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Industry Partnerships

Industry collaboration is a hallmark of the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation – and one of our defining strengths. We believe that building strong, sustained relationships with our industry partners is essential.

These partnerships help ensure that our curriculum, research and student experiences align with the real-world needs of employers. Our students and faculty collaborate with professionals to solve complex challenges, gain hands-on experience and contribute to the future of the industry.

Industry partnerships

Why should you partner with BGSU?

  • Access the talent of faculty and students for innovative solutions.
  • Help shape the workforce of the future. 
  • Utilize our advanced technical capabilities and equipment.
  • Train your workforce.

How do students benefit?

Real-world experience. When you offer co-op or internship opportunities – or partner with our students on research or capstone design projects – you help them gain invaluable experience that will help them secure jobs and advance in their careers. 

Mentorship and networking. Students engage with professionals who participate on advisory boards and mentor through partnered events and classroom activities.

Employment opportunities. Many of our partners hire students directly through co-ops or upon graduation.

How can you partner with us?

There are many ways to engage, whether you want to hire talent, shape curriculum or collaborate on research and development.  We’re open to MOUs and long-term strategic partnerships.

  • Hire our students for co-ops or internships. Engage with enthusiastic students eager to contribute and gain professional experience through our co-op program.
  • Sponsor a capstone design project. Submit a real-world challenge. Our interdisciplinary teams of senior students will spend the semester designing, building and presenting potential solutions. Submit a capstone proposal.
  • R&D projects. We welcome collaborative projects ranging from prototyping and testing to applied research. Our partners have access to BGSU’s advanced equipment and facilities and opportunities to work with interdisciplinary student teams and expert faculty.
  • Consider an MOU. BGSU is committed to fostering innovative partnerships that create student learning experiences and opportunities while supporting Ohio’s economy. 
  • Serve on an advisory board. Advisory board members provide vital feedback that ensures our academic programs meet employers’ needs and adhere to accreditation standards.
  • Workforce development. BGSU is at the forefront of upskilling industry professionals in advanced manufacturing. We can design custom non-credit microcredential training for your team. Explore the workforce development possibilities for training your team.

Our current partnerships

Helping companies innovate and grow

The School of Engineering signed agreements with two Ohio companies – Kata Solution LLC and IoTco (Internet of Things Company) – to support AI,  Industry 4.0 and smart technology in advanced manufacturing. BGSU and the two companies have come together to provide training and support to local industries.

The partnership:

  • Leverages the University’s expertise to help businesses adapt to new technologies 
  • Gives students hands-on experience before graduation 
  • Helps to retain top talent in Ohio

Read more about the partnership

Curious about how we can work with you?

Our faculty – experts in their fields – welcome collaboration. Review our faculty bios to explore their research interests.

Our state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities provide industry partners access to advanced equipment.

Ready to get started? We’d love to have a conversation.

419-372-7581

The Center to Advance Manufacturing

BGSU is a partner in the Center to Advance Manufacturing. The center serves as your gateway to researchers, laboratories and logistic experts who can help you refine your products, processes and supply chain logistics. It connects industry partners with faculty researchers, cutting-edge laboratories and workforce development opportunities – including training programs, co-op talent and collaborative projects.

[The] partnership between Kata Solution, BGSU and IoTco is about driving real impact where it matters most – on the manufacturing floor and in the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we’re combining operational excellence, smart technology and education to help companies compete, innovate and grow in the Industry 4.0 era.

– Bryan Little, Kata Solution LLC president, and Mo Abuali, IoTco CEO

[The BGSU co-op] program encourages shared growth. As we help shape tomorrow's leaders by giving varied and challenging opportunities to make positive impact on our company, they assist us in sharing current technology and being a valued team member.

– The Andersons

Updated: 08/18/2025 02:02PM