Helping Private Industry With Research

Using research, the UofM is helping private companies increase overall impact

The advancement of private industry is rooted in collaborative innovation that can address challenges from multiple angles. The most transformative companies leverage the talent, research, and resources of world class research institutions to gain a competitive advantage that ensures they are at the forefront of their respective industries and fields. The University of Memphis, as an R1 research institution, has built infrastructure and programs that are designed to be responsive to the needs of private industry and our research capacity specifically targets the needs of companies. The research enterprise at the University of Memphis not only works with the federal research agencies, but it also works with private industry to strengthen strategy and move productivity forward. Some of the companies UofM researchers work with include:

• FedEx
• Brown and Caldwell
• Buckman Laboratories International
• Hyundai Motor Company
• Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG)
• Medtronic
• Smith & Nephew
• Northrop Grumman Corp

FRONTIERS as an example of Industry and research collaboration. Early-stage innovations, pilot projects and ideas that need expert leaders in innovative disciplines to overcome internal challenges to execution at FedEx are eligible for this program. Utilizing faculty and students, the FedEx Institute of Technology uses research to solve big challenges facing FedEx. Launched in 2021 and working with FedEx leadership to build on a core of innovation and collaboration, the FRONTIERS program enables emerging tech research engagement that aligns with FedEx goals and priorities in major areas as outlined in the FedEx Investor Report and/or with direct engagement for other requested areas. This program directly supports FedEx’s innovation agenda by having faculty-led teams of UofM students tackle specific challenges for FedEx team members, while also creating a large-scale, sustainable ecosystem for the development, recruitment, and retention of top talent.

Another research collaboration example is DoD Research Leads to Value in the Field. Dr. Eddie Jacobs' work with Army Research Lab has advanced the use of fleets of drones with varying suites of specialized sensors to protect soldiers in the field. These same suites of sensors and the approaches of his research can be applied in the diagnosis of crop health for researchers in the agriculture sector. 

For more information on the opportunities and value UofM research can provide, contact us at research@memphis.edu.