A major research university in the heart of one of the world's greatest cities, UIC provides a world-class education for its students. We are committed to creating and disseminating new knowledge as a university of growing national and international stature. The largest university in the Chicago area, UIC has 27,580 students, 15 colleges-including the nation's largest medical school-and annual research expenditures exceeding $335 million. UIC operates the state's major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois' physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other health-care professionals. A truly global institution, more than a third of UIC students speak English as a second language. UIC's student body-approximately 61 percent undergraduate and 39 percent graduate and professional-is recognized as one of the nation's most diverse. We consider this one of our greatest strengths.
Purdue University, established in 1869 and located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a non-profit educational institution renowned for its diverse academic offerings, including undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts. The university enhances its educational mission through a significant endowment, which is supported by contributions from alumni and friends, providing a stable funding source for scholarships, professorships, and research initiatives. In addition to its main campus, Purdue also offers learning programs at various locations across Indiana through the College of Technology. The management of the university's assets is overseen by an executive management team, ensuring effective governance and strategic growth in its academic and financial endeavors.
CRG is a high-technology company delivering products and services to their aerospace, defense and industrial customers. Their scientists, engineers and production teams redefine what is possible to deliver innovative solutions with the support of a network of hundreds of leading technology providers. Since 1997, their multidisciplinary team has successfully tackled their customers’ most challenging problems with discipline, creativity and flexibility. This has resulted in CRG being recognized as a leader in innovation, in technology commercialization and in providing a work environment that is deeply rewarding.
Iowa State University, founded in 1858 and located in Ames, Iowa, is recognized as a leading public research university with a strong focus on student engagement. It offers a diverse array of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as accounting, agriculture, architecture, and business administration. With a vibrant campus life, Iowa State boasts more than 800 student organizations, fostering leadership and personal growth among its culturally diverse student body of over 31,000 individuals from all 50 states and over 110 countries. The university's commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment empowers students to explore their passions and achieve their potential.
BorgWarner is a global product leader in powertrain solutions. They focus on developing leading powertrain technologies that improve fuel economy, emissions and performance. Their facilities are located across the globe in order to provide local support of their diverse customer base.
Fraunhofer USA, Inc., performs applied research under contract to government and industry with customers such as federal and state governments, multinational corporations as well as small to medium-sized companies. Fraunhofer's research benefits society in many ways.
Super.tech is a company that specializes in enhancing quantum computing by integrating software with hardware. Founded in 2020 by Pranav Gokhale and Fred Chong, Super.tech has developed a comprehensive quantum stack that addresses the challenges faced by quantum software developers. This innovative architecture allows software to be explicitly aware of the underlying quantum hardware, facilitating significant speed improvements for practical applications. By bridging the gap between quantum applications and hardware, Super.tech aims to advance the capabilities of quantum computing and support its practical implementation in various fields.
Feyen Zylstra is a construction company offering electrical contracting and construction services.
Novoreach Technologies develops innovative material solutions for clean energy and environment applications.
Scanalytics Inc. offers software solutions to monitor and analyze customer behavior at retail stores and events. It offers a system that automates and analyzes information for actionable insights; and Analysis Lab, an actionable comparison tool that allows users to fine-tune their operations to create the profit machine. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
BorgWarner is a global product leader in powertrain solutions. They focus on developing leading powertrain technologies that improve fuel economy, emissions and performance. Their facilities are located across the globe in order to provide local support of their diverse customer base.
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer that specializes in designing, engineering, and supplying driveline and drivetrain systems, as well as related components for various vehicle types, including light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. The company's product offerings encompass axles, chassis modules, driveshafts, power transfer units, transfer cases, and metal-formed products. American Axle operates globally, serving customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia through a network of distributors. Incorporated in 1993 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, the company has additional offices in several countries, including Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, and Poland, along with research and development centers in Michigan and Sweden. The company primarily generates revenue from its driveline segment while also engaging in metal forming.
Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets a wastewater treatment solution to recover nutrients from wastewater to municipalities and wastewater-producing industries. It offers revolving algal biofilm (RAB) system that recovers nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater while producing algae biomass that could be sold as a fertilizer or bioplastic. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Slater, Iowa.
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
mHUB is an independent innovation center based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on hardtech and manufacturing. Established in 2013, it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding physical product innovation. The organization serves over 270 startups and small businesses, leveraging a diverse talent pool that includes product designers, engineers, and industry experts. mHUB specializes in the development and manufacturing of various products, such as robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technology, medical devices, smart buildings and cities, and unmanned vehicles. By providing a resource-rich environment, mHUB aims to facilitate the commercialization of new hardtech innovations, fostering the growth of new businesses, intellectual property, investment opportunities, and job creation within the manufacturing sector.
LanzaJet producer of aviation fuel that captures waste gas emissions and uses bacteria to turn it into useable ethanol fuel.
SAFI-Tech, Inc. produces no-heat solders for use in electronics manufacturing and assembly. It offers No-heat SAC305 technology. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Ames, Iowa.
Blue Wave was founded in 2016 with a mission to utilize recent advances in data sciences to solve problems that were previously unsolvable. Since its inception, Blue Wave has combined the resources of academia with the experience of industry experts to provide solutions to formerly intractable problems. Led by Dr. Tom Gruenwald, former Tellabs CTO, Westell CEO and Bell Labs Executive, along with a team of accomplished scientists, Blue Wave uses a unique blend of science, engineering, AI and mathematical expertise to solve real-world problems at a world-class level. Most AI companies provide a one size fits all AI platform developed by a group of computer scientists. They give the client a set of tools to sort through their data to come up with generic solutions to generic problems. Blue Wave is different in that we provide custom solutions for complicated issues, engineered by industry experts along with computer scientists. Aerospace AI applications are built with a team of Aerospace Engineers in addition to experts in Data Science and AI. Nuclear reactor problems are solved with a team of Nuclear Physicists combined with a team of Computer Scientists.
Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, LLC, founded in 2015 and based in West Michigan, specializes in developing innovative compounds for lithium-ion batteries. The company focuses on creating organic electrochemical additives that enhance battery performance by increasing capacity, preventing overcharging, and simplifying electronic control systems. These advancements allow battery manufacturers to improve the safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of their products. Additionally, Jolt is working on all-organic nonaqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) designed for large-scale energy storage, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery technologies. With a commitment to sustainability, Jolt Energy aims to revolutionize the energy storage sector.
Gopher Resource LLC is an environmental solutions provider specializing in the recycling of lead-based batteries and other hazardous household waste. Established in 1946 and headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, with an additional facility in Tampa, Florida, the company employs advanced technology and sustainable practices to process lead-acid batteries and various recyclable materials, including plastics, metals, and electronics. Gopher Resource is committed to environmental sustainability and safety, achieving recognition for its high standards in these areas. The company’s operations focus on producing refined lead primarily for use in automotive and industrial batteries, while also recycling a diverse range of materials such as aerosols, paints, and scrap metal. Through its efforts, Gopher Resource aims to protect natural resources and foster continuous improvement, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for its clients and the environment.
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
mHUB is an independent innovation center based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on hardtech and manufacturing. Established in 2013, it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding physical product innovation. The organization serves over 270 startups and small businesses, leveraging a diverse talent pool that includes product designers, engineers, and industry experts. mHUB specializes in the development and manufacturing of various products, such as robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technology, medical devices, smart buildings and cities, and unmanned vehicles. By providing a resource-rich environment, mHUB aims to facilitate the commercialization of new hardtech innovations, fostering the growth of new businesses, intellectual property, investment opportunities, and job creation within the manufacturing sector.
SHINE Medical Technologies, LLC is a manufacturer and supplier of medical tracers and cancer treatment elements, specializing in isotopes used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The company produces molybdenum-99, which is essential for imaging and diagnosing conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, SHINE offers Iodine-131 for the treatment of thyroid cancer and related conditions, as well as Iodine-125, which is utilized in brachytherapy for various cancers. The company also provides Xenon-133, an inhalable gas that assists in evaluating lung function and blood flow in the brain. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, SHINE serves both domestic and international markets with its innovative medical solutions.
Washington University in St. Louis, established in 1853, is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and intellectually rigorous environment that encourages exploration and discovery. The university supports a diverse community of individuals, promoting higher education and rigorous research as essential components of a vibrant society. Its mission focuses on enhancing the lives of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community through strategic priorities aimed at achieving inclusion and excellence. Washington University continually evolves to meet the needs of its current and prospective students, inspiring collaboration and support among its members to tackle complex challenges and develop innovative ideas. The university's commitment to these values is reflected in its dynamic campus culture and unwavering pursuit of high standards.
Scanalytics Inc. offers software solutions to monitor and analyze customer behavior at retail stores and events. It offers a system that automates and analyzes information for actionable insights; and Analysis Lab, an actionable comparison tool that allows users to fine-tune their operations to create the profit machine. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where “dream teams” of world-class researchers work alongside experts from industry, academia and other government laboratories to address vital national challenges in clean energy, environment, technology and national security. Through collaborations with researchers here at Argonne and around the world, they strive to discover new ways to develop energy innovations through science, create novel materials molecule-by-molecule, and gain a deeper understanding of their planet, their climate and the cosmos. Surrounded by the highest concentration of top-tier research organizations in the world, Argonne leverages its Chicago-area location to lead discovery and to power innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from high-energy physics and materials science to structural biology and advanced computer science. Embracing the nation’s greatest challenges, Argonne’s world-renowned scientists and engineers conduct pioneering research that advances America’s scientific excellence and leadership and helps pave the way to a secure nation with a plentiful supply of safe, sustainable energy, a healthy environment, and a competitive economy. They pursue big, ambitious ideas that redefine what is possible. Their pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries pushes the boundaries of fundamental science, applied science and engineering to solve complex challenges and develop useful technologies that can transform the marketplace and change the world. A center for world-class discovery and scientific excellence, their diverse and dynamic research agenda spans 15 scientific divisions, 14 centers, and six national user facilities. This rich scientific environment provides their researchers – and those who visit us from all corners of the globe – with an extraordinary range of cutting-edge facilities and scientific tools that support in-depth research, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve their nation’s competitiveness and quality of life. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science
Danforth Technology Company (DTC) is a venture builder based in St. Louis, Missouri, and operates as a subsidiary of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Its primary role is to facilitate the early-stage development of startup companies that leverage technologies developed by the Center's scientists. DTC focuses on moving scientific discoveries into the marketplace more efficiently by providing intellectual property development, licensing, and entrepreneurship support. The company also offers seed funding and early management assistance to promising startups, enhancing the potential for innovation in plant science and contributing to broader societal goals such as improving human health and environmental sustainability.
Echogen Power Systems, LLC develops heat-to-power generation systems. The company’s product captures heat energy and converts into usable power. It offers heat recovery systems for bottom cycling in gas turbines, industrial waste heat recovery, solar thermal, geothermal, and hybrid alternatives to the internal combustion engines. The company also offers heat recovery engines for various power outputs. It serves companies that generate heat as a byproduct of their processes, and others. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Akron, Ohio. Echogen Power Systems, LLC is a former subsidiary of Cognitek Management Systems Inc.
Inventev delivers mobile power generation using an innovative Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) commercial truck architecture. They are developing and applying their key next-gen propulsion and controls technology to OEM-branded trucks creating electrically-biased drive systems.Their market focus is on medium duty classes 2B to 5 (such as F250/350/450/550; 2500/3500; etc.) where many work trucks carry cargo or perform job site tasks.
As your local utility and an energy delivery company with more than a century of experience, our commitment to customer service, security, and satisfaction is guided by the progress of the past and the promise of the future. Driving an industry that is entrepreneurial in nature, we have always remained focused on benefiting the people, environment, and economies of the communities we serve. We continue to enhance our services and the workforce that helps us generate smart ideas.
Accio Energy is making distributed wind energy systems scalable, reliable, and affordable with Aerovoltaic energy systems that directly convert wind energy to electricity without any moving parts. Accio Energy Aerovoltaic energy systems offer the low cost of big wind with the modularity and flexibility of solar. It's a new direction in wind energy.
The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ecovia Renewables Inc., founded in 2014 as a spin-out from the University of Michigan and based in Ann Arbor, specializes in developing bio-based ingredients and materials through a proprietary fermentation process utilizing renewable biomass. The company offers a variety of products, including the EcoSynth platform for biochemical and biofuel production, a suite of biopolymers designed as biodegradable alternatives to traditional polymers, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Ecovia's biopolymers are versatile, finding applications in agriculture, such as soil additives for water retention, and in personal care products, serving as thickeners and super-absorbent materials. The company is committed to sustainable practices, aiming to provide high-performing, cost-effective biobased solutions for various industries.
SolarBridge Technologies, originally founded as SmartSpark Energy Systems in 2004, specializes in power electronics technologies developed at the University of Illinois. In 2009, the company shifted its focus to the solar industry, offering advanced microinverter and monitoring solutions. With major research and development facilities in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, SolarBridge is led by experienced professionals from both industry and academia. The company's mission centers on reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for solar installations by enhancing reliability, boosting energy production, and streamlining installation processes.
SolarBridge Technologies, originally founded as SmartSpark Energy Systems in 2004, specializes in power electronics technologies developed at the University of Illinois. In 2009, the company shifted its focus to the solar industry, offering advanced microinverter and monitoring solutions. With major research and development facilities in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, SolarBridge is led by experienced professionals from both industry and academia. The company's mission centers on reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for solar installations by enhancing reliability, boosting energy production, and streamlining installation processes.
Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. specializes in producing and distributing specialty chemicals derived from plant oils through a process called natural oil metathesis. Founded in 2007 and based in Woodridge, Illinois, the company offers a diverse range of products, including cleaning ingredients, coating materials, oil field chemicals, and personal care ingredients. These products find applications across various sectors, such as detergents, coatings, personal care, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Elevance provides manufacturing consulting and technical services related to intermediates and bio-based feedstocks. With a focus on transforming renewable oils into high-performance materials, Elevance is strategically positioned to cater to the growing consumer demand in specialty chemical markets, which exceed $100 billion annually.
Whirlpool Corporation is a prominent manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, operating across four key segments: North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company offers a wide range of products including refrigerators, freezers, laundry appliances, cooking equipment, dishwashers, and various small domestic appliances. Whirlpool's extensive brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Amana, among others. The company distributes its products to retailers, distributors, dealers, builders, and directly to consumers, ensuring a broad market presence. In addition to major appliances, Whirlpool also produces hermetic compressors for refrigeration systems, solidifying its role in the home appliance industry.