Technical Assistance Program links faculty expertise, industry innovation

From: Continuing and Professional Education

When businesses face technical challenges that require specialized expertise, they don’t have to look far. Virginia Tech’s Technical Assistance Program connects companies with university researchers who can validate technologies, improve processes, and solve complex problems.

The university’s land-grant mission extends beyond the classroom to serve our communities and drive innovation. TAP embodies this by creating pathways for faculty members to apply their expertise to pressing business challenges. This university-sponsored consulting initiative transforms academic knowledge into practical solutions while strengthening Virginia Tech’s position as a catalyst for economic development.

“The Technical Assistance Program serves as a vital bridge between Virginia Tech and industry,” says Shelly Jobst, director of Continuing and Professional Education, which administers the program. “Beyond just solving technical challenges, we’re creating a robust ecosystem of engagement that transfers knowledge to external organizations, enriches faculty expertise through real-world application, generates new revenue streams for the university, and supports regional economic growth. Importantly, these partnerships often create valuable learning opportunities for our students, connecting them with practical problems and solutions that enhance their educational experience.”

TAP basics

The program bridges the gap between Virginia Tech’s world-class expertise and business innovation:

• Projects capped at $50,000.
• Short-duration engagements.
• Focus on applying existing knowledge to specific challenges.
• No new intellectual property generation.
• Managed by Continuing and Professional Education, part of Outreach and International Affairs.

Opportunities for faculty

TAP offers faculty members a unique platform to:

• Collaborate directly with companies to define project scope.
• Expand their professional impact beyond academia.
• Build relationships that can lead to future research collaborations.
• Support regional economic development.

Benefits for business

• Direct collaboration with Virginia Tech experts.
• Quick turnaround on technical needs.
• Cost-effective solutions.
• Simplified contractual and financial processes.

The bottom line

TAP represents a strategic opportunity for faculty members to extend their impact while advancing Virginia Tech’s commitment to service and innovation. Through focused, short-term engagements, the program builds bridges between academic expertise and industry needs, creating value for our faculty, our partners, and our communities.

Ready to contribute your expertise? Contact Alyssa McKenney to explore how TAP can amplify your impact.