Characteristics of a successful 71 North member
What makes a good Studio member? find out in this list!
All FAQ's
What is the Office of Innovation?
Head over to our About Page to find out what we do here at the Office of Innovation!
What is the 71 North Partnership Studio?
An incubator, co-working facility, and meeting venue, the 71 North Partnership Studio provides industry partners, students, faculty, and community members the opportunity to explore collaborative innovation together.
What are the hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on weekends and university holidays.
Are there any days that the 71 North Partnership Studio is closed?
Yes, we are closed on all major holidays and during NIU’s winter break,
Who do we help?
We proudly support a diverse array of innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and industry partners. Facilitating the journey of concept ideas to invention disclosures, offering vital connections to innovative partners or potential licensees, and managing essential agreements like non-disclosures, material transfers, and licenses all aim to help our innovators. Entrepreneurs benefit from our robust startup incubation services, business concept ideation support, and extensive network and resource assistance. NIU students can engage through clubs and organizations, participate in startup incubation, and attend dynamic innovation events. Additionally, we foster meaningful collaborations with industry partners by providing access to campus resources, forming strategic partnerships, exploring grant opportunities, and licensing our groundbreaking innovations. Our mission is to ignite creativity and drive impactful solutions across these communities.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with the Office of Innovation! Whether you are a student, faculty member, entrepreneur, or industry partner, we have programs and resources to help you take your ideas to the next level. Visit our site for more information on how to get involved!
Where is the 71 North Partnership Studio located?
We are located in the basement of the Founder’s Memorial Library!
Where should I park when visiting the 71 North Partnership Studio?
The Visitor Parking Lot is located on Carroll Avenue, just west of the library. You can park in this lot for a small fee. Students can park in the parking garage located on Normal Road, just south of the library.
How do I contact the 71 North Partnership Studio?
You can reach us by email at 71North@niu.edu or stop by the studio during our hours of operation!
Can I schedule a visit or tour of the 71 North Partnership Studio?
Yes! We run tours every Thursday by appointment. Fill out this form to schedule your visit.
Are undergraduates allowed to be members of the 71 North Partnership Studio?
Yes! We welcome all students, from undergraduates to postdoctoral students, to join the 71 North Partnership Studio.
How do I join the 71 North Partnership Studio?
To become a member of the 71 North Partnership Studio, you should get involved with one of the clubs or programs offered at the studio. You can also reach out to us here to learn more about how to get involved!
Is there a membership fee for the 71 North Partnership Studio?
No, there is no membership fee to join the 71 North Partnership Studio.
Does the 71 North Partnership Studio offer internships or paid opportunities?
Yes, the 71 North Partnership Studio offers internships and paid opportunities for students. Check out our Jobs and Internships page (coming soon!) for more information.
Can non-NIU affiliates join the 71 North Partnership Studio?
If you are a non-NIU affiliate and are interested in joining the 71 North Partnership Studio, please reach out to us.
What qualities does the 71 North Partnership Studio look for in students?
We have an entire article on just that! Click here to learn more about what we look for in students.
What activities are offered at the 71 North Partnership Studio?
The 71 North Partnership Studio offers a variety of activities, including club meetings, workshops, networking events, and more. Check out our Events page to see what’s coming up!
What programs and resources are available from the 71 North Partnership Studio?
The 71 North Partnership Studio offers a variety of programs and resources to help students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry partners take their ideas to the next level. These include startup incubation services, business concept ideation support, networking opportunities, and more. Check out our Programs and Services page to learn more!
What is Technology Transfer?
In the context of research institutions, technology transfer is the process by which new inventions and other innovations created in those institutions’ labs are turned into products and commercialized. It is the process of sharing proprietary knowledge and creations of the university with other organizations for the purpose of further understanding, development, and use for the benefit of the university and society.
How does Technology Transfer work?
The technology transfer process is a multifaceted and collaborative effort that involves the inventor, the university, and the licensee. The process begins with the inventor disclosing their invention to the university’s technology transfer office. The technology transfer office then evaluates the invention’s commercial potential and determines the best course of action to protect and commercialize the invention. This may involve filing a patent application, marketing the invention to potential licensees, and negotiating a license agreement with a company that will further develop and commercialize the invention. The technology transfer office also manages the ongoing relationship between the university and the licensee, ensuring that the terms of the license agreement are being met and that the invention is being developed and commercialized in a timely and effective manner.
What is the purpose of Technology Transfer?
The purpose of technology transfer is to facilitate the commercialization of new inventions and other innovations created in research institutions’ labs. By licensing these inventions to companies that can further develop and commercialize them, technology transfer helps to bring new products and services to market, create jobs, and generate revenue for the university. In addition, technology transfer helps to foster collaboration between the university and industry, promote economic development, and advance scientific knowledge and innovation. Ultimately, technology transfer plays a critical role in translating the discoveries made in the lab into real-world applications that benefit society.