Partnering to Shape the Future of Innovation and Talent The University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences invites industry partners to participate in a transformative opportunity: the Industry Graduate Research Assistantship (I-GRA) program. This initiative is designed to align corporate research and development priorities with graduate-level academic training — creating a dynamic ecosystem of innovation, talent development, and strategic collaboration. Why Sponsor an I-GRA? Industry-sponsored graduate research assistantships offer unmatched value for companies seeking to: Advance in-house R&D through targeted academic collaboration Build a pipeline of highly trained, job-ready talent Access cutting-edge university research and faculty expertise Enhance corporate visibility and branding within the academic space Facilitate IP coordination, tech transfer, and MOU articulation Co-train future employees through summer internships and mentorship In 2026, Franklin College will launch seven pilot I-GRA projects in partnership with corporate partners. These pilots will serve as a model for scalable, sustainable industry-academic collaborations. Proven Models and Global Benchmarks Industry-academic partnerships have a long history of success: Volvo Cars’ Industrial Ph.D. Programme (1999) created a sustainable R&D talent pipeline and continues to thrive through collaborations with Chalmers Institute of Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology’s industry-employed doctoral program enables students to conduct research for at least 50% of their full-time appointment Unisys Corporation funded groundbreaking Doppler radar algorithm development at Florida State University At UGA, HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology sponsors graduate research in genomics and biotechnology through a formal MOU, covering student stipends, tuition, fees, and health insurance. These examples demonstrate the power of industry-sponsored graduate research to drive innovation and workforce development. The I-GRA Collaboration Framework Franklin College seeks to expand and reimagine these models through the I-GRA program. Key components include: Blanket MOUs or legal agreements to define collaboration parameters Best practices for managing IP and publication expectations Reimagined academic training model that is agile and industry-responsive Employment pathways for I-GRA recipients (e.g., service agreements post-graduation) Dr. Marshall Shepherd’s own doctoral training was supported by NASA under a similar framework, requiring post-degree service that benefited both the agency and the researcher. Launching the Pilot: Your Company’s Role The pilot effort with your company will establish a prototype for the I-GRA program at UGA. Together, we will standardize a methodology for industry-sponsored GRAs, positioning UGA as a national leader in applied graduate research training. This collaboration will involve: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences UGA Graduate School Office of the Vice President for Research Sponsored Projects Administration Industry partners like you LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION—TOGETHER
