Uber Technologies, the controversial app-based ridesharing service, is launching a partnership with a major university focused on developing new autonomous driving technology.

Uber disclosed the news Feb. 2 on its blog. It will partner with Carnegie Mellon University to create the Uber Advanced Technologies Center in Pittsburgh, to be located near the CMU Campus.

As envisioned, Uber researchers will work with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff and students, both at the university and the National Robotics Engineering Center, to research and develop technologies focused on mapping, vehicle safety and driverless, or “autonomous” technology.

The partnership calls for Uber to fund both faculty chairs and graduate fellowships as part of the effort, according to the announcement.

Uber, meanwhile may soon face some major competition from Google – one of its biggest investors. Bloomberg reports that Google is gearing up to start offering its own ridesharing service, likely in connection with its driverless car project.

Source: Uber