Electronic research administration made easy
OneRamp is a single portal that gives you easy access to all your research administration functions and inspires confidence that you’re meeting federal, state, local and institutional requirements.
Built by research administrators,
for research administrators
Thinking differently
Recognizing the limitations of outdated, paper-based processes, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) saw a need for a better way to manage research administration. Off-the-shelf solutions were too rigid and expensive. The university made the bold decision to build a system from the ground up.
Discovering our composer
Tim Savage, a web developer with a background in classical music, was hired to lead the effort. He immersed himself in research administration—reading, observing, and collaborating with staff. From this, NUgrant (now OneRamp) was born.
Hello world!
The first module, supporting pre-award processes, went live to enthusiastic reviews. Encouraged by its success, research administrators began envisioning new ways to expand the system.
Finding a rhythm
As momentum built, new features followed. The Conflict of Interest module was developed and launched, setting the pace for future growth.
A new instrument
To meet the growing needs of various research units, we developed a powerful internal tool: “EZforms.” This gave us the flexibility to support diverse processes while maintaining a consistent foundation. The success of this tool planted the idea of turning the platform into a broader product.
Building to a crescendo
Multiple modules were added—IRB, IACUC, IBC, Internal Competitions, and more. Each addition added complexity and harmony, pushing the system to new heights.
A Company is Born
With growing interest from other institutions, we took steps to commercialize. We licensed the technology from UNL and formed Bolero, named after Ravel’s masterpiece—a piece that starts simply and builds into something powerful. The name and logo reflect our journey: structured, deliberate, and steadily expanding. Bolero became UNL’s first staff-led startup.
First External Performance
Our first external client, the University of Nebraska Omaha, joined the movement. We worked closely with UNO to create a system tailored to their needs.
Taking the Stage
Bolero moved into its own space at Nebraska Innovation Campus—close to our roots, but with room to grow. This new environment fostered collaboration with industry, academia, and innovation partners.
Unifying the Ensemble
We began a major project to bring all University of Nebraska campuses onto a unified OneRamp system. This included merging three independent implementations and onboarding UNMC.
Establishing a Cadence
We focused on refining OneRamp's core features—form completion, route management, committee reviews, form comparisons, user controls, automation, and more. We also prioritized security and compliance, pursuing a rhythm for HECVAT and SOC-2 certifications.
A New Movement
We're ready for what comes next. With our roots in research administration and our sights set on new horizons, we invite you to partner with us. Let us help you orchestrate your success in electronic research administration.
Our modules
We offer pre-built modules to address core research administration needs in these areas:
Pre-award proposal routing and management
Internal competition management
Conflict of interest reporting
IRB protocol submission and review
IACUC protocol submission and review
Biosafety compliance
Radiation Safety
and more!
The OneRamp eRA Suite also features optional sections for sharing funding announcements, managing core facilities, communicating about research and managing events. And we can work with you to customize solutions or create all-new modules to meet your specific needs.
Tools for administrators and for faculty
Responsive, accessible design
The OneRamp eRA Suite is available 24/7 wherever there's an Internet connection. Responsive means it's built to work on any device you can throw at it: Android, iOS, desktop PC or tablet. We also follow W3C and web accessibility standards to make OneRamp an application suitable for all users.
