Driving Innovation, Industry Collaboration, and Economic Development in Idaho
Blue Turf Thinking connects Idaho businesses and communities with the talent, tools, and technology needed to thrive. From student creativity and faculty expertise to state-of-the-art research facilities, we support industry leaders, startups, and public agencies in creating partnerships that turn ideas into real-world impact. Whether you’re collaborating on research, engaging emerging talent, or leveraging cutting-edge labs and data resources, we’re here to connect you with opportunities that drive mutual success.
The Junction is a university-wide effort to strengthen Boise State’s capacity for business innovation, research translation, and venture creation. We provide the resources, expertise, and connections needed to turn an idea into a successful venture.
Powering Idaho’s Economy Through Collaborative Innovation
Partner with the Division of Research and Economic Development to access faculty, staff, students, and licensable technologies that support your business needs.
As Idaho’s largest public university and an R2 doctoral research institution (high research activity), we offer about 200 programs of study, including 14 doctoral programs, across seven academic colleges  with interdisciplinary research and creative activities focused on solving Grand Challenges.
Enhanced Intellectual Property Rights
We provide sponsors with flexible and transparent intellectual property licensing and ownership options with no hidden fees.
Commercial Insurance & Indemnity Options
In addition to our standard self-insurance, we provide sponsors with commercial insurance and indemnity options to manage risk related the Boise State University’s performance of sponsored projects.
Flexible Information Security Standards
We recognize that the security of sponsors’ data and systems is critically important. That’s why we provide sponsors with flexible and clearly identified information security standards.
Ready to get started?
We’re excited to meet you. Please reach out and we’ll help you find the right path to your goals.
As you read this page and speak with our division support team, you’ll see our commitment to delivering value in unexpected ways. When you succeed, we do too!
Contact the division support teamIndustry-Sponsored Research Templates and Processes
Industry Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement
The following Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement was designed for efficiency and consistency with our Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement, and with industry sponsors’ needs in mind. To enter into this agreement with Boise State University, please email the support team.
Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement
The following Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement templates are used by Boise State University to contract with industry sponsors for their research and creative activity needs. The terms and conditions are consistent with our Industry Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement and were collaboratively developed with businesses to address some of industry sponsors’ primary concerns, including intellectual property licensing and ownership, confidentiality, information security, insurance, indemnity, and publication. We would appreciate an opportunity to share details about these unique agreements. Please contact our support team to schedule a Zoom or in-person conversation.
- Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement: Cost-Reimbursement (9-8-2023)
- Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement: Fixed-Price (9-18-2023)
Blue Turf Thinking is pervasive in everything we do, and by connecting innovation, talent, and industry, we help Idaho’s businesses and communities access the people, tools, and technology they need to thrive. The university’s strengths — from student creativity and faculty expertise to state-of-the-art research facilities — create a powerful engine for solving complex challenges and driving regional growth.
Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement Intellectual Property Terms Upfront Commercial Licenses
The following document sets forth the upfront commercial intellectual property licenses outlined in Paragraph G, Intellectual Property, of the Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement. We would appreciate an opportunity to share details about these innovative intellectual property licenses. Please contact our support team to schedule a Zoom or in-person conversation.
- Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement Intellectual Property Terms Upfront Commercial Licenses (9-8-2023)
- Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement Intellectual Property Terms Upfront Commercial Licenses (5-31-2023)
- Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement Intellectual Property Terms Upfront Commercial Licenses (3-21-2022)
Agreement Negotiation, Acceptance, and Administration Steps
Sponsoring a project at Boise State University is easy. The steps include:
- Developing a Scope of Work with the university’s Principal Investigator (i.e., faculty member) under an Industry Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement if necessary;
- Negotiating a mutually acceptable Industry-Sponsored Research Agreement using the provided templates;
- Obtaining any necessary institutional approvals; and
- Performing the work.
If you’re interested, more detailed engagement steps are available. Please reach out to our DRED support team with any questions.