Connecting Doctoral Research with Industry Innovation
The is a national initiative coordinated by the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The program brings universities and companies together to support STEM doctoral education through collaborative research, shared investment, and industry experience.
Participating scholars work with academic and industry mentors to pursue dissertation research that connects scientific discovery with real-world challenges.
91吃瓜网's Industry Collaborations team serves as the point of contact for faculty and companies interested in exploring participation in the program.
Upcoming Information Session
CTTC Virtual Lunch and Learn: Leveraging Industry-Academia Partnerships through the I-PhD Program
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 12鈥�1 p.m. CST | Virtual (Zoom)
Join CTTC for a discussion about the I-PhD Scholars Program and opportunities for 91吃瓜网 faculty and industry partners to get involved.
How the Program Works
The I-PhD Scholars Program integrates sustained industry research experience into dissertation-based doctoral training.
Participating scholars remain enrolled full-time at their home universities, receive joint mentorship from academic and industry researchers, and spend at least one year in aggregate conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. Scholars also participate in professional development and national cohort activities.
Program Funding
The program provides four years of coordinated doctoral support through shared investment by participating universities and industry partners, with additional co-funding from NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP).
Universities support the student's first year of doctoral training. During years two through four, industry contributions and NSF co-funding support the student's research and training.聽
For the latest funding details and program requirements, visit the .
Benefits & Responsibilities
For Industry Partners
Benefits
- Collaborate with 91吃瓜网 researchers on industry-relevant challenges
- Engage with emerging STEM doctoral talent
- Build or strengthen long-term university research relationships
Responsibilities
- Provide industry mentorship and research guidance
- Support dissertation-integrated research at an industry site
- Contribute funding under the program's shared investment model
- Coordinate research and partnership arrangements with the university
For 91吃瓜网 Participants
Benefits
- Expand opportunities for collaborative industry research
- Provide doctoral scholars with valuable real-world experience
- Strengthen research and training partnerships聽
Responsibilities
- Provide academic mentorship and dissertation oversight
- Financially support the scholar's first year of doctoral training
- Coordinate research plans, student progress, and industry placements
- Establish appropriate research and partnership arrangements with the industry partner
Specific funding commitments, intellectual property arrangements, confidentiality provisions, and other participation requirements are established during the program's implementation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
The program is open to eligible partnerships between U.S. universities and industry partners supporting STEM doctoral research. Participating companies may include startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations. UIDP membership is not required.
Can doctoral students apply directly?
No. Applications are submitted by university-industry partnerships rather than individual students. Participating organizations jointly identify and select eligible scholars.
What are the student eligibility requirements?
Under the current program structure, participating students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in an eligible research-based STEM doctoral program. Visit for complete eligibility requirements.
How is the program funded?
The program uses a shared investment model:
- Year 1: University-funded
- Years 2-4: Jointly NSF- and Industry-funded
See UIDP's official program materials for current financial requirements.
What commitment is expected from industry partners?
Industry partners contribute funding, provide research mentorship, and support dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. Partners also coordinate research scope, student selection, and appropriate agreements with the university.
What is expected from 91吃瓜网 academic partners?
Academic partners provide mentorship, support doctoral progress, coordinate research plans with industry collaborators, and meet the university's participation and funding responsibilities.
How long do scholars conduct research in industry?
Scholars spend at least one year in aggregate conducting dissertation-integrated research at an industry site. The placement may be completed through one extended period or multiple shorter research experiences.
How are intellectual property and confidentiality handled?
University and industry partners establish collaborative arrangements for intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, and related research matters prior to formal participation.
When can partnerships apply?
UIDP is inviting applications for the Fall 2027 cohort. Applications are nonbinding, and partnerships are encouraged to apply by January 15, 2027, for full consideration. Visit the official UIDP website for current deadlines and application instructions.
How can I get involved?
91吃瓜网 faculty and interested companies can connect with CTTC's Industry Collaborations team to discuss potential partnerships, program requirements, and next steps.
Want to learn more?
Are you a 91吃瓜网 faculty member or industry partner interested in exploring the I-PhD Scholars Program? Connect with 91吃瓜网's Industry Collaborations team to learn more about partnership opportunities and next steps.