While other universities move quickly to offer courses online for free, Carnegie Mellon University is instead starting for-profit efforts designed to capture segments of the education market.

Provost Mark Kamlet said the university is looking for a “financially sustainable” way to expand its reach. So far, that means a handful of spinoffs with a variety of products aimed at workforce development and online education.

One subsidiary helps other companies improve business practices. Another is helping Mexico lure outsourced software jobs. A recently formed subsidiary hopes to help top-tier research institutions offer credit-worthy online courses.