The Office of Corporate Engagement: Industry’s Gateway to Georgia Tech
Located at the heart of Georgia Tech’s research and innovation ecosystem, inside The Biltmore, is the Georgia Tech Office of Corporate Engagement (OCE), the gateway for industry to connect with Georgia Tech’s vast resources, ranging from research to licensing. OCE’s dedicated team builds strategic relationships between the university and companies across various sectors, ensuring businesses can tap into Georgia Tech’s research capabilities, student talent, and academia.
A Mission Rooted in Partnership
The Office of Corporate Engagement strengthens the bridge between Georgia Tech and corporate partners to establish mutually beneficial relationships. Companies gain access to top-tier research, student talent, and industry expertise, while Georgia Tech secures corporate connections that advance scientific discovery.
The team takes a company-first approach, guiding businesses through Georgia Tech’s ecosystem based on their specific needs—whether engaging with faculty experts, funding research projects, recruiting top talent, or co-locating within Tech Square to be at the center of Atlanta’s innovation district.
“OCE strengthens the bridge between Georgia Tech and corporate partners, building mutually beneficial relationships to deliver on the goals,” says Mark Nolan, Associate Vice President of OCE. “Through OCE, we are expanding innovation and connecting corporations and our next generation of Georgia Tech leaders.”
The university's research ecosystem spans artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedical engineering, and sustainability disciplines. These collaborations enable companies to leverage Georgia Tech’s expertise in tackling real-world challenges. Once the research reaches an applied stage, OCE ensures intellectual property isn’t left on the shelf. It facilitates licensing agreements, enabling companies to bring their discoveries to market more quickly.
With its presence in the Biltmore at Tech Square, OCE provides companies with a connection to Georgia Tech’s resources. Proximity to students, faculty, and research hubs, such as the AI Hub in Coda, enables deeper collaboration, problem-solving, and talent engagement. “The access you get to students, interns, professors, and faculty on its own is incredible,” notes Josh Tullis, Senior Director of OCE for Tech AI.
Companies that co-locate in Tech Square can collaborate on industry projects, tackle pressing data challenges, and engage in hands-on problem-solving with Georgia Tech’s brightest minds. More than just a physical space, Tech Square is an ecosystem where talent, research, and innovation converge.
Examples of Engagement at Georgia Tech
The office supports corporate partners across multiple engagement channels, tailoring involvement to align with business goals:
Faculty Engagement & Research Collaboration – Connecting corporate challenges with faculty expertise.
Student Engagement & Recruitment – Linking companies to Georgia Tech’s internships, co-ops, and hiring initiatives.
Sponsored Research – Facilitating research partnerships between companies and university teams.
Professional Education – Identifying workforce development and specialized training opportunities.
Licensing & Startups – Introducing businesses to Georgia Tech’s start-up ecosystem.
Co-Location & Innovation Hubs – Connecting companies with the expertise needed to explore opportunities for participation in Tech Square.
Corporate Engagement in Action
Georgia Tech’s corporate partnerships span a range of industries, including technology, aerospace, manufacturing, and retail. Major corporations, including Home Depot, Boeing, Cisco, Hyundai, Amazon, and Fiserv, have engaged with Georgia Tech through research, workforce development, and innovative initiatives.
The office also plays a crucial role in guiding faculty and staff through corporate partnerships. “Corporations have become investors in universities, and they demand the best returns for their investment dollars and time,” Tullis explains. By understanding corporate and academic landscapes, the team ensures that industry investments are strategically aligned with university expertise and business needs.
“As industry demands grow, OCE positions Georgia Tech as a central hub for companies seeking to remain at the forefront of technological advancement,” says Nolan. “OCE is at the intersection of academia and industry through deep relationships, strategic collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.”