Research and Industry

For a flier with complete information about collaborating
with ECE, please click here.

Currently seeking corporate mentors and sponsors
  • Developing project ideas     • Mentoring project teams/individuals  
   • Sponsoring projects             • Judging project evaluations
      Contact Prof. William Robbins, Department Associate Head
      at robbins@umn.edu or 612-625-6722.    
Senior Design Show Corporate Sponsor Guidelines 

 
University of Minnesota Resources for Industry

 Academic and Corporate Relations Center
The Academic and Corporate Relations Center (ACRC) builds connections between
the global business community and the University of Minnesota's vast network of
expertise, technology, and talent. ACRC consistently develops and implements
innovative strategies to engage, collaborate, partner, and support companies
world-wide.

Nano and Microsystem Applications Center (NMAC)
NMAC carries out basic and applied research focused on advanced nano and
microsystems development through interdisciplinary partnerships between academic
faculty and industrial/government researchers.

Office for Technology Commercialization
The Office for Technology Commercialization oversees all aspects of technology
commercialization at the University of Minnesota through its twin centers: the Licensing
Center which manages patent and licensing functions and the Venture Center which
assists creation of University-based start-up companies.

Office for Business & Community Economic Development
The Office for Business & Community Economic Development contributes to the
economic growth and development of Minnesota communities through successful
collaboration and partnerships with government, private enterprise and community
organizations.

Sponsors and collaborating organizations

 The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is a
proud partner with many international collaborators, industry sponsors,
educational institutions and government sponsors. We are honored to
be the recipient of both research grants and partnerships. From
problem solving to breakthroughs in research, ECE partnership
successes happen in an open atmosphere of collegial respect and
collaboration. Click here to see a list of our industry partners.

Electrical and Computer Engineering welcomes a variety of industry
partnerships that enhance our educational experience for students.
To see an example of one of our University program memberships,
visit the link to Cadence. 

Industrial Advisory Council Board

 ECE's Industrial Advisory Council provides feedback and guidance to the department
and helps enhance ECE's relationship with industry and our alumni. Activities of the
Council may include providing an industrial perspective about curriculum, graduates
and broader issues. 

Alumnus Earl Bakken, inventor of the implantable   cardiac pacemaker, early in his career.

 

Research Machine Shop

The Research Machine Shop provides the following services to international business and industry:
    • Purchase materials and parts for development projects
    • Precision machining of all materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, etc.
    • Welding of all types including Tig, wire feed, fusion soldering, braising

If you have a Research Machine Shop request for one of these services, please
contact Mike Jensen, Principal Research Shop Foreman, 612-625-2062.
 

Volunteer Opportunities

Mentor Program
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) (formerly Institute of Technology) Mentor Program
matches current science and engineering students with professionals in technical fields.
These volunteer mentors help students prepare for the transition from the academic
environment to the professional world. CSE's award-winning program has connected thousands
of students and mentors since its inception in 1991. To learn more about the CSEs mentor program,
please click here.

ECE Senior Design Show Judging

(At left) Volunteer judge Vanous of 3M  listens as student explains the team's  Senior Design Show  project.  During an afternoon at the end of each  Fall and Spring Semester, ECE and  Mechanical Engineering (ME), host a  Senior Design Show to highlight student  projects completed in EE4951 and  ME4054.  Volunteer judges from the ECE and ME  departments and from business and  industry observe the displays, ask  questions of the students and rate the  projects. The judges have the  opportunity to enjoy student creativity,  innovation and conversation. If you would  like to be a Senior Design Show Judge  contact Paula Beck,  612-624-2284.

 

ECE Classroom Speaking
Every semester, ECE invites electrical and computer engineers working in industry into the
classroom to talk about what it is like to be a "real" engineer. Students enjoy the perspective
that only people working in the field can provide to the theory-laden world of the classroom.
If you are interested in sharing your excitement of being an electrical or computer engineer
while communicating the role classroom theory plays in being an engineer, please
contact Kyle Dukart, 612-624-2284. 

 

  

Opportunities for Support      

We appreciate your support of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.