT software already utilized by the State of Utah, which connects and manages devices to support critical infrastructure and services. IoT technology plays a crucial role in facilitating operations for departments ranging from water systems to statewide GPS networks, ensuring the seamless functionality of everyday essentials.
With the help of AI, solutions never imagined before will come to existence, offering hope for addressing challenges like the lack of snow this winter, a critical issue for Utah’s economy and tourism industry.
In addition, updates are coming to the Utah citizen portal to make services more efficient and reduce the need for in-office visits. Planned improvements include secure multi-factor authentication and a unique ID system to verify identity seamlessly. Verifying and securing data is a top priority for DTS this year, as demonstrated by their pilot program introducing digital verifiable credentials. DTS is also emphasizing the safety and security of the state’s 1,600+ applications that handle sensitive employee and citizen data. The focus is on implementing best practices for identity and access management, minimizing security risks, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing regulations, legislation, and customer needs.
While implementing new programs, DTS is also focused on upgrading older software systems to meet evolving needs. DTS is transforming the state’s payroll and HR systems. Over the next few years, this initiative will replace outdated payroll, HR, and supporting systems with more efficient and modern solutions.
Lastly, DTS wants to focus on being more transparent and accessible. By using customer experience (CX) data they hope to implement the feedback they receive. In fact, they have a system set up in which they retain their feedback for up to 10 years! To find more information regarding this system click here.
Utah is setting the standard for how states can embrace technology to improve services and infrastructure while ensuring transparency. This approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also builds a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.
In their commitment to transparency, DTS has uploaded their projects and plans for the year. Information such as budget, timeliness, goals, project type, and how many projects each agency is taking on. With a budget of $277 million we can be sure to see massive advancement in the state. This initiative proves the effort that DTS is trying to make in regards to transparency.
To explore the data dashboard, click here, where you can find detailed information about each project.
With 750 active projects in motion, 2025 will be a big year for the state's Division of Technology Services and its ability to support state government, which in turn sets the stage for innovation and entrepreneurial energy throughout the state.