The Applied Research division of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers multiple pathways to collaboration and partnership. These service options allow groups and companies to develop new ag biotech solutions, expand into controlled environment agriculture (CEA), explore the power of plant-microbe interactions and more.
From material transfers to intellectual property co-development and academic partnerships, we help innovators advance science-backed solutions with our unique combination of expertise, infrastructure and flexibility. Companies can also commission contract research projects or services and rent lab, greenhouse or office space on our campus.
Collaboration opportunities are available through five primary models.
Master Transfer Agreements
Companies interested in testing IALR’s proprietary plant endophytes—beneficial bacteria that live inside plants and offer biostimulant and biocontrol benefits like growth promotion or disease resistance—can access them through a Material Transfer Agreement.
This agreement enables biotech testing and evaluation while clearly defining ownership rights:
- Endophyte materials remain the property of IALR
- Companies may not sell or profit from IALR-provided materials
- All resulting data or outcomes are shared with IALR
Our Plant Endophyte Research Center houses advanced microbial research capabilities and supports material transfers with appropriate documentation, tracking and support.
Master Service Agreements
IALR offers contract research services supported by an MSA framework, which protects both parties’ interests and intellectual property. Under this model, companies can engage our scientists and facilities to:
- Execute experimental designs
- Conduct analytical testing
- Operate fermentation or CEA trials
- Generate validated data packages
Our team brings experience in microbiology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and advanced plant monitoring and imaging techniques, backed by specialized equipment and controlled environments. This model is ideal for companies looking to outsource R&D while retaining complete IP protection and confidentiality.
Licensing Agreements
Companies looking to incorporate IALR’s endophytes into their own commercial products can do so through exclusive or non-exclusive licensing agreements. This is especially well-suited to ag biotech and biostimulant companies seeking access to proven biological assets with a track record of performance.
Licenses are customized to fit your commercialization goals and can be bundled with access to our team and facilities for validation and scale-up.
Intellectual Property Co-Development
For companies entering a new sector, such as a chemical or life sciences company expanding into agriculture, IALR offers co-development partnerships to help bring products to life in new markets.
We work side-by-side with partners to:
- Adapt existing technologies for agricultural or plant-based use
- Develop entirely new formulations or delivery methods
- Validate performance using CEA trials
Partnerships can include shared IP ownership, clearly defined revenue-sharing models and access to our Plant Endophyte Research Center, fermentation capabilities and greenhouse/indoor growing spaces.
Academic Partnerships
IALR actively collaborates with academic institutions through joint research publications and grant proposals. These partnerships allow us to pool expertise, infrastructure and funding to accelerate innovation.
We’ve co-developed and executed successful projects with partners like:
- Cornell University
- University of Georgia
- Virginia Tech
Our resources—including SMART Platforms for full-cycle plant imaging, an analytical chemistry laboratory and CEA space—complement university strengths and create meaningful translational outcomes.
A Place for Innovation
All partnership types are supported by IALR’s collaborative campus environment, which includes:
- The Plant Endophyte Research Center and CEA Innovation Center (the latter being a partnership with Virginia Tech)
- Full-service microbiology and fermentation labs
- Advanced robotic imaging and phenotyping systems
- Dedicated space rentals for lab benches, private labs, greenhouses and office space
- On-site researchers and contract service options to extend your R&D capacity
