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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Research

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.

Much of this innovative work, including IU’s robust therapeutic pipeline, is led by pioneering researchers at the IU School of Medicine. In the past five years, IU School of Medicine faculty have filed 896 global patents with 283 patents issued. Faculty-led startups make significant contributions to crucial areas of health care and to the Indiana economy.

896
global patents filed
283
global patents issued
365
disclosures (not including pre-disclosures)

Featured Innovators

kathleen unroe

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.

Ben Gaston, MD, in his lab

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.

Reuben Kapur, PhD

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. 

Other resources

Innovation and Commercialization News

Two doctors in lab looking at scans of brains immune cells

IU co-founded startup aims to propel novel Alzheimer’s disease drugs into clinical trials

The IU School of Medicine has several programs dedicated to Alzheimer's disease research, from basic and translational science to clinical research and innovation.

August 20, 2025

Pamela Whitten speaks at a podium during the IU LAB launch event.

IU Health Incubator at IU LAB to bring new startups to Indiana, expand state’s biosciences economy

Supported by a $1.5 million annual sponsorship from IU Health, the incubator will attract new businesses to the state and help up to 40 human health startups per year grow into major companies with the help of strategic partnerships.

April 24, 2025

D. Wade Clapp

Physician in new School of Medicine leadership role will serve as a scientific lead for IU LAB

D. Wade Clapp has been named the inaugural senior associate dean for entrepreneurial research and commercialization for the IU School of Medicine.

April 09, 2025

A student in protective lab gear works under a hood in the lab, awash in orange light.

With $138M grant from Lilly Endowment, IU launches initiative to accelerate bioscience innovation

Funding will support IU LAB, a state-of-the-art facility at 16 Tech harnessing Indiana’s extensive resources to become national leader in bioscience discovery, commercialization and talent development.

December 12, 2024