Partner With Us

If you are an Industry Collaborator

NIU offers a wealth of partnership opportunities across a range of domains. From innovative R&D collaborations to student experiential learning and workforce development, the Office of Innovation serves as a connector across our ecosystem to match external partners with the right NIU players. To explore partnership opportunities contact innovation@niu.edu.

If you are University Personnel

The Office of Innovation serves as a connector across our ecosystem to match external partners with the right NIU players. To explore partnership opportunities, contact innovation@niu.edu.

Strategic Industry Partnerships

The Office of Innovation can facilitate industry introductions to the right collaborators across our ecosystem. To explore partnership opportunities, contact innovation@niu.edu.

Startup Incubation

In our 71 North Partnership Studio we provide early-stage support to NIU, alumni, and community startups. From concept ideation to launch, we help you get your new venture off the ground. If you have a startup idea or want to learn more about our incubation support services, contact innovation@niu.edu.

License Our Innovations

We offer multiple licensing opportunities. For inquiries, contact Mark Hankins at mhankins1@niu.edu.

Available Technologies

Food Systems Innovation

Food systems innovation is a major thrust area of our Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability. The Office of Innovation facilitates transformative innovations that advance local, regional and worldwide food systems.

We foster multidisciplinary networks that share knowledge, promote learning, and build mutual capacity to drive food systems innovation, maximizing the impact on local communities and society as a whole.

For collaboration opportunities or to learn more about our food systems innovation work please contact Bryan Flower, bflower@niu.edu.

Colocation Opportunities

Locate with us and be part of our community.

NIU welcomes strategic partnership opportunities with industry and government to colocate within our ecosystem. We offer flexible leasing opportunities for office and lab spaces on the NIU campus for businesses to connect with university students, faculty, and departments.

In our 71 North Partnership Studio, we offer co-working space for startups and industry partners to experience a unique and vibrant collaboration environment in the heart of campus with access to special innovation programs and services.

Get Your Partnership Started

It doesn’t matter if your needs are known or if they need to be explored. We’re here to help. Contact Karinne Bredberg to get your partnership with the Office of Innovation started!