EP³ FAQs
Q: What is the timeline for partnering on a project?
A: Projects begin at the start of the fall semester (late August/early September) and
conclude in May, or in the spring semester (late January/early February) and conclude
in December. Partners are encouraged to engage by early summer for scoping discussions.
We are currently seeking EP3 partner projects to begin next January, 2026.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a partner?
A: Provide a point of contact who can offer timely guidance, data, and access. Participation
in kickoff, mid-year, and final reviews is encouraged.
Q: What if our company does not already have a specific project defined?
A: That is very common. EP³ offers a curated project option for organizations that prefer
guidance in shaping an appropriate academic project. In this model, your organization
makes a project sponsorship commitment and meets with EP³ staff and faculty to discuss
your technologies, interests, and current areas of focus. Based on that discussion,
faculty will propose one or more two-semester Senior Design or Master’s project concepts
aligned with your organization, which you may review and approve before the project
is scheduled.
Q: Will I need to sign any contracts or agreements?
A: An MOU will be presented for your signature. Contributions are handled as tax-deductible
unrestricted gifts through the Tower Foundation.
Q: What about project related NDA’s? Is it possible for students to sign NDA’s?
A: Yes. If a company requires confidentiality for a project, an NDA may be signed directly
between the student and the company. However, the NDA may not restrict the student’s
ability to present, report, or describe their project to instructors or classmates
as required for course completion, as long as any confidential information is removed
or redacted.
If a company requests that a faculty member or the university be bound by an NDA or
be given access to company confidential information, that request should be directed
to the SJSU Research Foundation. These situations typically involve faculty expertise
or university resources, and the Research Foundation is the entity authorized to review
and sign such agreements on behalf of the university.
Note: students employed by the company at the beginning of the project period may have
completed an NDA at the start of employment.
Q: What are the minimum gift levels for each type of project?
A: Suggested Gift Ranges:
As a general guide, we recommend that gifts be proportional to the direct costs of
the project — such as materials, software, prototyping supplies, testing services,
specialized tools, or travel.
Senior Design Projects
Typical gift range: $2,500 to $10,000 per project
These gifts are generally twice the anticipated direct expenses and help ensure a
well-resourced team.
Master’s-Level Projects
Typical gift range: $5,000 to $25,000 per project
These projects involve advanced students, in-depth technical challenges, and longer
engagement — and are typically supported at 3x the expected costs.
All contributions are received as tax-deductible educational gifts through the SJSU
Tower Foundation.
Q: How are student teams formed?
A: Senior design teams are composed of 3–5 students selected based on project interest
and skill alignment. At the beginning of the semester, Sr. Design course students
rank all projects that they are interested in working on. The faculty then forms the
student teams using the rankings. MS projects are conducted individually.
Partners are encouraged to complete their funding commitment prior to the beginning of the semester when their project will start. Teams for funded projects can be assigned before other project teams.
Q: Can I define the project topic or goal?
A: Yes. Partners may work with faculty to define a company-specific project or may support
a faculty-proposed project aligned with departmental priorities.
Q: Can the sponsor own any IP that results from the project?
A: Yes. If a sponsoring company wishes to own or license IP resulting from a student
project, this must be arranged directly between the company and the student through
an appropriate IP agreement before the project begins.
Under CSU policy, students generally own the intellectual property (IP) they create
in the course of their academic work, unless a separate agreement specifies otherwise
or significant university resources are used.
If a project involves substantial use of university resources or faculty intellectual
contribution, or if a company seeks university involvement in IP terms, the SJSU Research
Foundation can review the situation on a case-by-case basis to help determine the
appropriate path forward.
Note: any student employed by the company at the beginning of the project period will be
expected to sign the same IP assignment agreement as their teammates when the project
begins.
Q: Can I visit campus or meet my student team?
A: Absolutely. Partners are welcome (and encouraged) to meet with students in person
or virtually and to attend the final project showcase.
Q: How are the funds used?
A: Donors can determine this split when pledging the gift. Typically these gifts would
be split with 90% allocated to the academic department overseeing the project, 5%
directed to the College of Engineering and 5% allocated for administering the funds.
This supports project execution, faculty coordination, and infrastructure - all within
university gift stewardship policies.
Further questions? Contact Dr. Freund, the EP³ Program Coordinator at:
Louis.Freund@sjsu.edu .
