R&D Partnerships

Bridging Industry and Academia

The R&D Partnership Team serves as the gateway for business and industry to access the University of Kentucky's world-class research capabilities and talent. We create meaningful partnerships that drive innovation, economic growth and practical solutions to today's challenges.

Our Mission

We provide dedicated resources for developing and supporting corporate partnerships in research and innovation, creating mutual value for both industry and the university community.

Why Partner With Us

Single point of contact for navigating the university's research capabilities

Streamlined processes for establishing partnerships

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment

Opportunities to engage with student talent and future workforce

Potential for leveraging university resources for competitive funding

For Faculty and Staff For Corporate Partners

What We Do

Facilitate Federal Partnership Programs

We identify and pursue federal research and innovation economic development opportunities that prioritize industry-academic collaboration.

Enable Industry-Sponsored Research

We streamline access to UK's research expertise through sponsored research agreements, clinical trials, testing and analytical services.

Build Research Consortiums

We create and support collaborative ecosystems where multiple industry partners and academic researchers unite to tackle significant challenges.

Connect Through Events

We host targeted networking and showcase events where industry leaders and faculty researchers can explore potential collaborations.

Graphics promoting Kentucky Innovator Challenge 2026: R&D Partnerships Week

2026 KENTUCKY INNOVATOR CHALLENGE PRESENTS: R&D PARTNERSHIPS WEEK

Kentucky Innovator Challenge returns November 2026 with R&D Partnerships Week, an expanded three-day format designed to create new opportunities for research and development partnerships.

Each day will feature programming focused on one of three areas: engineering, agriculture and healthcare, bringing together leaders from academia, industry and government for keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking.

Learn More & Register