Programs & Resources
Our mission is to expand industry-sponsored research, support small business growth, and engage future corporate leaders.
Our team on the Gulf Coast connects external partners with the vast resources available at UA, including R&D faculty, analytical support, economic development assets, career services, and much more.
Our Economic and Business Outreach Centers enhance economic growth by providing Alabama small businesses with technical assistance for start-up, access to capital, international trade, and government contracting.
Industry Engagement Day introduces local business owners, community and industry leaders, executives, and government and elected officials to UA faculty and staff to explore opportunities for collaboration.
The Alabama Research Institutes serve as hubs for innovative and interdisciplinary water, transportation, materials, life, and cyber research.
Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability Accelerator
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority and The University of Alabama are partnering with Techstars, the most active pre-seed investor in the world, to bring first-of-its-kind, hydrologic innovation-focused accelerator and pre-accelerator programs to Tuscaloosa.
Industry Engagement Process
Project Identification
OED and industry executives match company needs with research expertise.
Internal Collaboration
OED meets with UA College/Institute/Center leadership to discuss the identified opportunity and set follow-up meeting with the company’s technical experts.
Project Planning
OED coordinates NDA process with Office for Research & Technology Agreements. Faculty are identified to lead detailed confidential project discussions with company representatives.
Finalize & Execute
Faculty lead prepares project scope of work, budget, and timeline. UA and the company enter into a formal contract and work is initiated. OED available for support throughout.