The University of Iowa is conducting an AI Gateway pilot to explore how a secure, centrally managed AI workspace could support teaching, research, and administrative work.

What the AI Gateway pilot is

Iowa’s AI Gateway is a secure, multi-model AI workspace accessed using HawkID and password. It is designed to let participants work with multiple approved AI models in one place and is approved for use with data labeled University Public and University Internal.

During the pilot, participants will be able to use the AI Gateway for common campus work such as drafting routine communications, summarizing documents, exploring ideas, creating outlines or templates, and supporting planning or analysis tasks that do not involve sensitive data. For a full list of anticipated features (subject to change), visit the AI Tool Comparison Chart.

The AI Gateway will tentatively provide access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Amazon Bedrock. During the pilot phase, features and model availability may vary as options are tested and evaluated. The goal is to better understand how a shared AI environment could support real campus work and what the associated usage costs may be.

Pilot timing and cost

Pilot period: early February 2026 through the end of April 2026
Cost: no cost for pilot participants

Who is eligible

Up to 250 faculty and staff from across campus may participate in the pilot.

Participants will be selected from those who apply, with consideration given to representing a diverse mix of roles and levels, from individual contributors to leadership.

What participation involves

Participants will be asked to:

• Use the AI Gateway for appropriate work tasks as much as possible during the pilot timeframe.
• Complete two surveys: a pre-pilot survey about prior experience and perceptions of AI tools, and a post-pilot survey to share feedback on what was useful and where gaps or challenges remain.

This feedback will help identify use cases, support needs, and areas for improvement. Additional details will be shared with selected participants.

How to apply

If you are interested in participating, complete the AI Gateway Pilot – Pre-Pilot Interest Survey. The form is used only to assess interest and eligibility. Submitting the form does not guarantee selection.

Interest form deadline: January 23, 2026

Applicants will be notified by the end of January 2026 if they are selected.

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