Getting back to academics / independent research As a full time professional without prior publications, I am seriously considering a move to academics as a PhD student. My field of interest is mostly Data Analytics and I am keen to explore the possibilities where I can associate Data Analytics with AI and Deep Learning.

Unfortunately, I have no degrees or certificates to show my credentials here but I have prepared myself in the tools I may need to tackle a research question in such a discipline.(Yes, I agree that it isn't enough)

I want to know if there is any possibility of collaborating with academic professionals and publish independent papers? 

My academic qualifications:

Bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering 
MBA in International Management
There are two ways in which you can be involved in research, coming out of industry.

It is possible to enroll in a PhD program.  There are normally no age requirements, and it is not unheard of for people to start a PhD later in their career.  Depending on where you are, this may require a Master degree first.  I suspect many PIs are happy to enroll someone with substantial industry experience.

It is also possible to find employment at a company that cooperates with university research.  It's quite common for small and medium enterprises to cooperate with universities in projects (for some funding agencies such as the European Commission, this is in fact a requirement), so with the right skills, expertise, and contacts, that should be possible.  For example, within the EU, Horizon 2020 projects always must involve such enterprises. 

Gaining full employment (not counting RA/TA/PhD studies) at a university without already having a PhD degree and recent publications is not feasible.