Innovation and Commercialization

Translating biomedical science into new and improved drugs, medical devices and other discoveries is an important way to extend the impact of your research beyond the lab. The IU Innovation and Commercialization Office (ICO) works closely with faculty, industry and the entrepreneurial community in Indiana to move innovations stemming from IU research into the marketplace.

Over the past 15 years, IU has received 2,675 disclosures, resulting in approximately 4,250 patent applications and 1,340 issued patents generating 559 licenses, 71 startups and $113 million in revenue. Much of this innovative work, including IU’s robust therapeutic pipeline, is led by pioneering researchers at the IU School of Medicine.

1,340

issued patents

559

licenses

startups

$113

million in revenue

Featured Innovators

Faculty-developed startup transforms nursing home patient care

To improve the quality of care for nursing home residents, Kathleen Unroe, MD, translated her research into practice through startup called Probari. The Indianapolis-based company gathers patient treatment history from hospital records and charts, offloading activities from nursing home staff so they can focus on providing day-to-day patient care.

Gaston advancing personalized treatment for severe asthma

Ben Gaston, MD, has developed a targeted treatment solution for asthma patients and is seeking partnerships to take his research to market. Gaston’s drug formulation significantly improves lung function by reducing airway inflammation and other symptoms.

Kapur researching new pediatric leukemia therapies

Pediatric leukemia affects approximately 4,000 children each year in the United States, and the incidence of the disease is steadily increasing year after year. Reuben Kapur, PhD, is working to discover new treatments that will improve patient care.

Getting started

You can work with the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office for expert help and guidance with all steps of the commercialization process, from submitting an invention disclosure to forming a startup company.

Contact an ICO commercialization expert to learn more.

New to the world of commercialization? The ICO launched Faculty Innovation Ambassadors Program in 2024 to help IU researchers learn about the commercialization process and how to identify and cultivate opportunities to translate their research to market. To apply or learn more about this program, visit the office’s Faculty Innovation Ambassadors page or email ico@iu.edu.