FAQ

You, the partner, will be a member of our team, alongside our talented faculty and students. In this specialized role, you will be expected to provide feedback and expertise on your project’s subject matter, as well as provide our lab members access to any necessary resources needed to help in the further investigation and development of a solution. Your direct involvement as a partner is vital to the success of the project. The process may require us to observe the clinical environment and interview other clinicians. You, as the partner, are responsible for pursuing any additional funding needed to further the project (i.e. Proof of Concept Funding, and the Chancellor’s Discovery Fund) after MAD Lab development, although we can provide additional support in these applications.

While every project is different, our goal for full research and development projects is to conduct a market assessment, concept validation, early prototype development, and value proposition in 10-12 weeks. Some projects require further development and may engage in MAD Lab support beyond 12 weeks, while others may require less time.

We always provide recommended next steps for each project upon hand-off to our project partners.

Within UIC, additional funding opportunities can be found here:

• Proof of Concept (POC)
• Chancellor’s Discovery Fund (CDF)

If Intellectual Property (IP) was already in existence, this should be well documented via an invention disclosure submitted to the Office of Technology Management (OTM) prior to commencing any MAD Lab project work. In the event a new and novel outcome is developed within MAD Lab, you are considered one of the inventors alongside MAD Lab team members, and a revised invention disclosure will be submitted to OTM.   

All intellectual property for any projects that MAD Lab works on is owned by the University, per University policy.

Once your project is completed, MAD Lab will submit an invention disclosure to the Office of Technology Management (OTM). This invention disclosure will cover any new development on the project that occurred within the MAD Lab. Upon submitting, OTM will assess and decide how the University will move forward. If OTM decides to apply for a patent, the University will cover the cost of the patent and the application. Once a patent is issued, any profits are divided up as follows: 40% goes to the University of Illinois at Chicago, 40% goes to the creator(s), and 20% goes to the University Departments/Units.

We are always looking for talented and passionate graduate students to support the work of our lab!

Please visit the “For Prospective Students” page to learn more about student positions within MAD Lab.