Message from the Associate VP for Economic Development
Auburn plays a unique and very significant role in our state’s economic landscape. As a land-grant university, economic development is in our DNA. It’s what makes communities prosper and citizens thrive. We continue to be an economic driver for our state because of our commitment to excellence, our students who engage, influence and lead, research that delivers real-world benefits and our community engagement that serves the social good.
Auburn’s mission and 2035 Strategic Plan, Grounded & Groundbreaking, provides the foundation for our research and economic development efforts. Goal #4, Catalytic Engagement, outlines our commitment regarding economic development. We aim to build synergistic partnerships where Auburn’s strengths contribute to and are complemented by strategically selected industries, organizations, research centers and institutes, universities and governmental and non-governmental entities.
Meet Steve Pelham, Associate Vice President for Economic Development
Economic Development Resources
The Intellectual Property (IP) Exchange links Auburn research to the commercial marketplace. The IP Exchange Team manages patent, copyright and trademark processes, evaluates intellectual property disclosures and helps to market and license Auburn innovations and technologies.
Learn about the economic impact of Auburn Research with Auburn Outreach's Auburn Across Alabama, which tracks and spotlights research programs throughout the state.
The Office of External Engagement and Support facilitates relationships between Auburn Research and private and public sector partners, as well as philanthropic organizations. Through activities such as facilitating campus visits for these partners, managing the Research Advisory Board and promoting entrepreneurial research activities, the EES office supports the economic growth of the university and the economy of Alabama.
Pivot is a subscription database of more than 25,000 funding opportunities across all disciplines, including many funders interested in business development projects. Overseen by the Office of Proposal Services and Faculty Support, Pivot can help you connect with sponsors and fund your research or creative scholarship.
Economic Development Sites
Auburn University also sponsors several off-campus facilities dedicated to research and related economic opportunities.
Located in Huntsville, the Research and Innovation Campus is home to labs and work areas for on-site research as well as venues for meetings, conferences and other development events intended to facilitate collaboration and supply partners with talented research students in fields like Defense, Aerospace, and Biotech.
Overseen by the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation, The Park combines business and research environments to foster creativity and innovation and spur technology-based economic development.
Auburn's New Venture Accelerator is home to a team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who use their real-world experience to counsel and mentor Auburn students and faculty as well as the local community, all in an effort to advance new and growing businesses.
