Research Partnerships

• Western Polymers and Coatings Program: This new and thriving program is the result of a long-term relationship between Cal Poly and the paint and coatings industry and was founded through industry financial support. Through the Arthur C. Edwards Endowed Chair for Coatings, Technology and Ecology, support for research fellowships, an equipment endowment and other financial and in-kind support, the program carries out state-of-the art applied research, trains students for industry jobs, and has pioneered an innovative master’s program directed toward working professionals in the coatings industry.

• Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL): Opened in 1999, the ATL represents a partnership between Cal Poly, the government and several private companies, such as Northrop Grumman and Litton. The ATL consists of six interdisciplinary, government- and industry-sponsored labs that enable engineering and computer science students and faculty to undertake a variety of hands-on applied research projects in areas ranging from transportation, bioengineering and mechatronics to geotechnical and aerospace engineering. The partnership used NSF and government funding to build and equip this unique facility.

• Graphic Communication Institute (GrCI): This recently established center of excellence evolved from decades of providing technical support and training for the printing, publishing, and imaging industry. Industry advisors played a key role in encouraging and providing financial support for its creation. Today, the GrCI promotes the study of graphic communication technology and management, and participates in education, research, testing, and product evaluations through interrelated programs, seminars and workshops involving faculty, students and experts from the profession.

• Dairy Products Technology Center (DPTC): Funded by the dairy industry, the DPTC works to support the maintenance, growth and continued economic health of the industry through instructional courses, R&D and technology transfer.

• E&J Gallo Partnership: Cal Poly and E&J Gallo Winery have established a state-of-the-art, commercial-scale vineyard on 150 acres of Cal Poly land as a real-world laboratory for teaching, learning and applied research.