INDUSTRY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Strategic Industry Engagement Support Incentive
To strengthen and expand industry engagement across the University at Buffalo, the Strategic Industry Engagement Support Incentive is being implemented to encourage UB faculty to increase industry-sponsored research activity and support investigators in building sustained industry partnerships. This program is fully funded by the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED).
Effective Date: Awards executed on or after March 2, 2026
Incentive Structure
For each eligible industry award, the incentive amount equals 20% of Total Project Cost (TPC), up to a maximum of $10,000 per award.
KEY PARAMETERS
Investigators may receive the incentive multiple times across different industry awards.
Incentive equals 20% of the award’s total project cost, up to a maximum of $10,000 per award.
No minimum award amount for eligibility.
Incentive Scope
This incentive applies to:
New industry-sponsored awards or renewals of awards that produce new funds.
All industry sponsors (no exclusions by project type or discipline) that are charged the full indirect rate (IDC).
This incentive does not apply to:
Existing awards executed prior to March 2, 2026.
Federal, state, or foundation awards, except for SBIRs and STTRs, which are eligible.
Awards that are considered “gifts”.
Awards that have reduced IDC rates.
Industry sponsored clinical trials.
Funding Source
Incentive payments are fully funded by ORIED. The incentive does not reduce or waive IDC charged to the sponsor. Industry sponsors will continue to be charged fully negotiated IDC rates.
Operational Process
Upon full execution of an eligible industry award:
- PI applies via InfoReady. Alternatively, the Finance Manager (FM) can apply on behalf of the PI.
- The FM will calculate the incentive amount.
- PI will develop the associated spending plan and provide to the FM.
- The FM will then submit the total incentive amount and proposed spending plan to ORIED via InfoReady application.
- The ORIED will coordinate with the PI and FM to establish the account and facilitate the transfer of funds.
- Funds may be used at the discretion of the PI in support of the current project and in accordance with the university's allowable use of funds policy.
Compliance Considerations
- This program does not waive or reduce current IDC rates.
- Incentive funds are separate institutional support funds and are not charged to the sponsor.
- Standard sponsor allowability, allocability, and compliance requirements continue to apply.
Roles & Responsibilities
Post-Award Finance Manager
- Identify if new awards are eligible
- Calculate incentive
- Notify ORIED via InfoReady
ORIED
- Authorize and process transfer of incentive funds
PI/Unit
- Designate receiving account
- Manage incentive funds in accordance with institutional policies
Strategic Positioning
This initiative reflects UB’s commitment to expanding industry collaboration, increasing translational research impact, supporting faculty in diversifying funding portfolios, and reducing administrative friction in industry engagement.
Additional resources for industry collaboration
Secure matching funds for research and development support through the Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data & Health Sciences.
By partnering with a UB faculty researcher, materials and manufacturing companies can gain access to funds for collaborative R&D and prototyping projects
Protect new discoveries, novel approaches or unique ideas or explore the potential for commercial applications.