The Milwaukee 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 MSOE 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 MSOE 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 MSOE’s commitment to hands-on, industry-relevant innovation.

Types of Industry-Sponsored Research Agreements

Direct Industry Funding
Many projects begin with an initial discussion between a company representative and an MSOE Faculty Liaison Fellow, who then connects the organization to faculty in the appropriate department. Together, the company and MSOE faculty define a scope of work, timeline, and budget.

Once project details are agreed upon, MSOE’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
MSOE can partner with companies that hold a prime contract from federal agencies or other funders. In those cases, MSOE receives a flow-through subcontract to perform part of the funded work. 

These collaborations often arise when MSOE and industry jointly pursue external funding opportunities in engineering, computing, healthcare, and advanced technologies.

Small Business (SBIR/STTR) Subcontracts
MSOE 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 MSOE serves as a subcontractor conducting significant portions of the research.

MSOE’s applied research strengths, faculty expertise, and student engagement uniquely position the university to support small businesses working at the forefront of technological innovation.

Key Considerations for Industry Partnerships

Intellectual Property (IP)
MSOE 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, MSOE will work with the company to ensure appropriate confidentiality protection. Faculty and students receiving confidential information follow strict requirements to safeguard industry data.

Publication
MSOE 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 MSOE research complies with applicable federal and state regulations, including export controls, human subjects research, animal research, biosafety, and conflict-of-interest disclosures.