Economic Development

At Ohio State, we develop new technologies that create jobs and help businesses stimulate the economy. From the College of Engineering’s early days, education and industry partnerships have guided student instruction and faculty research. Today, the situation is no different—more than a century of experience provides lessons that the college applies to define success in such collaborations.

In fact, Ohio State is ranked second in the nation among all universities and colleges in industry-financed research expenditures, with nearly half of that research conducted in the College of Engineering. And we’re constantly searching for new and better ways to partner with industries from within Ohio and around the world. Join us!

Since 2005, more than 275 individual companies have invested in research in the College of Engineering. Of this number, the top 25 companies in this group invested at least $470k, and more than 140 companies invested at least $50k. The maximum amount invested by a single company--a multinational company based in Ohio--exceeds $4 million.

Industry Partnerships

Ohio State College of Engineering researchers have helped Honda of America Manufacturing reduce lost work-time-related injuries by more than 80%, and seven major improvements on the 2008 Honda Accord emanated from the Honda-Ohio State collaboration. Ohio State researchers have worked with Honda to develop the intelligent paint booth, a control system that reduces by 25 percent the energy consumption in conditioning the air in paint booths, which consume more energy in an automotive production plant than any other production system.

More than 112 engineers with Ohio State degrees are employeed by Honda Research of America (HRA). Each year, more than 55 Ohio State student co-ops work for Honda.

Industry + Research

The Ohio State College of Engineering is one of three founding members of GE Aviation's University Strategic Alliance Program and its most important university strategic partner. Our researchers have made improvements in fan rub dynamics and turbine heat transfer that have contributed to improved efficiency performance and CO2 emissions for future GEA engines. The first engines with this improved technology will power the new Boeing 787.

Since 2000, more than 135 GE engineers have received their graduate degrees (MS and PhDs) from Ohio State.

Research Excellence

Total research awards at Ohio State for FY 2007 exceeded $589 million—6.6% increase over FY 2006
Ohio State ranks 8th in the country among public universities for research and development expenditures (NSF)
Ohio State ranks 6th in the country for industry-financed research; 60% of industry funding awarded for engineering research (NSF)
In FY 2006, College of Engineering was awarded $129 million in research funding
Ohio State ranks 12th among public universities in total private support—$225 million for FY 2006; College of Engineering and Knowlton School of Architecture private support exceeded $30 million, more than 13% of Ohio State’s total gifts
11 National Academy of Engineering members
20 student project teams offer a wide variety of hands-on engineering and research experience for students
Buckeye Bullet 2 student project team’s hydrogen fuel cell powered streamliner racer registered 223mph during the 2007 World Finals—highest speed ever recorded for any vehicle fueled by hydrogen and/or fuel cells

Research Innovation

Materials Research Center A new $10.8 million interdisciplinary research center at Ohio State University will study and develop materials for tomorrow’s electronics.
Many Hands The college’s partnerships with businesses make light work of improving education and industry.
Full Circle Engineering grads return to their alma mater to recruit new employees.
Rescuing the Rescue Workers One College of Engineering professor is part of an interdisciplinary team focused on finding ergonomic solutions for emergency workers.