INVO 411

But in 2017, Chetnani joined the Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) Practicum, an internship program for Northwestern researchers interested in technology transfer. Through the program, Chetnani gained experience with the many areas of innovation commercialization, including patentability, marketability, and commercialization readiness.

After completing the internship and his postdoctoral fellowship, Chetnani joined Rush University Medical Center's technology transfer office. For five years, he managed an IP portfolio of more than 100 research faculty and physicians, leading IP protection, licensing, and commercialization efforts while also overseeing the business and operational needs of the office.

In 2023, Chetnani returned to INVO as assistant director for life sciences, leading a team of invention managers and helping a wide range of Northwestern researchers take their first steps in the commercialization journey.

INVO: Fueling Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Since its 2010 founding, INVO – Northwestern’s translation and commercialization arm – has worked alongside Wildcat inventors to:

• file over 8,500 patent applications in the US and internationally, of which more than 2,000 were granted/issued
• execute 3,000 agreements with external partners
• launch more than 150 startups

INVO eases an often-daunting process for researchers and pushes their beneficial technologies into the world, whether it’s a therapeutic to combat a debilitating disease, a clean energy solution to drive a more sustainable planet, or technology to democratize education.

From assessing intellectual property and leading patent applications to identifying prospective go-to-market strategies and engaging investors and partners, INVO ushers research from the lab into the marketplace. The office also offers a range of programs and resources to propel innovation and entrepreneurship, including commercialization clinics, funding programs, legal resources, and workspaces such as the Querrey InQbation Lab.

Connecting with INVO

So many researchers, Chetnani says, mistakenly believe they cannot contact INVO until they have something patentable or think working with INVO will interfere with publication or presentations. Not so, he says. In fact, INVO’s most productive relationships start early – and especially before inventors bring their technology into the public domain.

“Whenever researchers have that a-ha moment and discover something new or have any ideas around the potential translation of their work – that’s the ideal time to contact INVO,” Chetnani says.

In starting early, INVO can better map the translation journey and leverage its expertise to provide guidance and meaningful feedback about a given technology’s translation potential. The office can also take initial steps to protect IP and engage prospective partners and investors.

“At INVO, we’re all about getting technologies out into the world where they can benefit the public, so starting early enhances the potential impact of our researchers’ work,” Chetnani says.

Northwestern inventors interested in commercializing their discoveries should complete the Idea Submission Process. Submitting the online form activates an inventor’s relationship with INVO and jumpstarts the translation process.