Q: What is the typical Process for starting and completing a project?
A: Every project is custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the client. We begin with a collaborative brainstorming session to understand the challenge and define a scope that is achievable within the academic timeline. A detailed project charter is then developed, outlining technical requirements, communication expectations, milestones, and deliverables. Following the charter, contracts and NDAs are executed. We then build a team with the right competencies, drawing from our top-tier students. Once assembled, the team has one academic semester to complete the project, guided closely by a dedicated project manager and a technical faculty advisor. A formal mid-semester check-in allows for client feedback and course correction. The project concludes with a final presentation and delivery of all agreed-upon outcomes.

Q: How are projects scoped and managed?
A: Each project is governed by a project charter developed collaboratively with the client and the technical faculty advisor. This charter outlines the problem, scope, timeline, and required skill sets. A student team is assigned and supported throughout the semester by a project manager and faculty advisor to ensure project momentum and technical excellence. Regular meetings and status updates keep the project aligned with client expectations.

How are proprietary and confidential projects accommodated?
A: We take confidentiality and intellectual property very seriously. All intellectual property remains the property of the client. University-wide NDAs are executed with the client, and each participating student signs an individual agreement acknowledging that their work product is owned by the client. This structure ensures peace of mind when working with sensitive or proprietary data.

Q: What level of involvement is expected from the client?
A: Client collaboration is essential to project success. At a minimum, we ask clients to participate in the project scoping phase, attend a formal midpoint check-in, and be present for the final presentation. Some projects may benefit from more frequent client interaction, particularly if iterative feedback is important. Your level of involvement can be tailored based on the needs of the project and your availability.

Q: What are the costs associated with your services?
A: Project costs are based on the estimated labor required, calculated at an hourly rate with a mutually agreed-upon maximum number of hours. This ensures cost transparency and protects against scope creep. Each project also includes a flat overhead fee to cover faculty oversight, use of university resources, and administrative support. We’re happy to provide a detailed quote once your project scope is defined.

Q: Do you require formal agreements or contracts before beginning a project?
A: Yes. To protect all parties involved, we execute a formal service agreement prior to starting any work. This agreement outlines confidentiality expectations, roles and responsibilities, and affirms that all intellectual property developed through the collaboration remains with the client. This is not a detailed project plan, but an agreement to work collaboratively.

Q: Who owns the intellectual property (IP) resulting from a collaboration?
A: All intellectual property and work product generated during the project are retained by the client. We understand that IP protection is a critical component of our partnership, and we have clear protocols in place to safeguard your interests. If you have specific concerns or unique IP considerations, we welcome the opportunity to discuss them with you.

Q: What are your average timelines for various types of projects?
A: Most projects are scoped to be completed within a single academic semester (typically 12–14 weeks). However, timelines may vary based on complexity, scope, and client needs. In some cases, projects evolve into multi-semester engagements, with continuity maintained through returning team members or project documentation. If a project encounters unforeseen challenges, or if extended research or development is needed, we will communicate early and often to recalibrate expectations and revise the project charter accordingly.

Q: What kind of deliverables or outcomes should I expect?
A: Deliverables are defined in the initial project charter and are tailored to the client’s goals and technical needs. Each engagement is unique, and we work closely with clients to ensure deliverables align with expectations and add value. Outcomes may include:

• Technical reports or research summaries
• Working prototypes or models
• Data analysis or dashboards
• Strategic recommendations or roadmaps
• Pitch decks or presentations

Q: Can the VIH help with go-to-market strategies:
A: Yes. The Veterinary Innovation Hub offers expertise in market research and can support go-to-market strategy development. We draw on a rich network of campus partners—spanning data science, business, and veterinary medicine—to generate insights on customer segments, market demand, competitive analysis, and more. Whether you’re launching a new product or exploring commercial potential, we can help guide your next steps.

Q: How do you evaluate whether a project is a good fit for the Innovation Hub?
A: We look for projects that align with our mission to advance animal health through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application. A good fit typically includes:

• A clearly defined problem with practical or research value
• Scope that matches our semester-based timeline
• Opportunities for student engagement with real impact
• A need for technical, analytical, or strategic problem-solving

If you’re unsure whether your project fits, we welcome exploratory conversations—we’re happy to help assess fit and suggest a path forward.

Q: Are there opportunities for long-term collaboration?
A: Absolutely. We believe that impactful partnerships grow over multiple semesters. We can build continuity into our teams, carry forward project knowledge, and expand scope over time.

Q: Do you work with both startups and established companies?
A: Yes. We partner with organizations of all sizes—from early-stage startups to global companies. Our flexible approach allows us to tailor teams and scope to meet your needs, whether you’re testing a concept, scaling a solution, or exploring new research directions. Startups benefit from affordable, high-quality innovation support, while established companies leverage fresh thinking and cutting-edge academic expertise.