U.S. Department of Energy

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.

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.

SMASHsolar specializes in simplifying solar energy installation for homeowners and contractors by addressing common barriers such as cost and complexity. The company has created an innovative solar module that can be easily assembled, which allows for installations that are twice as fast as traditional solar panels. This design significantly lowers labor skill requirements and costs, while also enhancing crew efficiency, ultimately reducing overall installation expenses. The modular system is designed for easy expansion, enabling homeowners to purchase only what they need initially and upgrade their solar capacity as desired. This approach not only streamlines the installation process but also makes solar energy more accessible to a broader audience.