Sponsored Research Partnership Model
Definition:     Industry partner provides topic and resources/support for research conducted or product developed at educational institution and receives results/findings in return. 
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Examples:    Contract research organization, contract service organization, contract manufacturing organization.

Implementation Strategies
  • Set and confirm clear expectations and goals for project or research
  • Select projects that align with faculty/staff expertise
  • Verify that student skills are sufficient for the research; run trials prior to committing to a project
  • Provide ample time for student-based research; don’t overpromise!
  • Establish intellectual property rights before the project begins
  • Create multiple points for industry to review results
  • Establish a relationship with your institution’s legal department early on
  • Network with industry, local chambers, and state agencies to increase the visibility of what you have to offer
  • Cultivate advocates by keeping the college aware of successes, awards, recognition
  • Work with SBIR Phase II companies; they have funds earmarked for community college partnerships

Reported Impacts
  • Deepened student and faculty knowledge of industry practices, trends
  • Connected industry with faculty, students
  • Provided students with real-world work experience
  • Provided service to industry partners

Reported Challenges
  • Finding and securing appropriate projects
  • Finding/allocating resources to coordinate logistics
  • Facilitating a good match between student skills and industry needs
  • Navigating institutional requirements for payments, licensing, liability, etc.
  • Obtaining necessary equipment, materials, supplies, space
  • Clarifying the assignment of intellectual property rights
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Sponsored Research Case Study


​​InnovaBio and STUDENTfacturED are contract service and contract manufacturing organizations that serve industry and educational clients while advancing the skills of students enrolled in Salt Lake City Community College’s biotechnology program. InnovaBio works with biotech companies to provide research support services that are low-cost, low-risk and IP free, while providing opportunities for students to work on real-world projects and gain real-world skills.  STUDENTfactured prepares students for employment in the biomanufacturing industry by providing them with first-hand experience in all aspects of a manufacturing workplace as they bring to market products for use at educational institutions.  Job placement is very high for graduates; employers recruit directly from these contract organizations when seeking “experienced employees.”