Blog Articles

Driving University-Industry Partnerships Through Improved Access to Research Assets

Cross-sector collaboration depends on access to labs, equipment, and facilities, yet these assets often stay hidden behind complexity. Learn how GRAVL envisions a digital marketplace that makes research infrastructure visible and accessible.

Core Facilities
External Clients
Revenue Growth

3 minute read

8/12/2025

GRAVL Team

Driving University-Industry Partnerships Through Improved Access to Research Assets

An APLU report shines a light on a crucial truth: cross-sector research collaboration is the linchpin of our national innovation ecosystem. Yet, despite our impressive national network of supercomputers and scientific infrastructure, a glaring gap persists in accessibility to the very tools that drive this collaborative spirit – unique research assets like labs, equipment, and testing facilities.

Cross-sector research collaboration is viewed as one of the most important elements of a national innovation system.

This lack of a streamlined system can feel like driving innovation with square wheels. While traditional channels offer access to these resources within individual institutions, they often remain hidden behind layers of complexity, hindering industry partners eager to leverage their potential.

The solution lies in redefining how we approach access. It's not just about physical proximity; it's about creating a dynamic, digital marketplace where the industry can seamlessly discover and utilize research assets across the entire university landscape. 

Imagine a platform that empowers industry partners to:

  • Easily search and identify the perfect equipment for their needs, all in one centralized location.
  • Book time on these assets with ease and transparency, eliminating the red tape of traditional channels.
  • Gain access to valuable data generated by these tools, propelling cross-disciplinary collaboration to new heights.

We lack access to unique research assets such as labs, equipment, and testing facilities that reduce the cost of research to industry.

This vision requires a paradigm shift, moving beyond the limitations of siloed systems and embracing a collaborative, data-driven approach. By leveraging existing technologies and forging partnerships, we can unlock the immense potential of our research assets and ignite a new era of innovation.

This isn't just about streamlining industry partnerships; it's about empowering universities to maximize the impact of their resources. By facilitating internal data sharing and collaboration across departmental boundaries, universities can unlock knowledge silos and accelerate their research endeavors.

A close-up of a questionAI-generated content may be incorrect.

The challenges of misaligned goals and incentives often cited as barriers to university-industry partnerships pale in comparison to the opportunities presented by a reimagined, accessible research landscape. By prioritizing seamless access, both universities and industry stand to gain, fostering a mutually beneficial environment that fuels groundbreaking discoveries and transformative collaborations.

The future of innovation beckons, and it hinges on our ability to break down these access barriers and embrace a connected, agile ecosystem. Let's work together to build the bridge between academia and industry, paving the way for a brighter future powered by cutting-edge research and collaborative spirit.

At Gravl we believe that every life ever saved started with research.

Other Resources
Blog Articles
How to Launch New Core Services in 10 Minutes

Launching new core services is often slowed down by emails, web updates, and forms but GRAVL makes it instant. With configurable forms, tiered pricing, media uploads, and built-in publishing, you can list a new service and make it requestable in under 10 minutes.

Cost Recovery

Core Facilities

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Real-Time Order Management Without the Spreadsheets

Learn how GRAVL replaces spreadsheets and email chains with a centralized dashboard for real-time order tracking, PO approvals, and results delivery, giving core facilities clearer oversight and faster workflows.

Core Facilities

Order Management

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Beyond Campus: Making Your Core Services Accessible to Biotech Partners

Discover how academic cores can attract biotech clients by improving visibility, streamlining submissions, and offering flexible payments, small changes that expand reach beyond campus and strengthen sustainability

Core Facilities

Revenue Growth

External Clients

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
$108B and Counting: Why Universities Need a Storefront Strategy Now

Research spending is at an all-time high, yet many core services remain buried in outdated systems. Learn how GRAVL creates a modern storefront that makes research infrastructure visible, accessible, and sustainable.

Core Facilities

Cost Recovery

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
How Core Facilities Can Convert Indirect Costs Into Billable Direct Costs

Shrinking overhead reimbursements are forcing cores to rethink funding. Learn how reclassifying expenses into direct, billable costs with GRAVL creates predictable budgets, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Core Facilities

Cost Recovery

ROI

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Core Consolidation Without Chaos: A Data-Driven Path Forward

As core consolidation accelerates, many institutions still lack the data and tools to guide decisions. See how GRAVL enables a unified, data-driven view that streamlines operations without adding chaos.

Core Facilities

Cost Recovery

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Your Genome Center Isn’t Stuck, It’s Just Mid-Evolution

Genome centers have world-class science but outdated external access. GRAVL adds a modern storefront layer transparent, auditable, and fast without overhauling existing systems.

Core Facilities

ROI

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Every Life Ever Saved Started with Basic Research

Basic research saves lives, but universities still keep their most valuable tools locked in silos. It’s time to build the infrastructure that makes scientific resources as accessible as cloud computing.

Core Facilities

Cost Recovery

ROI

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
Revolutionizing University Revenue Streams for the Modern Era

Universities face growing financial pressure, and CFOs are looking beyond tuition. Digital platforms that unlock core facility revenue can drive efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Cost Recovery

Core Facilities

ROI

Read More
Read More
Blog Articles
3 Reasons Why Your University’s Website Is Hurting Your Reputation

University websites showcase research facilities but block real access. To attract talent, partners, and revenue, institutions need modern commerce-style platforms, not dead-end links.

Core Facilities

ROI

Revenue Growth

Read More
Read More

Ready to see GRAVL in action?

Discover how GRAVL helps you boost visibility, reduce admin work, and capture new revenue streams.