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Querrey InQbation Lab Launches Q CoFoundry Fellows Program to Connect Entrepreneurs with Northwestern Innovation

July 7, 2026

Pilot fellowship brings experienced Kellogg alumni together with Northwestern faculty to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough research

The Querrey InQbation Lab at Northwestern University is excited to announce the launch of the Q CoFoundry Fellows Program (QCF), a new pilot initiative designed to transform cutting-edge Northwestern research into venture-backed startups by fostering partnerships between faculty innovators and experienced entrepreneurs.

The Q CoFoundry Fellowship addresses one of the most significant challenges in academic innovation: connecting breakthrough technologies with entrepreneurial leaders who have the experience and passion to build scalable companies. Through the program, selected Fellows will explore opportunities to partner with Northwestern faculty as potential cofounders and commercialization leaders, helping accelerate promising discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace.

"Many groundbreaking technologies never reach their full societal impact because they lack experienced entrepreneurial leadership," said Sonia Kim, Executive Director of the Querrey InQbation Lab. "The Q CoFoundry Program is designed to bridge that gap by creating meaningful connections between Northwestern researchers and accomplished entrepreneurs who are excited to build the next generation of high-impact startups."

The inaugural Q CoFoundry Fellowship is open to experienced Kellogg School of Management alumni with a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture creation. Applicants will have the opportunity to review a curated portfolio of Northwestern technologies and identify projects that align with their expertise and interests.

Following a competitive application process, up to five Fellows will be selected for the pilot cohort. Over the course of the fellowship, participants will engage directly with Northwestern faculty innovators, evaluate commercialization opportunities, and explore the potential to build new ventures around university-developed intellectual property.

The fellowship is intentionally designed as an exploratory engagement rather than a guaranteed founder placement. While many participants may pursue long-term collaborations, leadership roles, or startup formation, all relationships will develop organically based on mutual interest, strategic alignment, and shared vision for commercialization.

Pilot Program Timeline

Applications for the inaugural Q CoFoundry Fellowship are now open.

Key dates include:

  • Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 12:00 p.m. CT
  • First-Round Interviews (Invitation Only): Weeks of July 20 and July 27
  • Second-Round Interviews (Invitation Only): Weeks of August 10 and August 17
  • Final Fellowship Selections: Anticipated during the week of August 24

Selected Fellows will participate in a flexible five-month program running approximately October through February, with opportunities to work alongside Northwestern faculty, assess technology readiness, and explore venture formation.  Projects that successfully complete the program may be eligible for venture matching funding.

Building the Next Generation of Northwestern Startups

The launch of Q CoFoundry reflects the Querrey InQbation Lab's continued commitment to strengthening Northwestern's innovation ecosystem by bringing together exceptional science, entrepreneurial talent, and commercialization expertise. By connecting experienced operators with pioneering faculty researchers, the program aims to cultivate founder-ready teams capable of translating breakthrough discoveries into impactful companies that improve lives and create economic value.

Entrepreneurs interested in becoming part of the inaugural Q CoFoundry Fellowship are encouraged to submit their applications and join a community dedicated to advancing innovation from discovery to startup.