Millersville University encourages economic development and entrepreneurial endeavors. An affiliation between the University and Illuminex allows the company to lease University facilities and allows Millersville University students and faculty the opportunity to participate in real world research outside the classroom. It also gives University students and faculty members the opportunity to collaborate with Illuminex scientists on cutting edge nanotechnology research. Faculty members are able to share their expertise with the president of Illuminex, Dr. Youssef (Joe) Habib and his partner John Bryan, senior engineer.

Millersville University faculty participated in a Keystone Innovation Zone Seed/Assistance Funding for Research or Commercial Partnering Activities program during 2006. The program funded partnership opportunities between faculty and regional businesses in the development of new products or initiatives. Six applications were submitted and four received Department of Community and Economic Development funding. Partner companies included Illuminex Corporation, Verefi Technologies, Mission Research, and EmPower Partners.