Who We Are
i3 Invention Labs works with organizations that know innovation matters—but want a more intentional, integrated way to pursue it.
We believe innovation doesn’t live solely in culture or technology. It emerges at the intersection of leadership, people, systems, and invention. Our role is to help organizations align these elements— uncovering potential, bridging gaps, and co-creating unique solutions.
We operate as a trusted partner to leadership teams: helping surface real opportunities, strengthen how work gets done, and bring in advanced technical or intellectual property expertise when impactful.
Our Approach
Inspire
We cultivate curiosity, creativity, and an invention mindset—across industries, institutions, and generations.
Innovate
We transform ideas into solutions through applied innovation, AI-enabled optimization, and cross-sector collaboration.
Invent
We protect and activate intellectual property to create startups, jobs, and long-term economic value.
Clients & Partners
Businesses can unlock innovation, leverage AI, and develop new products, ventures, or growth pathways.
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Schools can increase invention learning in K-12 and advance applied research, invention, and technology transfer in higher ed.
Cities and communities can support job creation, startup formation, local innovation, and long-term economic growth rooted in place.
Our Services
From Innovation Discovery to Value Creation
WHAT WE DO
i3 Invention Labs supports organizations across the full innovation-to-invention continuum:
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Work directly with leaders and teams to clarify innovation priorities
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Use structured, proprietary tools to identify areas of opportunity and unrealized value
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Strengthen collaboration, decision-making, and execution inside real work
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Design systems and workflows that support innovation within core operations
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Engage advanced technology, invention, and IP expertise when solutions reach that level
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Support value activation through licensing, partnerships, startups, or investment pathways
Every engagement evolves based on what emerges—ensuring focus, rigor, and alignment at each stage.
Integrated, Flexible, and Relationship-Led
HOW WE WORK
i3 Invention Labs balances a human-centered leadership approach with disciplined innovation discovery in order to systematize and maximize outcomes.
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Our work begins with listening—understanding your context, constraints, priorities, and vision.
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From there, we partner with leaders and teams to explore innovation opportunities using a combination of facilitation, structured discovery, and practical application.
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We design strategic implementation options with internal goal alignment and external market value.
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As complexity increases, we seamlessly bring in deeper technical, invention, or intellectual property expertise as needed.
This approach allows organizations to innovate seriously while staying focused on their core business.
Start with Clarity
INNOVATION AUDIT
The i3 Innovation & Invention Potential Audit helps organizations understand how prepared they are to navigate disruption, integrate AI and technology, and turn ideas into real outcomes.
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This focused engagement helps leaders see where innovation is already happening—and where it may be unintentionally constrained or undervalued.
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It includes examining the human, cultural, strategic, and invention-related conditions that make innovation possible.
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The audit explores:
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Leadership and cultural signals impacting innovation
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Existing ideas, assets, and capabilities
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Strategic and market alignment
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Areas where value may be stalled or unrealized
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The audit is leadership-led, evidence-based, and designed to create clarity in moments of uncertainty.
In-Progress
Innovate Where You Are Podcast
A new podcast spotlighting local innovators and providing a platform for their stories.
Expanding Partnerships
Connecting invention to capital, talent, and place—paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
Innovation & Invention Pilots
Working with private, public, and nonprofit partners to accelerate innovation and support pathways to invention and IP.
Our Co-Founders
Kristy Venne
Kristy Venne is Co-Founder of i3 Invention Labs. A nationally recognized education, workforce, and innovation strategist with more than 20 years of experience designing and leading systems that connect education, industry, and community. She has served as a classroom teacher, school principal, and district administrator in leading central Ohio school districts, advancing scalable PK–12 initiatives aligned to workforce and economic development priorities.
Kristy founded Jade Strategies, a consulting firm focused on classroom-to-career solutions through human-centered design, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative programming. A proven boundary spanner and ecosystem builder, she is known for bridging sectors, aligning stakeholders, and translating complex challenges into actionable, scalable initiatives.
Dr. Dipanjan “DJ” Nag
Dr. Dipanjan “DJ” Nag is Co‑Founder of i3 Invention Labs. A globally recognized intellectual property (IP) strategist and IAM300 honoree, he has led technology transfer, licensing, startups, and investment programs at Ohio State University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nebraska, and previously served as Chief Investment Officer and head of IP and partnerships at Ventech Solutions Inc.
DJ advised the National Science Foundation(NSF) as an expert on IP and technology transfer strategy from 2023-24. DJ has advised Fortune 500 companies, universities, and national governments on patent monetization and IP strategy, and teaches IP strategy and negotiation as a Professor at Rutgers University and in visiting faculty roles in Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, and across Europe.
Let's Get Started
i3 Invention Labs is beginning with a small number of strategic partners who share an interest in innovation, invention, and long-term economic impact. Our goal is to listen, learn, and co-design work that creates real value for our partners—and for Ohio. We are currently exploring:
Innovation & Invention Potential Audit
Are you interested in piloting an audit with your team or company?
Partnerships
Are you a university, business, non-profit, or local government seeking a cross-sector innovation partnership?
Introductions
Is your organization open to systematic innovation, applied AI implementation, or Intellectual Property strategy?
Let's Connect!
