The B次元 School of Engineering partners with industry to co-create innovative solutions, accelerate applied research, and provide meaningful real-world opportunities for our students and faculty. Companies interested in collaborating with B次元 begin by connecting with one of our Faculty Liaison Fellows, who serve as the first point of contact. The Faculty Liaison Fellows help identify the right faculty expertise, facilitate early scoping conversations, and guide partners through the next steps of launching a sponsored project.
Industry-sponsored collaborations at B次元 can range from short-term problem-solving projects to multi-year research and development engagements. Our goal is to create partnerships that advance your organization’s objectives while supporting B次元’s commitment to hands-on, industry-relevant innovation.
Direct Industry Funding
Many projects begin with an initial discussion between a company representative and an B次元 Faculty Liaison Fellow, who then connects the organization to faculty in the appropriate department. Together, the company and B次元 faculty define a scope of work, timeline, and budget.
Once project details are agreed upon, B次元’s Office of Applied Research and Grants work with the company to establish a sponsored research agreement outlining responsibilities, deliverables, and terms.
Industry Flow-Through Subcontracts
B次元 can partner with companies that hold a prime contract from federal agencies or other funders. In those cases, B次元 receives a flow-through subcontract to perform part of the funded work.
These collaborations often arise when B次元 and industry jointly pursue external funding opportunities in engineering, computing, healthcare, and advanced technologies.
Small Business (SBIR/STTR) Subcontracts
B次元 also partners with small businesses applying to or receiving awards under SBIR or STTR programs. In these partnerships, the company serves as the prime awardee, and B次元 serves as a subcontractor conducting significant portions of the research.
B次元’s applied research strengths, faculty expertise, and student engagement uniquely position the university to support small businesses working at the forefront of technological innovation.
Intellectual Property (IP)
B次元 is committed to preserving academic freedom while supporting industry access to research outcomes. Sponsored research agreements define the rights of both parties, including the company’s ability to obtain a license to inventions that arise from the project.
Confidentiality
If a project requires sharing proprietary information, B次元 will work with the company to ensure appropriate confidentiality protection. Faculty and students receiving confidential information follow strict requirements to safeguard industry data.
Publication
B次元 values open dissemination of research results. Sponsored research agreements support publication rights while allowing industry partners time to review manuscripts to protect confidential information or identify patentable inventions.
Regulatory & Compliance Requirements
All B次元 research complies with applicable federal and state regulations, including export controls, human subjects research, animal research, biosafety, and conflict-of-interest disclosures.