Get Involved

Advance your research toward real world impact with access to programs, expertise, and resources designed to help scientists explore commercial pathways. Engage with mentors, technology development experts, and industry partners who can help you evaluate applications, generate key data, and shape your translational strategy. Whether you're curious about the commercial potential of your work or preparing to pursue funding, The Q provides the guidance and support to move your innovation forward.

• Is your technology ready for commercialization? Complete this survey to discover how ready you are — take the Entre NU Survey

• Need support for market diligence? The Q has multiple programs leveraging our talented students: Kellogg-Q, NM-Q MedTech Studio, Q Practicum, Trienens-Q

• Competitive Translational Funds at Northwestern include the Q Bridge Fund, Faculty Pitch Challenges, Trienens-Q Accelerator, and Simpson-Q Accelerators

• Interested in future programs at the Q? Introduce yourself by completing this Interest Form

• Discover your entrepreneurial phenotype

Northwestern startups with (a) an active option or license with the University, (b) less than 11 employees, and (c) the ability to bear the financial burden through initial funding, may apply to be a Q resident.

Apply to become a resident startup

• Engage in Q Programs

• Leverage Funding Resources

Build, validate, and scale your startup with access to programs, mentorship, and funding designed to move Northwestern innovations from lab to market. Connect with experienced operators, investors, and collaborators who can help refine your strategy and accelerate commercialization. Whether you're exploring an idea or preparing to raise capital, The Q provides the support to move your venture forward.

Engage with Northwestern's innovation ecosystem by sharing your expertise, collaborating with researchers and founders, and helping shape the next generation of technologies and startups. External partners, including alumni, industry leaders, serial entrepreneurs, and investors, can contribute insights, participate in programs, and support teams as they validate, build, and scale new ventures. Whether you're interested in advising, partnering, or investing, The Q offers meaningful opportunities to connect with cutting-edge science and emerging founders.

Get to know our Q Resident Startups, Northwestern Startups at large, and Startups that are currently fundraising

Startup Pipeline Dashboard

• Join our community of external experts by sharing your interest in mentoring or collaborating with teams at The Q. Opportunities are curated and offered based on expertise, alignment, and program capacity. While not all applicants can be accommodated, we actively review submissions to identify strong matches.
• Northwestern Innovates 

Northwestern University is a powerhouse for breakthrough discoveries that fuel high-impact startups. To bridge the gap between lab research and market-ready ventures, we offer the Startup Pipeline Dashboard—an exclusive portal for investors and collaborators to track the latest technologies emerging from our ecosystem.

This curated platform provides real-time insights into:

• Active Ventures: Startups leveraging Northwestern-owned intellectual property.
• Commercialization Progress: Detailed tracking of market applications and milestones.
• Fundraising Opportunities: Direct visibility into ventures currently seeking investment.

Access is reserved for approved stakeholders—including investors, partners, and collaborators—dedicated to shaping the future through translational research.