Industry Engagement

Working Together Globally and Beyond

Our department works closely with industry stakeholders to create a hands-on educational experience for our students and to develop collaborative research innovations with our faculty and graduate students.

Industry friends can engage with us in several ways, ranging from standard research agreements with our faculty to sponsoring undergraduate Senior Capstone Design projects and hosting on-campus events.

Ways to Get Involved

Collaborate on Aerospace Research Through POLARIS

The Program in Optimization & Learning for Aerospace, Robotic, and Information Systems (POLARIS) connects industry partners with ASE/EM faculty and students to advance research in autonomy, learning and optimization for aerospace and related systems.

As an Industrial Affiliates Program, POLARIS provides a formal mechanism for industry partners to engage in research planning, technical assessment, workforce development and strategic growth. Affiliates gain opportunities to connect with faculty expertise, explore emerging technologies, engage with graduate student talent and help shape future research directions.

• Autonomy and Decision-Making for Aerospace Systems
• Distributed Optimization and Multi-Vehicle Coordination
• Digital Twins
• Centralized and Federated Learning
• Attrition Resilience
• Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Architectures
• Long-Duration Mission Operations
• Standards Development
• Advanced Mobility Systems

Interested in becoming a POLARIS industry affiliate? Contact our team to learn more about research collaboration opportunities.

Sponsor a Senior Capstone Design Project

Sponsors can help shape the educational experience of aerospace and computational engineers by influencing the scope of work for their Senior Capstone Design project and offering hands-on mentorship. Sponsorship is a strategic investment in workforce development, giving students the opportunity to solve pressing real-world engineering challenges as undergraduates and enter the industry as leaders.

Join us for Industry Open House or Lobby Days

ASE/EM Industry Open House is an intimate networking event for students and industry to connect. The event takes place in the Aerospace Engineering Building on The University of Texas at Austin campus.

Lobby Days give your organization an exclusive presence in the Aerospace Engineering Building on The University of Texas at Austin campus.

Host a Student Social

Take ownership of your on-campus experience and host an event tailored to your company’s engagement needs and personal brand. Create an opportunity for informal engagement with our students.

Bundled Packages

The bundled package is intended to create a runway for a deeper connection with the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.

The bundled package includes: 

• Senior Capstone Design Project Sponsorship (also available a la carte)  
• Industry Open House Booth (fall semester only, also available a la carte) 
• Lobby Days (spring semester only, also available a la carte) 
• Student Socials