National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Midwestern US

WiSys Technology Foundation works hand in hand with the University of Wisconsin System to support research and technology development, link campus innovators with industry leaders and speed technology transfer through patent and licensing activities.

The Water Council

Grant in 2023
The Water Council is focused on redefining the Milwaukee region as the World Water Hub for water research, economic development, and education. It links together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs, and other related professionals.
Case Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland's University Circle, is a prominent independent research institution known for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to education and research. Founded in 1843, it comprises several schools, including the School of Medicine, School of Law, and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, among others. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, as well as various professional accrediting bodies. Its focus on medical education and biomedical research is exemplified by the Case School of Medicine and the Case School of Dental Medicine, which contribute significantly to the university's academic prestige and research initiatives. The campus is part of a vibrant cultural and educational ecosystem, hosting over 40 institutions dedicated to various academic and social services.
MWCC provides relevant, high quality learning opportunities and services that respond to diverse student and community needs, foster student success, and stimulate civic, workforce, and economic vitality.
Baldwin Wallace University, established in 1845 and located in Berea, Ohio, is a non-profit educational institution recognized for its strong regional college ranking by U.S. News and World Report. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate degrees in fields such as Art History, Criminal Justice, Film Studies, and Neuroscience, along with graduate programs in Business and Education. A notable highlight is its music conservatory, which prepares students for successful careers in various music-related fields, including Broadway and music therapy. Baldwin Wallace emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships that provide practical application of their studies and enhance employability. The university supports students through personalized Action Plans created in collaboration with career and academic counselors, guiding them in course selection and extracurricular involvement. With over 100 clubs, athletic teams, and residential living options, student life is vibrant and engaging. Additionally, Baldwin Wallace offers health services, personal counseling, and financial aid opportunities to ensure students have access to necessary resources throughout their education.
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

MCity

Grant in 2022
Mcity, the autonomous vehicle research center on the University of Michigan campus.Mcity is the only advanced mobility R&D center that combines early-stage research, testing in a real-world environment, and on-road vehicle deployments to further prove new technologies.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh provides students with state-wide resources and ensures academic quality and accountability. UW Oshkosh is committed to providing students with a broad knowledge base and transferable skills as well as a strong sense of values and ethics that prepares them for civic leadership in society. UW Oshkosh is part of the robust University of Wisconsin System—one of the largest systems of public higher education in the country. It was founded in 1871 and its headquarters is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Octet Scientific

Grant in 2022
Octet Scientific, founded in 2017, specializes in developing organic electrolyte chemicals designed to enhance the performance of zinc batteries. The company focuses on addressing the specific needs of the zinc battery industry by providing solutions that improve efficiency and extend the cycle life of these batteries. Its products are designed to be integrated seamlessly into existing electrolytes, thereby improving battery functionality across various applications, including backup power, grid storage, portable devices, and mobility solutions. By offering innovative enhancements to battery performance, Octet Scientific enables its customers to deliver more efficient and cost-effective energy storage products.

CoraVie Medical

Grant in 2022
Developer of an implantable continuous blood pressure monitoring solution intended for early and accurate detection of dangerous blood pressures that lead to organ damage. The company's device provides advanced notice of changing health status using end-to-end results seamlessly and remotely which connects patients and clinicians through a cloud-based software and analytics platform, enabling timely, cost-effective clinical interventions to intercept and possibly prevent a hypertension crisis.

Brainsoft

Grant in 2022
Brainsoft specializes in the development of technologies that leverage human brainwaves to control objects and analyze the relationship between brain activity and emotional and intellectual states. The company creates innovative interfaces that enable intuitive navigation, allowing users to interact with devices based on their mental and emotional conditions. By focusing on the interception and analysis of brainwaves, Brainsoft aims to support researchers in advancing their understanding of brain activity, ultimately benefiting society through improved insights into human cognition and behavior.

NovoClade

Grant in 2022
NovoClade is a synthetic biology company focused on developing environmentally friendly solutions for insect control and invasive species eradication. The company utilizes gene-editing technology to create sterile mosquito populations, aiming to mitigate the spread of diseases carried by these insects. By offering chemical-free pest control alternatives, NovoClade provides clients with innovative formulas that effectively reduce disease transmission without harming the environment. Through their advancements in genetic bio-control, NovoClade addresses critical public health challenges while promoting sustainable practices in pest management.

Dynamac Microwave

Grant in 2022
Dynamac Microwave provides electronic countermeasures, countermeasures, reaction capability equipment, filters and networks, switches, semiconductor devices, associated hardware, and amplifiers.

MFNS

Grant in 2022
MFNS specializes in consulting services aimed at the separation of oil and other contaminants from industrial processes and wastewater. The company has developed a nanostructured coating that efficiently cleans up oil, pollutants, and toxins from water. They provide a unique oleophilic and hydrophobic sponge that attracts oil while repelling water, making it a multifunctional solution for environmental cleanup. This sponge can be recycled after its active properties are exhausted, allowing businesses and communities to effectively absorb toxins from water supplies and reduce contamination from industrial runoff. Additionally, MFNS collaborates with clients to create custom solutions, including the development of specialized membranes and sponges tailored to specific industry needs.

Canomiks

Grant in 2022
Canomiks provides a genomics, bioinformatics and AI-based Product Superiority Platform that enables companies within the functional food and beverage, dietary supplement and skincare industries to create safe and efficacious products. Canomiks' long-term vision is to make food as medicine a reality.

Caporus

Grant in 2022
Caporus develops advanced thin-film dielectrics designed for high-energy-density capacitors, focusing on reliable capacitive energy storage and filtering at elevated voltages and temperatures. The company's technology addresses the growing demands of next-generation power conversion systems, which are essential for the electrification of transportation and the integration of distributed energy resources into the grid. By providing these innovative solutions, Caporus enables its clients to meet the challenges posed by modern energy requirements.

Iaso Therapeutics

Grant in 2022
Iaso Therapeutics develops vaccines to improve human health and cure diseases. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in East Lansing, Michigan.

PureBiomass

Grant in 2022
Developer of a photo-bioreactor system intended for algae cultivation. The company's system is composed of a metal support cage, a plastic bladder containing culture volume, and a sterile harvest apparatus for the continual collection of pre-concentrated culture, equipped with both pH and temperature control options, enabling production facilities to reduce their carbon footprint and maintain a low rate of water consumption, in order to minimize their impact on the local and global environment.

SkyGig

Grant in 2022
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Augray

Grant in 2022
Augray aims to augment the real and virtual world with fun, educational and timely insights. Augray also works towards facilitating modern and trendy advertising campaigns for brand's products and services. Brands can target their customers through this next generation XR platform (Augmented, Virtual & Mixed Reality) and reap the benefits of high-level user interaction and engagement. How does it work? • To begin with, look for Augray enabled images, advertisements, banners, catalogs, posters etc. • Secondly, open the app and focus on the target object for auto scan. • Now, you're all set to enjoy the powerful and enriched experience of AR World.

Roadprintz

Grant in 2022
RoadPrintz, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of robotic equipment designed for road painting and pavement markings. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the company focuses on providing machines that can survey, map, paint, and repaint various road markings, including signs such as turn arrows and lane separators. Founded in 2018, RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible for all road users.

Boron Nitride Power

Grant in 2022
Boron Nitride Power develops functionalized 2D materials to simultaneously achieve high energy and power density electrochemical energy storage with thermal stability and an environmentally benign and economic composition. Their cathode materials include functionalized hexagonal boron nitride and graphene and are improved versions of the well-known graphene oxide cathode, especially in terms of thermal stability.

4D Avionic Systems

Grant in 2021
4D Avionic Systems specializes in providing advanced aviation and aerospace solutions focused on enhancing airspace management. The company offers strategic and tactical deconfliction services, along with four-dimensional prescriptive control and flight path management capabilities. These services enable high-density operations, ensuring that aviation industry stakeholders can achieve safer, more efficient, and more profitable outcomes. By integrating innovative technology into airspace management, 4D Avionic Systems aims to improve overall safety and operational effectiveness for airplane operators.

Roadprintz

Grant in 2021
RoadPrintz, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of robotic equipment designed for road painting and pavement markings. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the company focuses on providing machines that can survey, map, paint, and repaint various road markings, including signs such as turn arrows and lane separators. Founded in 2018, RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible for all road users.

ChloBis Water

Grant in 2021
ChloBis Water specializes in innovative electrochemical technologies, specifically the development of a desalination battery. This technology integrates energy storage with the removal of sodium and chlorine from saltwater. The battery is constructed using bismuth as a chloride-storage electrode and sodium as a sodium-storage electrode, allowing it to efficiently desalinate water while simultaneously storing and releasing energy through the manipulation of salt ions. By addressing the challenges at the intersection of water and energy, ChloBis Water offers a solution that enhances energy efficiency and contributes to sustainable water management.

Strange Development

Grant in 2021
At Strange Development we pride ourselves on the ability to provide CAD Design Services, Engineering, and Manufacturing all in house. We will develop, design, and provide you with all the necessary hardware needed to get your project up and running. Our core services, Prototype & Limited Production Manufacturing, CAD Design, Engineering Consulting, and Engine Testing can be custom tailored to fit your individual project needs.
Rapid Radicals Technology specializes in advanced wastewater treatment solutions aimed at helping municipal sewerage districts manage combined sewer overflows. Founded in 2016 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has developed a decentralized, high-rate treatment technology that integrates rapid solids removal with a proprietary advanced oxidation process. This fully automated system is versatile, catering to various applications, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial high-strength waste management, and emergency scenarios requiring mobile or compact solutions. By providing reliable and cost-effective wastewater management options, Rapid Radicals Technology supports clients in fostering a more resilient water infrastructure.

TFWireless

Grant in 2021
TFWireless specializes in advanced wireless communications technology, focusing on the commercialization of rateless codec technology. This innovative platform enhances performance and achieves significant cost reductions in wireless communications, addressing critical factors such as latency, processing speeds, and energy consumption. The company's technology is applicable in both space communication and terrestrial wireless networks, facilitating reliable transmission of information between transmitters and receivers in various environments. Through its transformative solutions, TFWireless aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wireless communication systems.

Makefully

Grant in 2021
Makefully is a media company committed to creating meaningful, purposeful, and influential learning environments and educational media. The company's headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.
NanoPattern Technologies is developing a photopatternable quantum dot formulation to enable the next generation of displays. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Biochip Labs

Grant in 2021
Biochip Labs, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in laboratory testing services for blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The company offers a variety of proprietary microfluidic biomarker assays that assess blood cell adhesion, red blood cell deformability, whole blood rheology, and endothelialized microfluidics. These assays are designed to evaluate the efficacy of emerging targeted and curative therapies, allowing clinicians to effectively monitor patient responses to treatment. By focusing on accurate and high-quality testing, Biochip Labs aims to advance the understanding and management of blood disorders.
TLC Millimeter Wave Products provides front-end wired and wireless communication devices, delivering military and commercial companies' bandwidth to back-end applications and servers. They offer increased power, speed, and reliability in millimeter-wave and microwave products.

Pyran

Grant in 2021
Pyran LLC specializes in developing a starting compound for the production of paints and plastic chemicals. Founded in 2017 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company creates a diol product derived from renewable wood and crop waste resources. This diol serves as a raw material for various applications, including digital versatile discs, paints, bottles, coatings, plastics, ropes, glues, and adhesives. Pyran primarily caters to the chemical industries, focusing on sustainable solutions for paint and plastic manufacturing.

Maijker

Grant in 2021
Maijker Corp commercializes groundbreaking AI and sensor technology research. The company uses Industry Standards to develop novel approaches to applying AI to specific manufacturing problems.

NanoSpy

Grant in 2021
NanoSpy, Inc. was founded in 2017 to establish the new state-of-the-art in rapid pathogen detection. Using proprietary and patent-pending technologies, we leverage our expertise in biomedical engineering, microbiology, nanomaterials, and mechanical engineering to dramatically simplify the detection process with a new paradigm in biosensor platforms. Sensitivity, specificity, and speed now are combined in one convenient test that delivers results fast! In 20 minutes, NanoSpy biosensors can detect a single targeted pathogen at 5 CFU/mL or less from common buffer samples taken right at the point of detection. No time-consuming enrichment process. No environmentally hazardous reagents. No laboratory requirements. Translation: No time wasted. No decisions delayed.

Compact Medical

Grant in 2021
Compact Medical Solutions LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializes in the development of a medical bag-valve-mask (BVM) known as Butterfly BVM. This innovative device is designed to assist medical personnel in ventilating patients experiencing respiratory distress. The Butterfly BVM enhances resuscitation efforts by preventing hyperventilation, ensuring that caregivers can safely and effectively manage patients who are not breathing properly. Through its focus on creating ultra-compact breathing solutions, Compact Medical aims to improve emergency response in critical situations.

CRCL Solutions

Grant in 2021
CRCL Solutions, founded in 2021 and based in South Bend, Indiana, specializes in providing advanced weather forecasting services for wind and solar energy markets, particularly focusing on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The company's platform leverages artificial intelligence to enhance forecast accuracy and strengthen the resilience of the power grid. By identifying when existing wind and solar forecasts are inaccurate, CRCL Solutions delivers improved atmospheric forecasting in real-time. This enables power traders to engage in low-risk, high-return trading opportunities while also anticipating market fluctuations, ultimately contributing to more efficient energy management and trading strategies.

Verboso

Grant in 2021
Verboso develops a speech therapy platform designed to make speech therapy fun, engaging, and data driven using video games powered by AI. The company's platform leverages AI to provide a non-binary grade of speech therapy exercises in real-time allowing the user to control a video game while tracking compliance and improvement data, enabling parents to engage their children in speech therapy sessions while having fun at the same time.

Frugi Biotechnology

Grant in 2021
Frugi Biotechnology is a synthetic biology company based in Ames, Iowa, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing modular, paper-based diagnostics aimed at managing viral outbreaks. Frugi's services include creating custom cell-free extracts that facilitate the building and testing of learn cycles for clients involved in protein biomanufacturing and protein discovery. This allows clients to detect pathogens in a simplified and cost-effective manner, enhancing the capabilities for outbreak management and response.

Lucata

Grant in 2021
Emu Technology is focused on developing innovative hardware and software solutions that enhance memory utilization and eliminate data bottlenecks in microprocessors. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, the company has established strategic partnerships with notable firms such as Graham Allen Partners, Aunalytics, Data Realty, and Qumulus Solutions. A key offering from Emu Technology is the next-generation Lucata computer architecture, which significantly accelerates graph analytics, allowing organizations to conduct high-performance, multi-hop analytics on vast databases with up to one trillion vertices. This architecture leverages patented migrating thread technology to scale unified memory and facilitates deeper data analysis using existing graph database software or custom solutions. Emu Technology's solutions are applicable across various sectors, including financial services, cybersecurity, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, thereby enabling organizations to harness the power of advanced analytics and machine learning.

Super.tech

Grant in 2021
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.

Kinetica Labs

Grant in 2021
Kinetica Labs is a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in sensing and simulation technology. It provides innovative Motion Capture technology that transforms video footage into precise posture data, enabling the assessment of ergonomic risks in the workplace without relying on markers, suits, or sensors. In addition to its core technology, Kinetica Labs offers a range of services including insurance consultancy, safety audits, ergonomic assessments, and physical therapy services, catering to clients seeking to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being.

ZiTechnologies

Grant in 2021
ZiTechnologies provides end product pellets with reduced chlorine content that are suitable for power and heat applications. They offer pellets that can be used to replace coal.

Alerje

Grant in 2021
Alerje, Inc. is a Detroit-based company that develops an innovative epinephrine auto-injector designed to fit into a smartphone case, enhancing accessibility for individuals with food allergies. The device is complemented by a mobile application that alerts a user’s CareCircle, which includes emergency services, family, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals, providing crucial location and health information during emergencies. Founded in 2015, Alerje focuses on improving the quality of life for those affected by food allergies by integrating emergency medicine with digital health solutions. The platform aims to foster better dietary decisions among families, allergists, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies through improved patient adherence and real-time communication.

Amber Agriculture

Grant in 2021
Amber Agriculture, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2016. The company specializes in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions designed for the agricultural sector, focusing on the automation of grain storage monitoring and management. By providing sensor and analytics technology, Amber Agriculture enables farmers to effectively manage, protect, and market their grain. The firm was established by founders with backgrounds in both agriculture and technology, positioning it at the forefront of automation innovations in the industry. Its initial product is an IoT self-install kit aimed at automating key processes for farmers, enhancing efficiency and productivity at the farm level.

Access Airways

Grant in 2021
Access Airways specializes in developing innovative intubation-delivering devices designed to improve patient safety and clinician confidence during intubation procedures. Their minimally invasive articulating intubation stylet enhances access to challenging airways, allowing for safer, quicker, and less traumatic intubation experiences. The device features intuitive capabilities that streamline the intubation process, reducing the time required and minimizing the risk of failed attempts. It is compatible with both direct and video laryngoscopes, offering caregivers effortless control over the articulation of the tip to navigate complex anatomical structures effectively. By addressing the challenges associated with difficult intubation, Access Airways aims to elevate the standard of care in medical settings.

Repela

Grant in 2021
Repela Tech is focused on commercializing an innovative, eco-friendly marine antifoulant designed to prevent biofouling on ships. The company has developed a groundbreaking antifouling coating that aims to match the performance of traditional copper-based paints while avoiding their toxic effects. Utilizing non-biocide marine coating technology, Repela offers a hydrogel coating and custom-engineered primer that effectively resist marine micro and macro-organisms, including Ulva zoospores, diatoms, and mussels. This approach provides clients with a safe and effective solution for maintaining the integrity and performance of their vessels in aquatic environments.

Accelerate Wind

Grant in 2021
Accelerate Wind provides wind energy generation for the commercial and industrial spaces. The company develops patent-pending powertrain concept that reduces the cost of wind turbine power electronics through intermediate energy storage in a small flywheel.

QDIR

Grant in 2021
QDIR is a nanomaterials company focused on the development of infrared detectors and imaging arrays for various applications, including industrial and defense sectors. By employing proprietary nanomaterial technology, QDIR aims to deliver high sensitivity and low noise in its products, resulting in enhanced imaging performance compared to conventional infrared detectors. The company's offerings cater to a diverse clientele, encompassing commercial, medical, industrial, and military customers.

Notus Labs

Grant in 2021
Notus Labs specializes in developing wearable devices that enable individuals to monitor their health and performance in a remote and non-invasive manner. These devices provide a continuous and comprehensive summary of vital signs, which can help optimize medical triaging during instances of sudden physiological deterioration. By utilizing Notus Labs' technology, users can effectively mitigate the risks associated with overexertion injuries and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the devices offer training suggestions to enhance physical performance, allowing users to maximize their growth while maintaining safety during physical activities.
Sassafras Tech Collective is a technology cooperative that specializes in web and app development. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Epivara

Grant in 2021
Epivara, founded in 2016 and based in Champaign, Illinois, is developing a single-injection alternative to traditional spaying and neutering surgeries. This innovative approach aims to provide a safer and less invasive method for sterilizing pets, eliminating the pain and risks associated with conventional surgical procedures. By utilizing a small capsule, Epivara's solution offers the benefits of neutering, such as preventing overpopulation and reducing reproduction-related diseases, while also sparing pet owners from the costs and lengthy recovery times of surgery. The company's mission centers on enhancing the well-being of animals and their owners through compassionate care and cutting-edge scientific advancements.

SoilSerdem

Grant in 2021
SoilSerdem, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, specializes in developing soil fertility maps through an optimized soil sampling method. The company utilizes machine learning algorithms and remotely sensed data to enhance the accuracy and resolution of soil maps. This innovative approach provides farmers and agronomists with detailed, actionable insights that support their workflows and improve operational efficiency. By enabling precise and sustainable management of soil resources, SoilSerdem aims to help its clients achieve greater profitability in their agricultural practices.

AgraFilms

Grant in 2021
AgraFilms is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, focused on providing sustainable solutions to mitigate crop loss. The company specializes in biocontrol methods, utilizing an amoebic biocontrol approach to address environmental and health challenges associated with synthetic antibiotics and pesticides. By offering natural treatments, AgraFilms aims to empower farmers with effective technology to prevent agricultural diseases and control crop damage, thereby enhancing overall crop health and productivity.

MITS

Grant in 2021
MITS develops multiscale integrated technology solutions to improve mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

Natural Fiber Welding

Grant in 2021
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative fabrics and materials, utilizing technology that transforms plants and natural fibers into durable textiles and products. Founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, the company focuses on harnessing renewable resources to create sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. By leveraging abundant local resources, Natural Fiber Welding aims to develop scalable solutions that are accessible to diverse communities, enhancing the quality and usability of their products while minimizing processing costs. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leader in the movement toward environmentally friendly materials.

FibrosIX

Grant in 2021
FibrosIX is a biotechnology company develops drugs to prevent lung fibrosis in cancer patients. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan.

South Bend Woodworks

Grant in 2021
South Bend Woodworks, established in 2013 and based in South Bend, Indiana, specializes in creating handcrafted wooden toys and furniture tailored for small children. The company offers a diverse product catalog that includes personalized name puzzles, memorabilia, blocks, cutting boards, and various play accessories. South Bend Woodworks focuses on providing engaging and enjoyable play experiences for children through its high-quality, handcrafted items.

Fybraworks Foods

Grant in 2021
Fybraworks Foods, Inc provides alternative meat substitutes and develops animal-free meat structural proteins and synthetic meat by using fermentation techniques. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

iReprogram

Grant in 2021
iReprogram is a cell regeneration laboratory based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2017. The company focuses on advancing personalized medicine through innovative cell reprogramming technology. By utilizing a high-fidelity computational tool, iReprogram generates transcription factor recipes aimed at facilitating cellular trans-differentiation. This approach enhances treatment options for cancer patients, contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes. Through its research and development efforts, iReprogram seeks to accelerate the delivery of next-generation medical solutions tailored to individual patient needs.

Eradivir

Grant in 2021
Eradivir is a biotech company established in 2020 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana. The company focuses on developing a novel bispecific immunotherapy platform aimed at combating the virus responsible for COVID-19. Eradivir's approach involves creating non-immunological targeting agents that possess high specificity and avidity for a unique domain of the spike protein found on various coronaviruses. This innovation enables the effective elimination of both free viruses and virus-infected cells, even during advanced stages of infection, thereby empowering patients' immune systems to address viral challenges more efficiently.

MineraLogic

Grant in 2021
MineraLogic is a geochemistry consultancy firm based in Duluth, Minnesota, founded in 2016. The company specializes in helping clients identify risks and opportunities stemming from geochemical reactions involving minerals, water, and the atmosphere. MineraLogic provides a structured approach to understanding the distribution and mobility of chemical elements within geological systems. This expertise enables clients to effectively manage geochemical relationships that can significantly influence the success of their projects.
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

O2M Technologies

Grant in 2021
O2M Technologies develops oxygen imaging devices for effective cancer and regenerative medicine treatments. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Akanocure's mission is to synthesize and develop biotargeted anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs derived from natural sources. Akanocure's pipeline will consist of analogs of fully validated, highly potent anti-cancer natural products that can only be produced on a large scale through Akanocure's proprietary CCC synthesis platform. The company has competitive edges on two fronts: the synthesis platform that gives Akanocure exclusive access to rare compounds and the potential pipeline of anti-cancer products that are far superior to existing therapies.

BiomeSense

Grant in 2021
BiomeSense is revolutionizing human microbiome research by developing novel technologies to enable investigators to collect, store, and analyze the daily microbiome profiles of clinical trial participants in a low-cost, scalable way. By enabling daily profiling, the platform allows investigators the unprecedented ability to tie microbiome changes directly to clinical outcomes in real time, dramatically increasing the research discovery potential.
Creative BioTherapeutics is a biotechnology company developing therapies for cancer and viruses. The company is changing the way that cancer and viral disease research is conducted. It focuses on the root cause of cancer affecting immune evasion and drug resistance.

Radwave Technologies

Grant in 2020
RadWave Technologies Inc. is an early-stage company based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that specializes in developing advanced technologies for minimally invasive medical procedures. Founded in 2018, the company has created an electromagnetic navigation system that enhances the accuracy of object tracking during complex surgical operations. This innovative system provides performance tracking services for image-guided, minimally invasive, and robotic procedures, allowing medical professionals to effectively locate surgical instruments and tools within the human body, even in scenarios where there is no direct line of sight. Through its cutting-edge technology, RadWave Technologies aims to improve surgical outcomes and enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers.

SKROOT Laboratory

Grant in 2020
SKROOT Laboratory specializes in the development of wireless sensor systems designed for biotherapeutic process developers. The company has created a unique sensor sticker that, when applied to a reactor and paired with a reader, provides a wireless, non-invasive platform capable of continuously measuring critical parameters such as cell concentration, foaming, and temperature in upstream cell vessels and single-use bioreactors. This innovative technology enables operators to closely monitor bioprocesses, significantly reducing the risk of advancing costly conditions and accelerating the time to market for biotherapeutic products.

Inanovate

Grant in 2020
Inanovate Inc. is a company that specializes in developing protein screening and analysis products tailored for the life sciences sector. Its flagship offering, the Bio-ID platform, is a protein screening biochip that provides sensitive and real-time kinetic data on multiple protein interactions. This technology supports a variety of applications, including protein research, drug development, quality control, biomarker profiling, and clinical diagnostics. Inanovate also engages in biomarker alliance programs that focus on biomarker discovery and validation, and it utilizes i-Slide technology for protein immobilization on biochip surfaces. The company offers a range of protein micro-array services, including protein printing and assay development. Established in 2005 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with an additional office in Raleigh, North Carolina, Inanovate serves researchers, clinical centers, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies across the United States and the United Kingdom.

NUMiX Materials

Grant in 2020
NUMiX Materials is a specialized water treatment company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company focuses on the development and supply of patented sorbents designed to effectively remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. Its innovative approach enhances water treatment processes by minimizing the need for treatment additives, simplifying operational procedures, and reducing costs associated with hazardous waste disposal. NUMiX Materials aims to help clients achieve compliance with process and regulatory standards, regardless of the initial water chemistry, thereby addressing complex liquid stream challenges.

FruitVaccine

Grant in 2020
FruitVaccine is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the manufacture of fruit-based vaccines aimed at providing immunity against various infectious diseases that pose global health challenges. Founded in 2017, the company offers innovative, noninvasive vaccine solutions that can be administered orally. Its products come in various forms, including gummy-like pills, oral drops, and fruit purees. These vaccines are designed to be natural, vegan-friendly, and free from egg-based components, making them an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional injectable vaccines. By focusing on accessibility and ease of use, FruitVaccine seeks to enhance public health and vaccination rates worldwide.
University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

Drone Amplified

Grant in 2020
Drone Amplified, Inc. specializes in fire ignition management through innovative drone technology. The company has developed IGNIS, a system that integrates with drones to carry chemical spheres capable of initiating a controlled fire upon deployment. This technology aims to improve the safety and efficiency of fire management practices, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional helicopter methods. By serving landowners, public wildlands, and federal and state agencies, Drone Amplified enhances control over prescribed burns while significantly reducing risks to personnel involved in fire management. Incorporated in 2017 and based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the company is committed to advancing fire management solutions through its cutting-edge drone systems.

Robopath

Grant in 2020
RoboPath specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence for the pathology industry. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

Scalar Magnetics

Grant in 2020
Scalar Magnetics, founded in 2019 and based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, specializes in developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technologies for chemical analysis. The company focuses on utilizing reduced potency magnets to conduct spectroscopy at moderate magnetic field strengths. This innovative approach allows users to circumvent the challenges associated with traditional large superconducting magnets, making NMR technology more accessible and efficient for chemical analysis applications.

ZeoVation

Grant in 2020
ZeoVation produces and supplies zeolite materials to the sun/skin care, home care, healthcare, coatings, water and gas purification markets. Our ready-to-use zeolite products include nanozeolites and hierarchical zeolites. We are dedicated to providing assistance to the research and corporate R&D community to develop products relevant to their interests using the unique features of our featured zeolites.

StabiLux Biosciences

Grant in 2020
Developer of high-brightness fluorophores designed to improve the reagents that run through flow cytometers. The company's fluorophores are compatible with current flow cytometers and increase the brightness of fluorophores across the visible range with minimal or no noise distortion, enabling users to detect targeted or cancer cells feasibly.

AgThera Inc.

Grant in 2020
General Probiotics (GP) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes a new class of antimicrobial medicines for infectious diseases. GP engineers are world leaders in advanced probiotics. GP probiotics are tailored to eliminate pathogens effectively and reliably. GP has been awarded Small Business Innovative Research grants by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture to pursue an unparalleled, AI-enabled R&D program.

Theion Agriculture

Grant in 2020
Theion Agriculture is a company based in Iowa City, Iowa, that specializes in developing fertilizer additives aimed at enhancing the growth rates of leafy greens in indoor farming environments. Founded in 2017, Theion's products are designed for application across various crops, including leafy greens, legumes, and maize. By providing these innovative additives, the company enables farmers to improve crop yields and focus on maximizing productivity in their operations.

Radiologics

Grant in 2020
Developer of clinical trial software designed to provide image data management for clinical trials. The company's platform provides file transfer and verification, integration with clinical data, automation of image processing routines and connectivity, helping health professionals with clinical research and diagnostics.

VasoGnosis

Grant in 2020
VasoGnosis is an AI-powered diagnostic and surgical planning software platform for cerebrovascular diseases such as a brain aneurysm. It specializes in the fields of healthcare, machine learning, and software. It was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

ChameleonCloud

Grant in 2020
Cloud services have become ubiquitous to all major 21st century economic activities. However, cloud services and technologies can be significantly more powerful than they are now. A persistent barrier to further advancement has been the lack of a large-scale and open cloud research platforms. With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Chameleon project will provide such a large-scale platform to the open research community allowing them explore transformative concepts in deeply programmable cloud services, design, and core technologies. Chameleon will allow users to explore problems ranging from the creation of Software as a Service to kernel support for virtualization. This broad range of supported research includes many other areas such as developing Platforms as a Service, creating new and optimizing existing Infrastructure as a Service components, investigating software-defined networking, and optimizing virtualization technologies. The Chameleon testbed, will be deployed at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center and will consist of 650 multi-core cloud nodes, 5PB of total disk space, and leverage 100 Gbps connection between the sites. While a large part of the testbed will consist of homogenous hardware to support large-scale experiments, a portion of it will support heterogeneous units allowing experimentation with high-memory, large-disk, low-power, GPU, and co-processor units. The project will also leverage existing FutureGrid hardware at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center in its first year to provide a transition period for the existing FutureGrid community of experimental users. To support the broad range of experiments experiments described above, the project will support a graduated configuration system allowing full user configurability of the software stack, from provisioning of bare metal and network interconnects to delivery of fully functioning cloud environments. A special feature of Chameleon is that it provides for an exceptionally close integration of clouds and networks, which substantially enhances the capabilities of both. In addition, to facilitate experiments, Chameleon will support a set of services designed to meet researchers needs, including support for experimental management, reproducibility, and repositories of trace and workload data of production cloud workloads. The project is led by the Computation Institute at the University of Chicago and partners from the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin, the International Center for Advanced Internet Research at Northwestern University, the Ohio State University, and University of Texas at San Antonio, comprising a highly qualified and experienced team. The team includes members from the NSF supported FutureGrid project and from the GENI community, both forerunners of the NSFCloud solicitation under which this project is funded. Chameleon will also form a set of partnerships with commercial and academic clouds, such as Rackspace, CERN and Open Science Data Cloud (OSDC), and will partner with other testbeds, notably GENI and INRIA's Grid'5000 testbed.

Stemloop

Grant in 2020
Stemloop is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Evanston, Illinois. It focuses on developing cell-free biosensing products aimed at revolutionizing chemical and molecular testing. By utilizing genetically encoded sensing and response mechanisms, Stemloop creates simple and cost-effective solutions for the accurate and scalable detection of various chemicals. This innovation enables medical professionals to deliver better and faster test results while reducing costs, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of testing processes in healthcare and related fields.

Terran Robotics

Grant in 2020
Terran Robotics is a construction company that specializes in AI and robotics. The company's headquarters are in Bloomington, Indiana.

Initium.AI

Grant in 2020
Initium.AI develops a customized solution that transforms natural language into actionable insights. The company's headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Cellulose Sciences International develops novel methods for utilizing celluloses and lignocellulosic. The headquarters of the company are in Madison, Wisconsin.

Plastomics

Grant in 2020
Plastomics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, that specializes in chloroplast genetic engineering to enhance crop performance. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on developing advanced crops through gene stacking and rapid breeding techniques, aimed at improving yield production and nutritional quality. Plastomics' technology platform allows for the precise insertion of beneficial traits into the chloroplasts of plant cells, which helps seed companies create more effective biotech crops. This innovative approach not only eliminates cross-pollination but also enables unique maternal inheritance, thereby reducing both breeding timelines and costs associated with bringing new products to market. Through its efforts, Plastomics addresses various challenges faced by the agricultural industry.

Confluency

Grant in 2020
Confluency is an engineering company established in 2019 and based in Chicago, Illinois, that focuses on water resource management. The company has developed an AI-based platform aimed at assisting water utilities in managing intricate water and wastewater systems. This platform integrates data with advanced algorithms to enhance the productivity of engineers by reducing the complexity associated with data management. By allowing engineers and planners to concentrate on solving complex issues that necessitate their specialized knowledge and technical skills, Confluency enables them to harness simulation, automation, and data analytics effectively. This approach allows for scalable analyses tailored to the specific challenges faced in water resource management.

Clean Earth Rovers

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Clean Earth Rovers specializes in innovative technology aimed at addressing the marine debris crisis. The company has developed a system that operates similarly to a robotic vacuum, specifically designed for marinas. This technology autonomously skims for trash, collects oil, and gathers real-time water data, streamlining the cleanup process and reducing the reliance on manual labor. Additionally, it provides predictive analytics to anticipate pollution events, enhancing operational efficiency for waterfront businesses. Clean Earth Rovers focuses on both visible and invisible pollutants, including plastics, oils, and toxins, which contribute to harmful algal blooms. By enabling proactive monitoring and cleanup, the company supports marinas and governments in safeguarding marine ecosystems and maintaining water quality.

Onederings

Grant in 2020
Onederings Lavender Farm, located in Clarksville, Ohio, specializes in the cultivation of lavender and the production of high-quality lavender-based products. The farm focuses on creating boutique skin and home care items crafted from its homegrown lavender, utilizing evidence-based natural ingredients. This commitment allows Onederings to offer customers premium beauty products that emphasize quality and effectiveness. The company aims to provide a unique selection of dried lavender and fine lavender products, catering to individuals seeking natural and luxurious options for personal care and home use.

Infecho Scientific

Grant in 2020
Infecho Scientific specializes in instrumentation research and development. The company was founded in May 2017 and is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.

EarthSense

Grant in 2020
EarthSense, Inc. specializes in developing agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance farming practices. Based in Champaign, Illinois, the company has created TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous robot equipped with various sensors and onboard computing capabilities for plant phenotyping. This innovative technology addresses critical issues in agriculture, such as labor shortages, environmental impacts, and the need for sustainable practices. EarthSense's platform focuses on three main applications: improving crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable intelligence for growers, and tackling challenges like herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of their technology encourages collaboration and innovation within the agricultural sector, ultimately aiming to create a climate-smart agricultural system that enhances plant and soil health while reducing reliance on chemicals and costly inputs.

Hubly Surgical

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Hubly Surgical Inc. is a medical device company focused on enhancing the safety of neurosurgical procedures. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Chicago, the company has developed an integrated electric drill system designed to replace traditional hand-cranked drills. This innovative technology aims to reduce the high complication rates associated with common neurosurgical procedures, which can fail up to 20% of the time. The drill system features advancements such as drilling guidance, plunge prevention, and catheter guidance, making it suitable for both operating rooms and emergent settings. By streamlining bedside intracranial access and decreasing reliance on traditional operating room environments, Hubly Surgical seeks to improve the overall safety and efficiency of neurosurgery.
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