Northwestern University announced on Mar. 6 the launch of the Simpson-Q Accelerators, a new initiative within the Querrey InQbation Lab designed to move research discoveries from the laboratory into real-world applications. The program is supported by a $25 million philanthropic contribution from University Trustee Kimberly K. Querrey.
The initiative aims to help Northwestern researchers turn their interdisciplinary work into scalable solutions that address urgent global challenges. The first phase will focus on data and artificial intelligence, medical technologies, and therapeutics, with plans to expand into other areas over time.
Interim President and President Emeritus Henry S. Bienen said, “Creating a path from the research stage to market is critical to societal impact. We are grateful for Kimberly Querrey’s vision for this programming, which continues her and her late husband Lou Simpson’s legacy of generous support for Northwestern researchers and entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of discovery.”
The accelerators will bring together focused cohorts and provide intensive support to prepare Northwestern technologies for investment and deployment. They will build on existing accelerator programs developed by The Q over the past two years, expanding support across more innovations emerging at the university. Each accelerator will be closely integrated with cross-disciplinary institutes and centers at Northwestern.
Vice President for Research Eric Perreault said, “Northwestern is generating discoveries with the potential to reshape industries. The Simpson Q Accelerators will give these ideas the focused support they need to reach the world faster — fueling new companies, new partnerships and new solutions to pressing societal challenges.”
The program offers resources such as entrepreneurial fellows, MBA student interns from Kellogg School of Management, bridge funding for startups, and mentorship from industry executives-in-residence. These tools are intended to help teams reduce risk, accelerate development milestones, engage partners early, and attract investment.
Lisa Dhar, associate vice president for Innovation and New Ventures Office at Northwestern, said: “The Simpson Q Accelerators do more than help launch startups. They create a continuous cycle where insights from commercialization feed back into research, making future discoveries even stronger.”
Kimberly K. Querrey has previously supported several major research centers at Northwestern through philanthropy and serves in leadership roles on various university committees related to research innovation.
Querrey said: “We are at a moment when the pace of innovation must match the urgency of global challenges. The Simpson-Q Accelerators will empower Northwestern researchers to move faster, think bigger and deliver solutions that make a measurable impact in people’s lives.”
