2021 Guidelines for COI & Startups
Northwestern is committed to facilitating scientific discovery and advancing knowledge through innovative and translatable research. Consistent with the University’s mission, our Northwestern community is entering the entrepreneurial space in greater numbers, as well as developing novel solutions to address questions, problems, and disparities in a variety of fields. Translating ideas and intellectual property from the University to the marketplace is a critical component of Northwestern’s research program.
Inherent in these relationships and interactions are potential or actual conflicts of interest. We must balance promoting innovation and entrepreneurship with preserving our commitment to Northwestern and safeguarding the integrity and objectivity of University research.
What do I need to know about having a startup company while at Northwestern?
What role(s) can I have with a startup company?
Startup collaborations with Northwestern labs
Can a startup company sponsor research in my lab?
Can I subcontract work to my startup company?
Use of University resources
Lease space?
Use equipment that is in my lab?
Use a core facility?
Use Northwestern's IRB or IACUC for company research / activities?
SBIR and STTR funding
What do I need to know for this to go smoothly?
Can my lab perform the university work?
Can I be the "submitting PI" for the overall grant?
Can I work on both the university's AND company's side of the project?
Can Northwestern staff (department or laboratory) help with the SBIR/STTR?
Purchasing - equipment or services
Can I purchase equipment from my startup?
Can my startup purchase equipment from my lab / from Northwestern?
Can my lab donate equipment to my startup?
Can I purchase services from my startup?
People - who else can be involved in the startup?
Students
Postdocs and Research Associates (non-faculty)
Research Faculty
Faculty
Department staff
Visitors