Northwestern University has announced a $25 million gift to its Kellogg School of Management from trustee Pin Ni and the Future Wanxiang Foundation to establish an innovation institute.

The Northwestern Innovation Institute (NI Institute) aims to bridge the gap between the production of innovative technology and the prediction of its success. To that end, the institute will examine how innovation occurs across science, technology, and business by applying big data analytics and AI to aggregate, integrate, and analyze diverse datasets on inventions, patents, licenses, revenues, grants, and publications from institutions around the world.

“During nearly a decade of service to Northwestern’s board of trustees, Pin Ni has been a valuable advocate for innovation and strategic growth,” said Northwestern University president Michael Schill. “Through this gift to establish the NI Institute, the Future Wanxiang Foundation advances Northwestern’s research reputation as an international leader in a distinct and exciting way. We are grateful for their generosity.” 

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