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.  

Innovators will collaborate closely with i-Cubed team members, partners, and industry experts to refine and ready their solutions for launch and potential commercialization. However, as the innovator, you remain the chief architect of your solution. You will be paired with a startup partner who is an expert in the entrepreneur community, with support from an i-Cubed project manager. Early in the process, our team will work with you to propel your idea forward, by assisting you with tasks such as formulating an innovation roadmap, creating a compelling pitch deck, conducting customer discovery, acting on expert advice, engaging with partners and potential investors, and providing valuable insights into the commercial viability of your concept. 

At i-Cubed, our role is to help you, the Innovator, transform your idea into a viable product, initiative, or startup company. When the time is right, you might 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.  

NOTE: Not all inventions will have intellectual property (IP). For more information about intellectual property protection, visit:  https://otc.duke.edu/faqs/#invention-disclosure   

For Startup Innovations with IP, there is potential for the DCRI to capture financial value from the commercialization of solutions created at Duke (per Duke revenue distribution policies). Duke receives revenue from companies and licensing agreements on a case-by-case basis. 

We do not provide direct funding. i-Cubed invests in startup ideas by providing resources and support to launch the idea into a business.

Yes. We work closely with innovators to identify funding through established relationships with government agencies, venture capitalists and other funders.   

Please contact i-Cubed Startup Innovations Project Manager Samantha Raines. Email: samantha.raines@duke.edu