Corporate R&DAn innovative program for companies to retain intellectual property
The Corporate R&D Program
“Imagine RIT as an innovation university. We see a new relationship where RIT is home to your research and development.”
RIT President Bill Destler
January 2008
RIT is adding a new research agreement to the traditional sponsored research approach. This new “Corporate R&D” program provides a master’s degree level student with a faculty adviser to work on a company R&D challenge. The work is carried out during the course of a year at a fixed price per quarter, which provides intellectual property ownership to the company.
The Benefits of Corporate R&D at RIT
- The company retains ownership of intellectual property generated through the project.
- An agreement is made that covers all aspects of the project including student work.
- Companies need only to approve the statement of work for each new project.
- Projects are low cost compared with in-house research or company-to- company partnerships.
- Companies get a first look at students as potential future employees.