Getting back to academics / independent research
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.