Invent@NMU cultivates the talent of next-generation professionals while adding value to the Marquette community through the resources and guidance of business leaders at Innovate Marquette SmartZone.

Joe Thiel

Executive Director
of Invent@NMU

The Upper Peninsula's Idea Incubator®

In October 2014, Invent@NMU opened its doors as a student program of Northern Michigan University. Our goal is to provide an experiential learning opportunity for students as well as to help regional inventors and entrepreneurs take their product or business ideas to market or assist existing business owners looking to innovate from within. Here, students get to use their education at NMU in parallel with mentorship from the professional management staff of the economic development organization Innovate Marquette SmartZone to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and business growth of the Upper Peninsula.

Though we’ve grown throughout the years the mission remains the same, to support NMU students and faculty along with regional community members while providing a model for developing opportunities in the region.

Student Mentorship

Through working directly with clients, our student staff gains real-world experience and skills specific to their chosen careers.

Local Economic Growth

We spark economic growth through providing low-cost entrepreneurial services to the local community.

Entrepreneurial Resources

Through combining entrepreneurial resources with education, our clients are given the necessary resources and knowledge needed to grow their business after working with us.