THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH INNOVATION (CRI)

INNOVATE

PROTECT

LICENSE

A CATALYST FOR IMPACT

CRI serves as the nexus of inspiration and invention, empowering Northeastern innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their boldest ideas into societal impact. Explore how the CRI translates the university’s most dynamic research into real-world results.

OUR MISSION

The CRI pairs solution-oriented research with real-world needs for the enrichment of society through the protection, acceleration, and commercialization of Northeastern innovation.

PROTECTING INGENUITY

Safeguarding Northeastern ingenuity is a fundamental responsibility of CRI. The CRI proactively identifies world-changing innovation within Northeastern’s labs and protects it through robust, strong, defensible, and commercially viable patents.

SUPPORTING SPINOUTS

The CRI staff knows startups: from new company creation, to launch, to innovation in the deep science and technology space. The CRI is here to foster the success of your high-impact innovations. Connect to relevant resources at the right time – such as startup support service providers, investors, and strategic partners.

INFORMING RESEARCH

The CRI can facilitate connections to relevant industry partners. In addition, if you are seeking industry feedback to guide the direction of your research, the CRI can assist with the early stages of customer discovery.

CULTIVATING DIVERSITY

The CRI supports Northeastern’s Vision of Diversity and mindfully cultivates a culture of diversity and inclusion by ensuring that CRI resources and services are made available to all and are delivered by team members committed to equity: no matter one’s gender, color, race, religion, national origin, or socio-economic status.

IMPACT REPORT FY24

Driven by bold ideas and inspired innovation, the CRI turned vision into reality with passion and purpose, delivering meaningful results throughout the past fiscal year. Watch our video summary and explore the full report to see the impact the CRI made.

Previous Reports (PDFs) | 20242023 • 2022202120202019

CRI BY THE NUMBERS

MEASURING SUCCESS

Through hard work, ingenuity, and teamwork, check out how the CRI has helped Northeastern grow as a leader in research commercialization. The CRI was founded in 2011 and these numbers are designed to illustrate the impact that the CRI has had on research and innovation.

PROGRAM Spotlight

THE SPARK FUND

The Spark Fund helps Northeastern researchers bridge the gap between promising lab results and demonstrating a commercially viable prototype. Our grants and programs catalyze state-of-the-art technologies, advancing Northeastern inventions through prototyping, validation, and industry input.