Illinois Ventures

Ocient Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in analytical software solutions for database management. Founded in 2018, Ocient has developed a data analytics platform capable of rapidly analyzing massive datasets, ranging from tens of terabytes to exabytes, which can contain trillions or quadrillions of rows. The platform is designed to efficiently ingest billions of rows per second while filtering and computing aggregate results at speeds of up to trillions of rows per second. This capability allows organizations to effectively leverage large datasets, enabling them to gain insights at scale and with high velocity.

Network Perception, Inc. specializes in network device configuration analysis software designed to help organizations visualize and manage their network effectively. Established in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers solutions that simplify firewall auditing and provide continuous monitoring capabilities. Its platform conducts automated, comprehensive analyses of network device configuration files, enabling organizations to assess firewalls and identify cyber vulnerabilities. By doing so, Network Perception assists corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers in ensuring that network configurations align with best practices and regulatory standards. The company initially launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

Amber Agriculture, Inc. specializes in developing Internet of Things (IoT) sensor and analytics solutions aimed at automating grain storage monitoring and management for farmers. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company focuses on enhancing agricultural practices through technology. Its flagship product is an IoT self-install kit that allows farmers to automate the monitoring of crop quality and grain management processes. By utilizing wireless sensors and cloud analytics, Amber Agriculture enables farmers to effectively monitor and manage the condition of stored crops, minimize waste, and respond to market prices, all through a smartphone-connected system.

EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Xaptum, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2013 that focuses on enhancing the security and management of Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. The company offers a messaging platform that facilitates the authentication, authorization, and auto-configuration of IoT devices over a single TCP connection. By providing a multi-tenant, network-as-a-service solution, Xaptum enables enterprises to connect their IoT devices to a secure, logical middle-mile network, effectively keeping them and their data shielded from the public Internet. This approach addresses key challenges in provisioning and managing IoT devices by implementing zero-touch identity and key management, thus allowing enterprises to scale their deployments securely. Xaptum's architecture is designed to simplify the complexities of IoT security, providing visibility, control, and flexibility for organizations looking to adopt and expand IoT technologies.

Petronics is a company that specializes in creating robotic pets for cats, with a focus on interactive play and exercise. Founded in 2014 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers Mousr, a robotic toy designed to engage indoor cats in hunting-like activities. Mousr features advanced technology, including 360-degree vision, environmental sensing, and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to mimic the movements of prey. This innovative approach not only provides entertainment for cats but also helps address issues like obesity by encouraging active play.

Reconstruct, Inc. specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for construction projects. Its visual production management platform facilitates data collection through drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, enabling effective progress analysis and documentation. By visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the platform enhances coordination and transparency among project stakeholders. It identifies locations at risk of delays, allowing for proactive weekly work planning, and integrates schedules with BIM animations to illustrate any changes in plans. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct aims to improve construction management by fostering better communication and visibility, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring project returns on investment.

Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. is focused on advancing imaging technologies that aid physicians in the real-time evaluation of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which utilizes near-infrared light waves and interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy to produce diffraction-corrected images. This innovative system allows healthcare professionals to perform rapid, free-hand scans, enhancing their ability to locate and identify areas of interest within tissue samples. The technology originated from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, a prominent interdisciplinary research facility.

PhotoniCare, Inc. is a medical device company based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 2013. The company specializes in developing innovative diagnostic tools for middle ear infections, notably the TOMi Scope. This handheld device employs advanced light-based technology, specifically near-infrared light waves, to create 3D images of the middle ear by seeing through the eardrum. This capability allows physicians to visualize the middle ear directly and safely, enabling them to assess its condition quickly and accurately. By determining the contents of the middle ear, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the need for antibiotics or surgical interventions. PhotoniCare's technology not only addresses otology but also presents potential for growth in other medical fields.

Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of gesture-based products. The company's software integrates with motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment, to learn, track, and analyze user movements in real time. Rithmio's flagship product, Constellation, is designed for next-generation wearables and connected clothing, allowing brands to seamlessly incorporate gesture recognition into their devices. The company has established strategic partnerships with prominent semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturers, supporting the integration of its technology at various levels, including system on chip and reference design. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Rithmio was originally known as Neurogito, Inc. before rebranding in 2014.

Vanquish Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, focused on developing targeted small-molecule therapeutics for specific cancer types that are often overlooked in treatment options. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in activating procaspase-3, a crucial enzyme that initiates the process of programmed cell death, thereby effectively eliminating cancer cells. By concentrating on unmet and underserved cancer markets, Vanquish Oncology aims to provide innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes through personalized medicine. The company employs a capital-efficient virtual model that utilizes contract research and manufacturing to streamline development while minimizing costs and infrastructure needs.

Phi Optics Inc. develops optical imaging systems for life sciences, medical diagnostics, nanotechnology, and semiconductor testing applications. It offers Quantitative Phase Imaging, a label-free, non-contact, and non-invasive imaging method for measuring nanoscale structures and dynamics via interferometry. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.

Serionix, Inc. is a company that specializes in the development of air and water purification solutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix creates innovative filters for air purifiers and furnace units. The company utilizes fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange materials to effectively remove toxic chemicals and odors from the air, as well as to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and mold. One of its notable products features a proprietary adsorptive coating technology called Colorfil™, which changes color as it absorbs pollutants, providing users with a clear visual indication of filter effectiveness and the need for replacement.

Personify Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing innovative video communication solutions aimed at enhancing personal and professional interactions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Silicon Valley and Vietnam, Personify offers a range of products designed for collaboration and presentations. Its flagship offerings include a video calling platform that enables users to connect with friends, family, and coworkers in real time, allowing for shared experiences such as document collaboration, gaming, and live events. The company also provides tools like ChromaCam, which allows users to blur or replace their backgrounds for greater privacy in online meetings, and Presenter, which enhances the presentation experience during virtual interactions. Personify leverages advanced computer vision technologies to create immersive video experiences that foster meaningful connections across various contexts.

Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. is focused on advancing imaging technologies that aid physicians in the real-time evaluation of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which utilizes near-infrared light waves and interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy to produce diffraction-corrected images. This innovative system allows healthcare professionals to perform rapid, free-hand scans, enhancing their ability to locate and identify areas of interest within tissue samples. The technology originated from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, a prominent interdisciplinary research facility.

Caterva, based in Champaign, Illinois, is a development stage company focused on creating a real-time social-marketing platform. Previously known as Yottaclick, Inc., the company was incorporated in 2008 and rebranded in 2010. Caterva specializes in social media data analysis and has recently introduced a service called mirror.me. This service aims to generate interest graphs based on users' online activities, facilitating connections among individuals with shared interests.

SolarBridge Technologies, originally founded as SmartSpark Energy Systems in 2004, specializes in microinverter and monitoring solutions for residential and small commercial solar power installations. The company pivoted to focus exclusively on the solar industry in 2009, leveraging power electronics technologies developed at the University of Illinois. With significant research and development facilities in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, SolarBridge aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems. Their offerings include an energy management system that integrates a microinverter directly with photovoltaic modules, providing alternating current power to the grid. Additionally, SolarBridge provides a solar information module that gathers performance data from each microinverter, allowing system owners to analyze and monitor their solar installations remotely via the Internet. Through these innovations, SolarBridge Technologies seeks to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy for solar installations while improving overall energy production and simplifying installation processes.

Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. engages in developing and applying diamond films for industrial, electronic, and medical applications. It offers AFM probes, ultrananocrystalline diamond seals, and ultrananocrystalline diamond wafers for MEMS development and UNCD product prototyping. The company also provides MEMS, applications development, and coating services. In addition, it offers UNCD Electrodes for advanced electrochemical water treatment applications. Further, the company operates as a licensee to the Argonne portfolio of application and process patents for using, synthesizing, and micromachining ultrananocrystalline diamond films. It offers its products through its Website, as well as through distributors in the United States and internationally. Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Romeoville, Illinois.

RiverGlass, founded in 2003 by pioneers of the World Wide Web, specializes in providing intelligent web information analysis services to businesses and government agencies. The company emerged from the University of Illinois' National Center for Supercomputing Applications, where its founders recognized the need for specialized data analytics solutions to help organizations efficiently gather, organize, merge, and analyze data from various online sources. By transforming the D2K software environment and partnering with IllinoisVENTURES, RiverGlass evolved from a research-focused initiative into a dynamic startup. Today, it offers a suite of services including intelligent web search and enterprise search, tailored to meet the information needs of Fortune 1000 companies and governmental organizations that require access to accurate and often obscure data to drive decision-making.

RiverGlass, founded in 2003 by pioneers of the World Wide Web, specializes in providing intelligent web information analysis services to businesses and government agencies. The company emerged from the University of Illinois' National Center for Supercomputing Applications, where its founders recognized the need for specialized data analytics solutions to help organizations efficiently gather, organize, merge, and analyze data from various online sources. By transforming the D2K software environment and partnering with IllinoisVENTURES, RiverGlass evolved from a research-focused initiative into a dynamic startup. Today, it offers a suite of services including intelligent web search and enterprise search, tailored to meet the information needs of Fortune 1000 companies and governmental organizations that require access to accurate and often obscure data to drive decision-making.

ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.

Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. engages in developing and applying diamond films for industrial, electronic, and medical applications. It offers AFM probes, ultrananocrystalline diamond seals, and ultrananocrystalline diamond wafers for MEMS development and UNCD product prototyping. The company also provides MEMS, applications development, and coating services. In addition, it offers UNCD Electrodes for advanced electrochemical water treatment applications. Further, the company operates as a licensee to the Argonne portfolio of application and process patents for using, synthesizing, and micromachining ultrananocrystalline diamond films. It offers its products through its Website, as well as through distributors in the United States and internationally. Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Romeoville, Illinois.

Mobitrac, Inc. specializes in developing software tailored for delivery services, focusing on location and time-based mobile resource management. Founded in 2001 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robust database engine and industry-standard APIs that facilitate the creation and deployment of services for fleet management, mobile workforce optimization, and mobile commerce. In addition, Mobitrac provides a graphical interface designed to streamline dispatch operations and improve communication with drivers. Its client base includes trucking companies, package delivery services, service fleets, and third-party logistics providers. In 2006, Mobitrac was acquired by Fluensee, Inc.