Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Private University
Founded 1851
Northwestern is a major research university with strong commercialization in materials science, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology.
$1.3B
R&D (FY2024)
152
US Patents (2025)
324
Disclosures (FY2025)
337
Licenses (FY2025)
9
Startups (FY2025)
$12.3M
License Revenue (FY2025)
$70.6M
Business-Funded R&D
Research and Commercialization Data
Total R&D Expenditures
5-Year Change: 43.8%
Avg: 1032.2
- Research spending (FY2024): $1.3B total, of which $70.6M was funded by business. NSF National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
- US patents granted (2025): 152 (rank #9). National Academy of Inventors
- Tech transfer (FY2025): 324 invention disclosures, 590 patent applications, 337 licenses and options, 9 startups, $12.3M licensing revenue. Northwestern University Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO)
Research Focus Areas
Materials Science & Nanotechnology
Advanced materials and nanoscale engineering
Materials Science and EngineeringNUANCE
Biomedical Engineering
Wearables, implants, and diagnostics
Biomedical EngineeringSimpson Querrey Institute
Chemistry
Synthetic chemistry and catalysis
Chemistry
Notable Spinouts
Programs & Resources
Rankings & Recognition
#9National Academy of Inventors - US Utility Patents Granted
2025Tech Transfer Office
Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO)
Services Offered
- •IP protection
- •Licensing
- •Startup formation
- •Industry partnerships
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