Introducing the NCIR: UNW’s Gateway to Innovation and Opportunity

The University of Northwestern (UNW), long celebrated as a Christian teaching institution, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its history. With the launch of the Northwestern Center for Innovation and Research (NCIR), UNW is embracing a dual identity that emphasizes both academic instruction and value-driven research. This transformation is not just a shift in focus; it is a new step toward redefining the university’s role in shaping the future.

The NCIR is a multidisciplinary hub advancing industry innovation and technology through collaborative research and development. Organizations can work with the NCIR for product development and process improvement. The center offers support to help businesses succeed. Whether the company is large or small, and regardless of where they are on their innovation journey, the NCIR can tailor to specific needs.

NCIR represents a commitment to excellence and innovation, rooted in UNW’s Christian values. The center seeks to form strong, lasting partnerships with industry leaders to address real-world challenges, create impactful solutions, and provide students with ample opportunities to grow. In its short time since establishment, NCIR has already established connections with numerous companies, initiated research projects, and positioned itself as a hub for collaboration and discovery. By integrating research with teaching, UNW is not only preparing students for meaningful careers but also contributing to advancements that align with its mission to serve others and glorify God.

Collaboration lies at the heart of NCIR’s mission. The center fosters partnerships not only between UNW and industry leaders but also within the university itself. NCIR supports projects that connect faculty and students from various fields. This helps participants develop a valuable skill for the future. This skill is the ability to work well in a diverse team. In a world where innovation increasingly depends on collective efforts, NCIR is ensuring that students learn to thrive in collaborative environments, both academically and professionally.

Real-World Impact through Community Partnership

Community partnerships connect academic theory with real-world practice. They give students a chance to tackle real challenges faced by businesses, both big and small. Through these partnerships, NCIR fosters a dynamic learning environment where students do not just study problems—they solve them.

One recent project came from a start-up company. The aim was to improve a project management tool. This tool is made for design engineers who work with complex equipment. This is a cutting-edge technology that gives students a front row look intotechnology development with the satisfaction of contributing to a dynamic ecosystem of technological advancement and job creation.

Outside of providing solutions to organizational needs, the NCIR also opens doors for UNW students. Andrew, a current Engineering student, is just one example. Despite months of searching, he was unable to secure an internship with his dream company. After connecting with NCIR, Andrew quickly got an internship that fit his goals. He was given hands-on experience and the connections he needed to succeed in his field.

This year, our students achieved a milestone by qualifying for the first round of the Department of Energy’s prestigious Wind Competition. The challenge? To design and build a prototype for an offshore floating wind turbine farm. UNW is one of only 35 teams nationwide to qualify, earning prize money to test and build their innovative prototype. Achievements like this showcase the caliber of opportunities our students can access.

Student Opportunities at UNW and NCIR

One of NCIR’s primary goals is to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Collaborating with leading companies in STEM fields, particularly in the medical device sector, students can:

• Engage in Class Projects: Work on assignments that solve problems for industry partners. Use what you learn in class to tackle real-world issues.

• Complete Senior Capstone Projects: Undertake year-long projects sponsored by companies, gaining valuable insights into professional workflows and expectations.

• Secure Internships: Benefit from NCIR’s connections with industry leaders to land internships that offer practical experience and mentorship.

• Build Career Opportunities: Leverage NCIR’s network to connect with employers who value the rigor and values-driven education provided by UNW.

• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Engage in industrial projects that hone their abilities to think critically, innovate, and tackle complex challenges. These experiences prepare students to become not only effective professionals but also forward-thinking innovators and entrepreneurs.

Benefits for Students and Their Families

For prospective students, choosing a university is a significant decision. At UNW, we’re committed to making that choice easier by offering an experience that combines academic excellence, practical skills, and spiritual growth. Here are some key benefits NCIR provides:

1. Enhanced Learning Opportunities: By integrating real-world projects into the curriculum, students gain a deeper understanding of their fields and a stronger sense of purpose in their studies.

2. Career Readiness: Employers today are looking for candidates with hands-on experience. NCIR ensures that UNW students graduate with impressive portfolios and industry connections.

3. Community Impact: Through projects in fields like medical devices, NCIR’s work often focuses on improving lives and serving others. Students can take pride in knowing their efforts make a difference.

4. Collaboration Skills: By working on interdisciplinary projects and engaging in research partnerships, students develop critical teamwork and communication skills, preparing them for the collaborative nature of modern workplaces.

5. Building Professional Networks: Through internships, industry-sponsored projects, and collaborative events, students cultivate relationships with industry leaders and peers that can lead to future opportunities and lifelong connections.

Partnering for the Future

NCIR’s mission is to form lasting partnerships with industry leaders who share our commitment to innovation and excellence. These collaborations not only benefit students but also enhance the university’s ability to impact the broader community. By working together, NCIR and its partners can drive advancements in technology, healthcare, and more—all while glorifying God through their efforts. Within the university, NCIR promotes collaboration among departments, creating a vibrant ecosystem where faculty and students from different disciplines unite to tackle complex challenges and share knowledge.

Join Us at UNW and NCIR

The Northwestern Center for Innovation and Research is more than just a research center; it’s a launching pad for success. Whether you’re a student eager to make a difference or a parent seeking the best for your child, NCIR offers a pathway to growth, opportunity, and faith-driven achievement.

We invite you to learn more about NCIR and see how it can transform your educational journey. Visit our website, schedule a campus tour, or connect with us directly to explore all that UNW and NCIR have to offer. Together, we can build a future rooted in faith, guided by excellence, and dedicated to service.

Wind Competition Team, including students from U of MN, our partnering school