Delft University of Technology generates between 15 to 20 per cent of the total income from contract work with the private sector which is above average on the European continent. This paper describes the different ways of Delft University to work with the corporate sector such as contractual research and working in consortia. It then pictures how it makes use of its extensive on-campus research facilities for partners from industry, and shows a range of services that are offered to third parties. The article concludes with a glance at success factors and pitfalls in working with the corporate sector.