YOUR IDEA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE

At i-Cubed™, bold ideas become validated solutions. We partner with innovators to explore, test, and advance breakthrough approaches that can transform clinical research.

Thank you for considering a collaboration with i-Cubed™ on this journey of clinical research innovation – we’re excited to learn about your solution!

If you see a better way forward, we want to hear from you.

Work with us

We welcome ideas at any stage

Whether you have a rough concept, a prototype, or something already in use, i-Cubed meets you where you are.

We welcome ideas from all innovators

We welcome collaboration with anyone who has a clinical research innovation that has the potential for commercialization.

What kinds of ideas is i-Cubed looking for? Who can submit an idea to i-Cubed? What can I expect from i-Cubed? What will i-Cubed expect from me? What is the submission process? How will my materials and IP be protected?

What kinds of ideas is i-Cubed looking for?

We are looking for ideas to improve any aspect of clinical research. These may be solutions that promote more equitable participation, engage communities beyond traditional research sites, employ novel approaches to data collection, or harness new technologies to streamline and accelerate the clinical research process. Or you may have a solution to a different problem having to do with some aspect of clinical research methodology.

Who can submit an idea to i-Cubed?

What can I expect from i-Cubed?

Collaboration is at the core of our ethos. At i-Cubed, we partner with individuals and teams to transform their ideas into viable products or startup companies that have the power to improve clinical research. We provide comprehensive resources, mentorship, and access to a network of experts. Our aim is to connect innovators with expertise that can help you develop your ideas, conduct market analysis, and identify potential sources of funding as you progress toward launch.

Please note that i-Cubed does not provide startup funding; nor do we assist with the development of new drugs, devices, or medical products.

What will i-Cubed expect from me?

Innovators will engage with i-Cubed team members, partners, and industry experts to help develop and prepare to launch your solution – but as the innovator, you are the primary driver of the solution. You will be responsible for pushing your idea forward, with our assistance around activities like crafting an innovation roadmap, developing a pitch deck, following up on recommendations, meeting with partners and potential funders, and offering insights into the commercial applications of your idea.  

What is the submission process?

The button above will take you to a brief form where you will tell us about your idea.

Within three business days of submission, a member of our team will send you an email stating whether we’ve approved your idea for further consideration. A number of factors contribute to this decision, including alignment with i-Cubed's mission, vision, and values; prospective business viability; and absence of conflict of interest.

How will my materials and IP be protected?

At i-Cubed, our role is to help you, the Innovator, transform your idea into a viable product, initiative, or startup company. As part of working with i-Cubed, you will submit an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) to the Duke Office of Translation & Commercialization (OTC). The IDF is the first step in documenting and ultimately protecting and licensing your invention.

For more information about intellectual property protection, visit: https://otc.duke.edu/faqs/#invention-disclosure