AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas at Austin has officially named its future hospital the UT Dell Medical Center, fueled by a historic $750 million gift from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
The investment — one of the largest ever to a U.S. university — will also establish the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, a hub dedicated to integrating clinical care with artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
The project, which is set to break ground later this year, marks a significant shift in strategy and scale for the university’s healthcare ambitions.
At a Tuesday press conference, officials emphasized that the facility will be designed for the "AI era." Dr. Claudia Lucchinetti, dean of the Dell Medical School, noted that the center aims to shift the medical model from "treating sickness to advancing health" through data-driven prevention.
The center will now fully integrate the MD Anderson Cancer Center into its operations, providing local specialized care for Austinites who previously traveled to Houston, and will be located on 27 acres in North Austin, near West Braker Lane and Mopac.
The adjacent research campus will leverage UT’s Texas Advanced Computing Center to focus on "precision medicine" and AI-driven health outcomes.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott praised the move as a catalyst for the state's economy. "Texas already dominates in technology, energy and business," Abbott said. "Now we will further cement our leadership in health care innovation as well."
The project continues to attract high-profile support, including recent investments from venture capitalists Tench and Simone Coxe.
With the gift, the Dells become the first donors in UT Austin's history to surpass $1 billion in lifetime giving. Their 2013 donation of $50 million was previously the catalyst for launching the Dell Medical School.
Michael & Susan Dell become first UT donors to reach $1 billion in giving
Michael & Susan Dell become first UT donors to reach $1 billion in giving
