Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University recognizes that University-Industry research collaboration has contributed significantly to national competitiveness, to the intellectual vitality of universities, and to the economic health of industry. The University's Technology Transfer Office (TTO) was created to encourage and nurture the development, disclosure, protection and exploitation of university intellectual property as well as to promote and market university intellectual property to industry and increase awareness of university research capabilities. As part of its mission, the TTO also participates in the University's role in facilitating the economic development and prosperity of the northern Illinois region. NIU also is among a small percentage of public institutions designated as Innovation & Economic Prosperity Universities by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). The designation acknowledges universities working with public and private sector partners in their states and regions to support economic development.