One need look no further than the laboratory of this issue’s featured innovator, Dr. James Crowe, to demonstrate the benefits to academic laboratories developing strong research and licensing relationships with industry partners. With the support of CTTC and other administrative units on campus, the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center has developed a number of partnerships with companies that provide support for its mission to advance therapies for public benefit. Vanderbilt recognizes the opportunities that exist for deeper engagement with industry, and a strategic goal for CTTC in FY18 is to make greater contributions to developing large scale industry collaborations.