Additional Support for Inventors
We support Northwestern inventors thorough personalized assistance and INVO programming.
Invention Managers (IMs)
Our Invention Managers (IMs) are your contact with Northwestern University regarding your invention. He or she can guide you through the process of determining the ideal timing for disclosing your invention to INVO, filing intellectual property, or understanding license negotiations. Invention managers tend to manage technologies in specific fields; all IMs can be viewed on our Our Team webpage.
If you do not have an IM to discuss your potential invention, please contact us at invo@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-2097.
Invention marketing
INVO has an online database of inventions called Tech Publisher, which allows industry players to search Northwestern technologies. Inventions are typically posted only if initial IP protection has been filed. The marketing material is based upon information provided on the invention disclosure. Inventions are searchable by keywords and inventor.
Programming
INVO offers resources and support to inventors through a variety of opportunities, including some listed below.
INVOForward
INVOForward is a Northwestern mentorship program to accelerate biomedical commercialization, such as medical devices, therapeutics, and Health IT, on both Evanston and Chicago campuses. It is designed to increase entrepreneurship by helping potential or current biomedical entrepreneurship teams focus on the customer discovery process. Learn more about this opportunity.
Commercialization clinics and seminars
The commercialization clinic is a consulting service for inventors with questions on how to commercialize an idea. Each clinic typically focuses on a specific sector, and participants have the opportunity to receive feedback from industry experts. These clinics are selective with an application process. In addition, topical seminars are offered to a broad audience periodically with topics that include Intellectual Property Basics and Licensing Technology from an Academic Institution. See our Events Calendar for upcoming clinics and seminars.
INVOReach
This INVO initiative strives to improve the diversity of inventorship and entrepreneurship at Northwestern. Initial programming focuses on women inventors and novice entrepreneurs. Learn more about resources and upcoming events by signing up for the INVOReach newsletter.