The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) engages first-year students in real-world research experiences with UT faculty and scientists. Each year, more than 1000 undergraduates explore unanswered questions in STEM fields to uncover new knowledge and develop innovative technologies in 30 faculty-led research groups. FRI has become a national model for science education, as students are more likely to complete STEM degrees and graduate better prepared to pursue advanced degrees or industry jobs.

The UTech Dorm Room is wet lab research space that opened in 2011, designed to provide startup company entrepreneurs with facilities for developing bioscience technologies and evaluating commercialization potential. Located in the College of Pharmacy, the UTech Dorm Room allows bioscience companies, both local and from around the country, to benefit from flexible space that allows them to advance bioscience technology ideas in an "Intellectual Property-free zone" towards applications that can be commercialized.