Having devoted a quarter century of his professional life to the research, development, and commercialization of novel technologies, Phil Carter understands the arduous journey of bringing a discovery to market.
The endeavor requires time and persistence. It demands critical reflection around how the intellectual property might differentiate itself in a competitive, evolving market. It brings financial challenges and regulatory hurdles.
Carter, however, is not deterred.
In fact, Carter, director of strategic alliances at Northwestern University’s Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO), is helping Northwestern researchers carry their innovations into the world, where they can impact lives and broaden possibilities.
I’m a believer in the innovative impact universities can have, especially one with the quality and breadth of science Northwestern has. Northwestern is a university that aspires to be the best and foster entrepreneurship. ”
Phil Carter, INVO Director of Strategic Alliances
“Discovery on its own is energizing, but collaborating with top scientists who want to make a difference is worth every ounce of effort,” says Carter, who works alongside Northwestern researchers to evaluate, protect, and license technologies in material sciences, chemistry, and medical devices.
Carter, who followed a PhD in physical organic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, with post-doctoral research on crystallization science, focused exclusively on discovery and innovation throughout his 25-year career in industry.
With established global enterprises like Nalco, Cabot Microelectronics, Baxter, and AbbVie, Carter injected his enterprising scientific mind and passion for translation into diverse areas, from water treatment to pharmaceuticals, from specialty chemicals to semiconductors. As both a scientist and leader of R&D teams, he landed over 40 patents, penned 35 journal articles, captured numerous innovation awards, and commercialized several products.
In 2022, Carter joined INVO, attracted to the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading scientists and entrepreneurial experts to support the translation of cutting-edge technologies developed in Northwestern labs.
“I’m a believer in the innovative impact universities can have, especially one with the quality and breadth of science Northwestern has,” he says. “Northwestern is a university that aspires to be the best and foster entrepreneurship.”
One of Carter’s key charges is leading INVO’s efforts with the Trienens-Q Accelerator, a joint effort between Northwestern’s Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy and the Querrey InQbation Lab. The upstart initiative connects scientists to internal and external partners as well as resources to push promising Northwestern-founded cleantech innovations to market.
Kellogg MBAs, for instance, are helping accelerator participants build business models for their technologies while advisory panels comprised of investors, industry pros, and opinion leaders are delivering insights to help researchers better connect their technology to the commercial world and entice market interest.
“We’re building innovations with end-users and customers in mind and figuring out the business model that best suits the innovation,” Carter says. “In the end, it’s all about creating a positive impact and a better, more sustainable future for everyone.”