Trienens-Q Accelerator
Trienens-Q Accelerator
Northwestern University's Trienens Institute Q-Accelerator is a powerful partnership between the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy and the Querrey InQbation Lab (The Q) which is part of the Innovation and New Venture's Office (INVO).
Together, we connect deep scientific expertise with the tools and networks of commercialization - bringing academia and industry to scale cleantech innovation.
At the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Trienens-Q Cleantech Accelerator exists to catalyze the transition from research to real-world impact. We envision a future where groundbreaking ideas from Northwestern fuel tangible solutions to the world’s most urgent climate and energy challenges.
The Trienens-Q Cleantech Accelerator prioritizes candidate projects with the attributes described below.
Our Mission
The Trienens-Q Accelerator provides a launchpad for Northwestern faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to translate their cleantech innovations into scalable, market-ready solutions.
Participants benefit from:
- Targeted early-stage funding
- Mentorship from industry leaders and investors
- Tailored programming within the Q's entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Strategic networking opportunities
Focus Areas
Through this collaborative effort, we aim to accelerate the translation of Northwestern's laboratory discoveries into tangible benefits for the public and stimulate economic growth through the creation of new businesses and impactful projects. Supported projects have included:
- Hydrogen generation and storage technologies
- Next-generation solar cell innovation
- Circular economy solutions (plastics, rubber, etc.)
- Energy storage and battery technology
- Water remediation
Our Programs
The Trienens-Q Accelerator offers targeted programs designed to empower cleantech researchers and entrepreneurs at Northwestern. Whether you're refining your startup idea or looking to scale a lab breakthrough into a market-ready solution, our programs provide the funding, guidance, and support you need to take the next step.
Through proximity and collaboration, our programs create a place for the best ideas and entrepreneurial knowledge to converge and for our network of funding and resources to expand.
Emerging Startups
The Trienens-Q Accelerator supports a pipeline of promising cleantech ventures founded by Northwestern University innovators. These early-stage startups are advancing bold solutions in energy, materials, and climate tech, and positioning themselves to become the next generation of climate leaders.
Explore a few of the emerging startups in our current cohort:
- NylaNova - Nylon recycling technology
- Kylix - PFAS Remediation technology (Coming Soon)
- IROC - Iron redox cycling for CO2 utilization and hydrogen storage (Coming Soon)
In the News
- Cleantech Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northwestern
- Northwestern partnering with Boston venture-capital fund to boost tech startups (Crain's Chicago Business)
- Partnership with Material Impact to accelerate tech commercialization (Northwestern Now)
- Green Entrepreneurship with INVO and the Trienens Institute
Get Involved
We provide a clear pathway for faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to transform their innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions that drive a sustainable future. The Accelerator offers targeted funding, mentorship from industry experts and investors, networking opportunities, and tailored programming within The Q's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Accelerator cohorts are based on a rolling admission process beginning September 1st each fiscal year, and faculty are encouraged to reach out anytime
Join us in empowering the next generation of cleantech entrepreneurs and bringing ground-breaking sustainability solutions to the market.
Contact The Q or the Trienens Institute to learn more about how you can get involved.