Reference Guides
Use our brief, downloadable guides to familiarize yourself with the processes and procedures that can be confusing. We also provide an overview of INVO programs and provide guidance on how to get involved.
Learn about a process or topic
- Welcome to INVO
There is an abundance of innovation and entrepreneurship resources offered at Northwestern. INVO’s mission is to catalyze the translation of university innovations to benefit the public through commercialization. This flyer is an overview of INVO’s role, process and resources at the university. - Inventorship
Inventorship, a critical element of a patent application, is determined by law and focuses on the claims filed with a patent. Learn more about how inventorship is defined. - Licensing
Licensing a university invention requires a licensee and INVO's assistance to negotiate an effective license. This guide covers license agreements and the process of negotiating a license. - SBIR & STTR Programs
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer programs can fund projects that meet certain federal requirements. The guide gives an overview to entrepreneurs who are interested in applying for these types of non-dilutive government grants. - Applying for FDA Approval of Medical Devices
This reference guide describes the premarket notification (PMN or 510(k)) application process with the FDA.
Learn about an INVO program
- INVOForward
In this INVO program, biomedical entrepreneurship teams fine-tune the value proposition for current or potential medical devices, therapeutics and Health IT. - INVOHub
This incubator program provides "Stage Zero" support and resources for early-stage companies launched from Northwestern research. - Commercialization Resources at Northwestern
Northwestern offers translational support to its inventors and entrepreneurs through earlier ideation and proof of concept stages as well as initial phases of new ventures. Resources span translation, diligence and access to funding and physical space. This PDF provides an overview of these resources.