National Science Foundation

Founded in 1890 as the Armour Institute, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private, independent, nonprofit research university located in Chicago. IIT offers a wide range of programs, including engineering, science, architecture, business, law, design, human sciences, and applied technology, granting degrees up to the Ph.D. level. The university's Chicago location enhances its global recruitment efforts and provides extensive opportunities that inform its educational and research initiatives. Through its innovative research and collaborations, IIT aims to contribute positively to the city of Chicago, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that supports both the institution's growth and the community's development.

A high rate of success among its graduates and high rankings by U.S. News and World Report make City Tech, the largest Tech College in the Northeast, an impressive choice for a technological education. City Tech, also known as New York City College of Technology, enrolls thousands of degree and continuing education students yearly. The 50-plus degree programs lead graduates to careers in architecture, engineering, advertising, publishing, legal, health and business professions, among others. Of the more than 80,000 graduates of City Tech, many have thrived and even risen to prominence in their fields. In fact, City Tech claims that more than 1,000 of its known graduates are or have been CEOs, presidents or owners of businesses. With students and faculty representing more than 120 countries and speaking more than 85 languages, City Tech has been lauded for its diversity by organizations and publications such as U.S. News and World Report. Smart, ASG, Tap and Pell grants are just a few of the financial aid options offered at New York City College of Technology. There are also loans, work-study programs and academic and need-based scholarships. These options are available to students who qualify.

University of Minnesota provides baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in medicine, business, law, liberal arts, science, engineering, and architecture fields. They also provide education services to communities through science-based knowledge and training.

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a state-funded research university based in Atlanta, Georgia. The institute offers degree programs in architecture, computing, engineering, arts, business, and sciences. Georgia Tech, as the institute is commonly referred to, is organized into six colleges and contains 31 departments. Georgia Tech is a public institution and receives funding from the State of Georgia.

University at Buffalo, established in 1846, is a comprehensive public research university and a subsidiary of the State University of New York. It offers a wide array of academic programs, including over 100 undergraduate and nearly 300 graduate and professional degrees across 13 schools and colleges. These span fields such as architecture and planning, arts and sciences, health professions, engineering, and social work. With nearly 30,000 students, it maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of under 13:1, fostering a robust learning environment. The university is known for its competitive admissions process, which considers academic records and other criteria like community service and leadership. It provides a range of financial aid options, including scholarships that can be renewed for up to four years. University at Buffalo also enriches student life through service programs, student organizations, Greek life, and cultural events.

University at Buffalo, established in 1846, is a comprehensive public research university and a subsidiary of the State University of New York. It offers a wide array of academic programs, including over 100 undergraduate and nearly 300 graduate and professional degrees across 13 schools and colleges. These span fields such as architecture and planning, arts and sciences, health professions, engineering, and social work. With nearly 30,000 students, it maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of under 13:1, fostering a robust learning environment. The university is known for its competitive admissions process, which considers academic records and other criteria like community service and leadership. It provides a range of financial aid options, including scholarships that can be renewed for up to four years. University at Buffalo also enriches student life through service programs, student organizations, Greek life, and cultural events.

Intelligent Medicine is a company that specializes in software and simulation services focused on the medical, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality sectors. The company has developed a simulation platform aimed at reducing the probability of infectious spread and user congestion in various environments. This platform enables architects and facility stakeholders to identify risks, optimize building designs, and redesign protocols to enhance safety outcomes. By testing multiple design scenarios and behaviors, Intelligent Medicine provides quick feedback that assists in planning effective safety policies and design actions, ultimately improving facility infrastructure and user experiences.

Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise founded in 2017 by Alexa Bednar, based in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on providing safe and affordable roofing solutions for low-income households in India. It specializes in sustainable building materials, offering an eco-roof panel made from resin-coated bamboo mats. These panels are pressed and sealed to create a strong, lightweight, water-resistant, and flame-resistant roofing option. Through its innovative products, Eco-Shelter aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged communities by delivering accessible and environmentally friendly building solutions.

OpalAI is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides an innovative solution for generating digital floor plans using a smartphone. Its autonomous reconstruction software allows users to create detailed floor plans for both commercial and residential spaces through a simple walkthrough, without the need for specialized hardware. The system excels in automatically decluttering fully furnished areas, producing accurate floor plans within a fraction of an inch in just minutes. This accessibility empowers clients to efficiently perform design and reconstruction tasks, making OpalAI a valuable tool for architects, designers, and homeowners alike.

VIATechnik is a prominent player in the digital transformation sector, specializing in Technology, Virtual Design and Construction, and Consulting services tailored for the built environment. The company leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual design, construction services, custom software platforms, and strategic advisory services to enhance efficiency, improve visibility, reduce errors, and accelerate project outcomes through integrated digital workflows.

Generate is a company focused on the sustainable development of urban environments, specializing in the design and delivery of mass timber structures. It operates a technology-driven architecture platform that offers pre-vetted building solutions and generative systems aimed at enhancing efficiency in mass timber construction. By streamlining communication and project management among architects, engineers, and builders, Generate facilitates the adoption of generative design principles. This approach enables stakeholders in the construction industry to pursue sustainable methods for designing and delivering mass wood structures, ultimately contributing to the creation of environmentally responsible urban spaces.

Spatio Metrics offers an analytics platform that helps architects, developers, and hospital operators bridge design and data by analyzing floor plans and spatial characteristics, integrating disparate data sources to reveal design gaps and inform data-driven interventions. The platform supports cross-functional teams in making smarter design investments by quantifying the human and financial impact of space design, and provides dashboards to show how facility layouts influence patient health outcomes, enabling real estate developers and building managers to optimize performance and facilities management.

Founded in 2013, Sunthru specializes in manufacturing aerogel-based daylighting windows. These innovative windows offer superior insulation, enhanced light transmission, and improved optical transparency for various large buildings such as schools, gymnasiums, workshops, and department stores.

Green Magic Homes, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Aventura, Florida, specializes in biophilic building systems that promote a harmonious connection between people and nature. The company focuses on creating eco-friendly construction solutions aimed at supporting environmentally conscious communities and wellness hospitality sectors. Its innovative technology is designed to produce spacious and well-lit living environments that seamlessly integrate with natural vegetation. By prioritizing efficiency and energy conservation, Green Magic Homes enables clients to undertake construction projects that enhance both environmental quality and the surrounding ecosystem.

Biomimicry Design Alliance is a consulting organization founded in 2018 and based in Denver, Colorado. The company focuses on making biomimicry accessible to the architecture community by creating tools that bridge the gap between scientific research and design practices. Its mission is to facilitate knowledge sharing and resource exchange among architects, designers, and scientists, thereby enhancing their capacity to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Through its innovative approach, Biomimicry Design Alliance aims to empower professionals in the field to incorporate sustainable design principles inspired by natural systems, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and ecologically sound built environment.

Generate is a company focused on the sustainable development of urban environments, specializing in the design and delivery of mass timber structures. It operates a technology-driven architecture platform that offers pre-vetted building solutions and generative systems aimed at enhancing efficiency in mass timber construction. By streamlining communication and project management among architects, engineers, and builders, Generate facilitates the adoption of generative design principles. This approach enables stakeholders in the construction industry to pursue sustainable methods for designing and delivering mass wood structures, ultimately contributing to the creation of environmentally responsible urban spaces.

Eco-Shelter is a social enterprise founded in 2017 by Alexa Bednar, based in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on providing safe and affordable roofing solutions for low-income households in India. It specializes in sustainable building materials, offering an eco-roof panel made from resin-coated bamboo mats. These panels are pressed and sealed to create a strong, lightweight, water-resistant, and flame-resistant roofing option. Through its innovative products, Eco-Shelter aims to improve living conditions for underprivileged communities by delivering accessible and environmentally friendly building solutions.

Geopipe is a New York-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in creating immersive digital twins of the real world using advanced machine learning techniques. The company develops subscription-based algorithmic tools that process large volumes of geographic and numeric data, including satellite imagery, maps, and laser scans. By employing these tools within a cloud-based distributed system, Geopipe is able to reconstruct entire cities in a matter of hours. This innovative approach enables various industries, such as gaming, simulation, and architecture, to leverage interactive 3D models for enhanced visualization and efficiency, ultimately helping real estate developers complete their projects more quickly and cost-effectively.

Orange Maker is a Thousand Oaks, California-based developer of 3D printing technology and software that enables end-to-end, flexible manufacturing. It designs and commercializes high-resolution systems such as Helios One, based on heliolithography, and provides compatible materials along with user-friendly software to professional designers and engineers worldwide. The company's solutions support applications across aerospace, architecture, automotive, biotech, medical, defense, and manufacturing, linking digital design with physical production. Founded in the mid-2010s by Doug Farber and Kurtis Dudley, Orange Maker emphasizes advanced output capabilities and aims to empower users to imagine, design, and create complex 3D objects without compromising their vision.

LightStanza is a startup based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in the development of LightStanza, a web application for daylight simulations. The company focuses on addressing the often overlooked and oversimplified aspect of daylighting in building design. By offering several analysis options, including annual metrics, space-by-space scores for LEED Daylight Credit, and glare reports, LightStanza provides precise and accurate tools to enhance both spatial dynamics and energy efficiency within buildings. Their software is powered by cloud computing and includes features such as point-in-time rendering, illuminance grid animations, and various types of annual analyses. This enables professionals in the construction industry, including architects, daylighting consultants, sustainable design specialists, LEED consultants, and project managers, to simulate daylight conditions accurately throughout the day and year.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Geopipe is a New York-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in creating immersive digital twins of the real world using advanced machine learning techniques. The company develops subscription-based algorithmic tools that process large volumes of geographic and numeric data, including satellite imagery, maps, and laser scans. By employing these tools within a cloud-based distributed system, Geopipe is able to reconstruct entire cities in a matter of hours. This innovative approach enables various industries, such as gaming, simulation, and architecture, to leverage interactive 3D models for enhanced visualization and efficiency, ultimately helping real estate developers complete their projects more quickly and cost-effectively.

Spherical Block, LLC draws on the ancient idea of a masonry arch to create a new way of building, using the latest advanced technology of concrete block manufacturing. The company has developed an innovative masonry system which can be used to build an entire building, including roofs. This system can assemble round arches, pointed arches, Gothic arches and windows, domes, spheres, flying buttresses and more. This masonry technology is very strong, inexpensive and easily assembled. Using just a few unit shapes, it is able to create a large number of different designs. The company’s designs incorporate reinforcement bar (rebar) which helps create a stronger, tougher building which can be assembled without extensive support scaffolding or centering. This masonry system is largely self-supporting as it is assembled.

Tactai is a pioneering company focused on developing the first wearable device that allows users to touch and feel virtual objects with life-like realism. Utilizing its patent-pending Dynamic Tactile Wave™ technology, Tactai creates multi-modal experiences that engage the user's senses by integrating touch, sound, and light. The company's high-fidelity haptic device is engineered to provide precise touch sensations and features advanced hand-and-finger tracking, enhancing user interaction in various applications. Tactai's products aim to transform immersive experiences in fields such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, benefiting sectors including gaming, e-commerce, training, film, architecture, and education.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

ORB Studio is engaged in designing sustainable and low energy buildings.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

LightStanza is a startup based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in the development of LightStanza, a web application for daylight simulations. The company focuses on addressing the often overlooked and oversimplified aspect of daylighting in building design. By offering several analysis options, including annual metrics, space-by-space scores for LEED Daylight Credit, and glare reports, LightStanza provides precise and accurate tools to enhance both spatial dynamics and energy efficiency within buildings. Their software is powered by cloud computing and includes features such as point-in-time rendering, illuminance grid animations, and various types of annual analyses. This enables professionals in the construction industry, including architects, daylighting consultants, sustainable design specialists, LEED consultants, and project managers, to simulate daylight conditions accurately throughout the day and year.

Spherical Block, LLC draws on the ancient idea of a masonry arch to create a new way of building, using the latest advanced technology of concrete block manufacturing. The company has developed an innovative masonry system which can be used to build an entire building, including roofs. This system can assemble round arches, pointed arches, Gothic arches and windows, domes, spheres, flying buttresses and more. This masonry technology is very strong, inexpensive and easily assembled. Using just a few unit shapes, it is able to create a large number of different designs. The company’s designs incorporate reinforcement bar (rebar) which helps create a stronger, tougher building which can be assembled without extensive support scaffolding or centering. This masonry system is largely self-supporting as it is assembled.

Argil Inc. is a company focused on the development of advanced electrochromic films designed for a range of applications, including automotive, architectural, and wearable technologies. By utilizing conductive polymer electrochromic technology, the company creates smart window solutions that can change color and opacity in response to voltage. This innovative capability allows for enhanced control over light and heat management in various environments, making it suitable for both home and portable use. Through its research and development efforts, Argil Inc. aims to provide effective solutions that improve energy efficiency and user comfort.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2013, Sunthru specializes in manufacturing aerogel-based daylighting windows. These innovative windows offer superior insulation, enhanced light transmission, and improved optical transparency for various large buildings such as schools, gymnasiums, workshops, and department stores.

Glint Lighting is a manufacturer specializing in architectural lighting fixtures. Their products, designed for consumer spaces, excel in providing optimal light utilization and visual comfort, blending seamlessly into their surroundings without drawing unnecessary attention. The fixtures are slim and adjustable, preventing glare, allowing architects and designers to create well-lit, aesthetically pleasing environments that promote occupant well-being.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Argil Inc. is a company focused on the development of advanced electrochromic films designed for a range of applications, including automotive, architectural, and wearable technologies. By utilizing conductive polymer electrochromic technology, the company creates smart window solutions that can change color and opacity in response to voltage. This innovative capability allows for enhanced control over light and heat management in various environments, making it suitable for both home and portable use. Through its research and development efforts, Argil Inc. aims to provide effective solutions that improve energy efficiency and user comfort.

Argil Inc. is a company focused on the development of advanced electrochromic films designed for a range of applications, including automotive, architectural, and wearable technologies. By utilizing conductive polymer electrochromic technology, the company creates smart window solutions that can change color and opacity in response to voltage. This innovative capability allows for enhanced control over light and heat management in various environments, making it suitable for both home and portable use. Through its research and development efforts, Argil Inc. aims to provide effective solutions that improve energy efficiency and user comfort.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Argil Inc. is a company focused on the development of advanced electrochromic films designed for a range of applications, including automotive, architectural, and wearable technologies. By utilizing conductive polymer electrochromic technology, the company creates smart window solutions that can change color and opacity in response to voltage. This innovative capability allows for enhanced control over light and heat management in various environments, making it suitable for both home and portable use. Through its research and development efforts, Argil Inc. aims to provide effective solutions that improve energy efficiency and user comfort.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.

Founded in 2007, Artaic specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for commercial and residential markets. Utilizing computer-aided design software and robotic assembly systems, the company creates innovative mosaics for various industries such as hospitality, retail, and public art.