Over the years, the Center for Research Innovation’s capacity to grow and implement new initiatives has been sustained by a commitment to the fundamentals. Fiscal year 2017 provided an opportunity to underscore this commitment, and through a careful calibration of resources, personnel, and processes, the CRI is primed to empower Northeastern’s innovative, enterprising community for the years ahead.

Many of the seeds planted since the CRI’s inception started to blossom in 2017, including an increase in industry sponsored research, an acceleration of venture funding, and a surge in issued patents. By focusing on basic elements such as quality patents, industry demand, and relationship engagement, the CRI has mobilized practices reflecting the most efficient and effective paths to commercial outcomes.

Organizations need to remain agile, responsive, and attentive in order to thrive, and the CRI is no exception. Just as commercial ventures maximize growth trajectories by “pivoting,” 2017 saw the CRI broaden existing programs (e.g., RISE) and introduce programs (e.g., Pathways to Partnership) that enrich industry engagement and advance the University’s vision for its use-inspired portfolio.

As Northeastern continues to multiply research capabilities and broaden entrepreneurial ecosystems, the Center for Research Innovation continues to meet these compounding needs. Through sustained focus on the fundamentals coupled with a driving commitment to superior service, 2018 will find the CRI ceaselessly refining its practices to better serve Northeastern and expedite innovation’s journey from lab to market, from passion to impact.

Tracey Dodenhoff, Director

Northeastern’s fundamental philosophy is “use-inspired” research, research that improves day-in, day-out existence.

The CRI’s newest program, Pathways to Partnership, supports this philosophy by connecting Northeastern lab directors with industry R&D executives.

Employing a panel format, Northeastern panelists outline research expertise and lab capabilities for attendees from related fields who seek solutions to their pressing R&D needs.

Pairing capabilities with needs to generate customized solutions — this is the pathway to use-inspired partnership.

Research Areas Presented
Nanomedicine | Advanced Materials | Imaging | Clean Energy | Resilience | Networks

Companies Represented
GlaxoSmithKline | Edgewell Personal Care | Henkel | Samsung | MITRE | CDM Smith

Sometimes the shortest distance between innovation and commercialization is a Spin Out.

That’s why the CRI offers customized licensing terms and multidimensional support for these entrepreneurial ventures.

Spin Out Spotlight

In May, CRI spin out StreetScan closed an international deal with CMCT* securing $1.5 million in funding alongside the formation of a joint venture slated to bring StreetScan’s robust pavement inspection capabilities to China’s booming infrastructure.

Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder Ralf Birken declares:

StreetScan is very excited to bring our innovative road inspection and management services to the Chinese market with such an influential industry leader. These funds facilitate StreetScan’s expansion within the US and Canada and the continued development of pioneering sensing solutions and services that Smart Cities demand.

*CMCT is a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, a conglomerate with a $1 trillion portfolio spanning transportation, finance, and real estate and annual revenue exceeding $16 billion.