Mississippi State University is working for Mississippi, for the nation, and for the world— and we are ready to work with you. MSU research and economic development initiatives are focused on creating jobs, enhancing quality of life, and providing real world opportunities for our students and alumni, who are the next generation of innovators, inventors, and leaders.
For decades, we have worked closely with local, state, and federal officials to help recruit industries and domestic and international investments to our state. We've built partnerships between the university, economic development organizations, and businesses to create high-wage jobs and to leverage our innovative research activities.
MSU will continue to play an important role as our nation's economy continues to grow — in large part because of our faculty’s preeminence in critical research focus areas like cybersecurity and advanced computing, unmanned aircraft and aerospace, agriculture and natural resources, engineering and materials science, and automotive and mobility systems.
For more information, contact Associate Vice President for Corporate Engagement and Economic Development Jim Martin to learn more about Mississippi State's capabilities, capacity, and services for business and industry.
MSU Centers and Institutes
Much of MSU’s economic development activity is housed in centers and institutes. Learn more about the capabilities housed in centers and institutes.
Thad Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park
The MSU-led Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, Mississippi’s oldest and largest research park, is home to more than1700 employees and a diverse lineup of tenants, including private businesses, start-up companies, government offices, and research centers and institutes, all located in 12 buildings adjacent to campus in downtown Starkville.
Thad Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park Site
MSU Research and Technology Corporation
The Mississippi State University Research & Technology Corporation (RTC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit is organized to promote, develop and administer enterprises arising from research or technological innovations in order to take advantage of opportunities of scientific, educational and economic development.
MSU Research and Technology Corporation Information
ASSURE Research and Development Corporation
The Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE), which is the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence led by MSU and comprised of twenty-three of the world’s leading research institutions. This research will open up commercial opportunities that will safely integrate autonomy and AI in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems industry.
ASSURE Research and Development Corporation
Center for Entrepreneurship & Outreach
MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Outreach strives to help students, faculty, and staff at Mississippi State University start and grow successful companies. Through these efforts, we aggressively seek to unify, grow and foster culture of entrepreneurship at MSU and the local community.
Center for Entrepreneurship & Outreach
Raspet Flight Research Laboratory
A member of the ASSURE Alliance, MSU’s own Raspet Flight Research Laboratory advances modern concepts in experimental aviation through the research, development, testing and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) using advanced technologies. Raspet also leads the Department of Homeland Security’s Systems Demonstration Range Facility for UAS.
Raspet Flight Research Laboratory
Office of Technology Management
The Office of Technology Management (OTM) works to assess, protect, and manage the intellectual property (IP) developed by MSU faculty, staff, and students. Learn about available technologies, industry partnerships, and how we support entrepreneurship.
Office of Technology Management
Inventor’s Guide
The Inventor’s Guide to Tech Transfer outlines the essential elements of tech transfer at Mississippi State.
Research Impact
Mississippi State University’s research and economic developments efforts drive innovation and create new opportunities. Learn more about the impact of research at MSU.