WiLO Networks
Grant in 2024
WiLO Networks develops a low-power sensor network platform using wake-up radio technology. This enables continuous, low-latency communication, extends battery life, and reduces electronic waste, making sensor deployments more feasible in diverse IoT applications across industries like warehousing, healthcare, retail, and precision agriculture.
FlashPCB is a US-based company specializing in rapid PCB prototyping services. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced software, FlashPCB streamlines the traditional PCB manufacturing process, significantly reducing setup time and costs. The company empowers customers to design, innovate, and test their printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) designs efficiently. FlashPCB's services include an AI-driven system that automatically identifies components on the board and generates a bill of materials for user approval. This approach allows customers to receive their assembled PCBs quickly, with a commitment to shipping within three days of order completion.
The Engine is an incubator and venture platform founded by MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, launched in 2016. It provides startups with space, streamlined legalities, access to lab space and equipment, and connects to patient capital from investors who share a long-term vision. The Engine offers business planning guidance, enabling startups to move from concept to market quickly. It supports up to 60 locally based startups concurrently through a 12-month accelerator, taking less equity than typical programs to help founders retain control. It connects to MIT resources via the Engine Room, providing resources and expertise. It targets Tough Tech areas such as artificial intelligence, climate and energy, autonomous systems, robotics, biotech and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, combining science, engineering, and leadership to accelerate path to market and impact.
FlashPCB is a US-based company specializing in rapid PCB prototyping services. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced software, FlashPCB streamlines the traditional PCB manufacturing process, significantly reducing setup time and costs. The company empowers customers to design, innovate, and test their printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) designs efficiently. FlashPCB's services include an AI-driven system that automatically identifies components on the board and generates a bill of materials for user approval. This approach allows customers to receive their assembled PCBs quickly, with a commitment to shipping within three days of order completion.
Sharper Sense
Grant in 2022
Sharper Sense develops wearable neurotechnology to enhance vision, hearing, and touch. The company focuses on a neuromodulation patch that delivers non-invasive electrical stimulation to improve sensory acuity and perception, with potential applications for processing disorders and sensory loss, and to boost performance, enabling clearer, more accurate perceptions for improved task precision and safety.
FlashPCB is a US-based company specializing in rapid PCB prototyping services. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced software, FlashPCB streamlines the traditional PCB manufacturing process, significantly reducing setup time and costs. The company empowers customers to design, innovate, and test their printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) designs efficiently. FlashPCB's services include an AI-driven system that automatically identifies components on the board and generates a bill of materials for user approval. This approach allows customers to receive their assembled PCBs quickly, with a commitment to shipping within three days of order completion.
Neptune Fluid Flow Systems
Grant in 2022
Neptune specializes in the sale of microfluidic connectors, sample reservoirs, pressure cells, manual plungers, and other accessories. They offer design, prototyping, manufacturing services, and project-related consulting.
Dynamac Microwave
Grant in 2022
Dynamac Microwave is a manufacturer of electronic components located in Addison, Illinois. The company specializes in providing a range of products and solutions including electronic countermeasures, reaction capability equipment, filters and networks, switches, semiconductor devices, and amplifiers. Their offerings cater to various applications in the electronics industry, emphasizing advanced technology and performance in electronic systems.
Founded in 2018, Pascal Tags specializes in chipless radio frequency identification technology for inventory management. Its platform replaces traditional barcodes with durable printed tags, offering item serialization, real-time tracking, and performance reports to enhance efficiency and visibility in logistics and manufacturing.
Yard Stick develops a handheld device that measures soil carbon levels in real-time. This enables evidence-based regenerative farming practices, improving soil health, increasing farmer income, and combating climate change by sequestering carbon.
Xogo develops a hardware and software platform that enables people with disabilities to control their technology experience. The platform connects a wide range of devices and inputs, including USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 3.5mm jack interfaces, allowing users to operate cable boxes, smart home devices, video game consoles, and more in ways that suit their abilities and preferences. By integrating diverse devices, Xogo helps users maximize the functions of their devices and use technology on their terms.
Vence is a technology company that provides a hardware and software solution for livestock management, focusing on virtual fencing and autonomous animal control. Their platform employs sensors and GPS technology to enable farmers to remotely manage the movement and grazing of cattle through a smartphone application. This innovative approach not only enhances the utilization of available grazing resources but also significantly reduces costs associated with traditional fencing, such as hardware, maintenance, and labor. Additionally, Vence's system offers valuable insights into animal behavior, health, and fertility, ultimately helping livestock breeders optimize their operations and increase protein yield.
PHYTunes is a Palo Alto-based company that develops wireless networking solutions to address mobility and handover interruptions for robotics, autonomous mobile robots, AMR/AGV, VoIP, real-time video and other IoT applications. The company holds a patent for a Single Frequency Wi‑Fi Network designed to provide coverage for spaces up to 100,000 square feet and to lower deployment costs compared with traditional WLAN vendors. It is also pursuing a converged Wi‑Fi and mid-band 5G private-network platform that can run both networks on a single solution for multiple carriers. By leveraging existing wired infrastructure to extend high‑frequency signals indoors and around barriers, PHYTunes aims to improve indoor coverage and connectivity for industrial and enterprise environments.
Xplosion Technology
Grant in 2022
A Personal Coaching Assistant, Xplosion is a 4D Motion Baseball Training system that is Providing a range of sensors that you can put on the Body and Sporting Equipment.
Cambrian Works
Grant in 2021
Cambrian Works is a space technology development firm focused on advancing fault-tolerant communications networks for space applications. The company specializes in creating hardware and software solutions that serve as a network provider for both Earth and lunar constellation networks. Cambrian Works offers innovative tools for network management that can function as standalone software or be integrated into its GigRouter, facilitating connectivity and routing within spacecraft. Their technologies are designed to provide flexible, low-latency, and secure network solutions, enabling clients to efficiently implement communication systems that connect to bus processors and various cross-link and downlink terminals.
Apogee Semiconductor
Grant in 2021
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in developing radiation-hardened semiconductor components and integrated circuits. Its focus is on bridging the technology gap between commercial and space-grade electronics, making space exploration more accessible.
Supranational
Grant in 2021
Supranational develops hardware and software solutions for verifiable and secure computing. The company was founded in 2019 with the goal of developing products at the intersection of cryptography and computer architecture.
Tendo Technologies
Grant in 2021
Tendo Technologies is an industrial technology company focused on the development and manufacturing of advanced flow sensors and dispensing systems for commercial and industrial applications. Utilizing innovative elastic filament velocimetry technology, Tendo produces miniature sensors capable of precisely detecting low flow rates and measuring temperature. Their solutions cater to various sectors, including medical, agriculture, food, and manufacturing, enabling these industries to monitor flow rate and pressure measurements effectively. By leveraging advancements in high-fidelity flow measurement, Tendo aims to enhance flow sensing accuracy while maintaining a cost-effective approach.
WiLO Networks
Grant in 2021
WiLO Networks develops a low-power sensor network platform using wake-up radio technology. This enables continuous, low-latency communication, extends battery life, and reduces electronic waste, making sensor deployments more feasible in diverse IoT applications across industries like warehousing, healthcare, retail, and precision agriculture.
Lucendi is a technology company specializing in AI-enabled smart measurement platforms focused on micro-object detection and characterization. The company’s innovative technology portfolio combines computational microscopy and holographic imaging with advanced image processing, big data, and machine learning techniques. This robust approach allows Lucendi to offer versatile applications across various industries, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for its clients. Additionally, Lucendi provides a range of products related to lighting, electrical materials, solar energy systems, and electrical sockets, further diversifying its offerings in the technology and energy sectors.
Chibitronics
Grant in 2021
Chibitronics is a company that specializes in the creation of circuit stickers, which integrate technology and art through an innovative approach to electronics. Founded from Jie Qi's PhD research at the MIT Media Lab, Chibitronics produces peel-and-stick electronics that allow users to engage in circuit building and programming in a creative manner. The company offers toolkits that combine conductive circuit stickers, coin cell batteries, and adhesive copper tape, enabling artists, crafters, tinkerers, and students to design their own expressive electronics. Through its products, Chibitronics aims to democratize technology creation, making it accessible and enjoyable for individuals interested in exploring the intersection of art and circuitry.
Lucata Corporation is a technology company that specializes in enhancing memory utilization through its innovative hardware and software solutions. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in South Bend, Indiana, Lucata develops motherboards, node cards, and memory servers tailored for various applications such as graph analysis, cyber security, data warehousing, machine learning, and risk analysis. Utilizing patented migrating thread technology, Lucata enables organizations to conduct high-performance analytics on extensive databases exceeding one trillion vertices, facilitating deeper insights into complex data relationships. Its solutions are designed for sectors including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, allowing for real-time analysis and scalable memory architecture without the need for additional software layers. Lucata's architecture supports energy-efficient processing and significant performance enhancements as hardware scales, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving landscape of big data and analytics.
Super.tech is a company that specializes in developing software designed to accelerate quantum computing. Founded in 2020 by Pranav Gokhale and Fred Chong, Super.tech focuses on bridging the gap between quantum applications and hardware. The company's technology stack is engineered to make quantum software explicitly aware of the underlying quantum hardware, allowing developers to achieve significant speedups for practical applications. This full-stack, cross-layer architecture aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of quantum computing processes.
Innogized Technologies
Grant in 2021
Innogized Technologies is a developer of innovative hardware and software solutions aimed at discovering and pioneering new technologies that drive growth and success. The company offers a platform that delivers transformational discoveries directly to consumers, enhancing the economy and improving lives. By providing unique tools and insights, Innogized Technologies empowers individuals and organizations to explore new opportunities and realize the full potential of technological advancements. Their focus on impactful, immediate change positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of technology and driving significant, lasting transformations in various sectors.
Rivieh is a technology company founded in 2018 and based in Los Angeles, California. It specializes in developing hardware solutions that convert traditional properties into smart buildings. Rivieh's platform integrates essential components for controlling lighting, HVAC systems, music, and smart assistants, aiming to enhance the guest experience in the hospitality sector. By offering a seamless smart home environment, the company helps hoteliers improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, making it easier for properties to adopt advanced technological solutions.
PrisAM is a company that develops specialized printing hardware for the manufacturing of lattice core structures. Its technology focuses on non-planar printing, allowing for the deposition of continuous trusses. This innovative approach enhances part strength while significantly reducing printing times and material usage. In addition to its hardware, PrisAM offers customized slicing software to further optimize the printing process, catering to the specific needs of its clients. The company's solutions aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of additive manufacturing in various applications.
Amorphyx is an electrical and electronic manufacturing company focused on developing thin-film electronic devices, particularly for flat panel displays, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The company employs a fabless research and development model, licensing its innovative technologies to Tier 1 manufacturers in the consumer electronics sector. Amorphyx's advanced technology utilizes amorphous metal electrodes, which provide uniform electric field control while eliminating the need for semiconductors. This approach simplifies design rules and enhances conduction speed, facilitating a more efficient manufacturing process. By offering alternatives that are less expensive and more mobile, Amorphyx enables improvements in power conservation and refresh management, ultimately expanding the capabilities of modern display technologies.
Drought Diet Prouducts
Grant in 2021
Drought Diet Products is a manufacturer focused on creating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company has developed a climate-resilient tool designed to efficiently apply water to crops while minimizing waste from evaporation and deep percolation. This tool features sub-irrigation zone pipes that utilize greywater and rainwater catchment systems. Additionally, Drought Diet Products incorporates post-consumer film plastic feedstock in its irrigation piping, addressing both water conservation needs and the challenges associated with film plastic recycling. Through these efforts, the company aims to support farmers in enhancing water efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.
SweatID is a developer of wearable fabric sensors designed for health and fitness applications. Their sensors help to monitor hydration on the surface of the skin in real time, enabling users to continuously monitor biomarkers.
Silicon Assurance
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2021, Silicon Assurance specializes in hardware security software designed to enhance trust in silicon chips under the zero-trust model. Their automated tool reduces time spent on chip design security checks and prevents data leakage from systems.
Levaté designs a lightweight wheelchair. This lightweight wheelchair accessory restores reach and independence, giving people the flexibility to work, play, and love in their daily lives. The lift attaches and detaches quickly from the wheelchair and raises to eye level or any height in between to improve vision and reach in any environment - high shelves at the grocery store, the refrigerator or cabinets at home, gas stations, public restrooms, car transfers, shopping.
Labrador Systems
Grant in 2021
Labrador Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in Oak Park, California, that specializes in developing assistive robots aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on creating practical applications of advanced robotics technology to address daily needs, particularly in the home health sector. By combining innovative hardware and software systems, Labrador Systems aims to enhance everyday living for its users through the deployment of personal robots designed to provide support and assistance.
Arithmik specializes in providing hardware solutions tailored for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC) applications. The company focuses on researching integrated circuits, aiming to reduce the scaling requirements of devices and interconnect circuits. This approach allows computer manufacturers to utilize integrated circuit technology that excels in parallel and distributed computing. Additionally, Arithmik's solutions are designed to be reconfigurable at runtime through a compiler, enhancing flexibility and performance for emerging AI and HPC tasks.
Fathhome develops a dry-sanitizing device for household items. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Oakland, California, the company provides a sanitation solution that operates without water, detergents, or chemicals.
Inchfab develops proprietary microchip manufacturing tools and provides a microfabrication platform that supports prototyping and low-volume production for semiconductor and micromechanical IoT chips. The tools are designed for cost-effectiveness and scalability, enabling clients to design and manufacture customized microchips and MEMS devices at small production volumes.
Millimeter Wave Systems
Grant in 2020
Millimeter Wave Systems, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts, specializes in millimeter wave and microwave hardware solutions. The company develops a range of products, including subsystems, modules, components, and antennas, as well as advanced technologies such as cryogenic quantum-limited parametric amplifiers and latching junction ferrite circulators. These innovations are utilized in various applications, including medical scanners, sensors, automobile radars, and high data-rate communications. Millimeter Wave Systems aims to provide consistent quality in production while offering customizable solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
Tangible Research
Grant in 2020
Tangible Research is a company specializing in the development of advanced robotic technologies, particularly focusing on enhancing the sense of touch for improved dexterity in telerobotic systems. They achieve this by utilizing actuators to create sophisticated robot hands equipped with sensors that mimic human fingertip capabilities, enabling precise manipulation of objects across various industries.
Electronic BioSciences
Grant in 2020
Electronic BioSciences specializes in developing high-precision instruments for research and sensing applications. They focus on combining advanced electronics with nanopore platforms to enable molecular and biophysical analysis, with a particular emphasis on reducing measurement noise.
Fortify is an advanced manufacturing startup focused on digital composite manufacturing for 3D-printed parts with optimized material properties. The company uses magnetically aligned reinforcing fibers and high-resolution microstructure control enabled by magnetics and digital light processing to produce carbon fiber reinforced composites with tailored mechanical and electromagnetic performance. Its technology enables engineers to manufacture durable, functional parts with customized material properties for applications such as injection mold tooling and high-performance end-use components.
Nanomatronix
Grant in 2020
Nanomatronix operates an engineering platform that specializes in biotechnology, microelectronics, and nanotechnology. The company provides solutions tailored for the healthcare, energy, and defense sectors. Its offerings encompass the design, prototyping, packaging, screening, qualification, and production of application-specific integrated circuits, hybrid microcircuits, and fiber optic networking transceivers. These products are engineered for use in both terrestrial and harsh environments, facilitating the transition of innovative technologies in biomedical, chemical processing, microelectronics, nanomaterials, and photonics. Through its expertise, Nanomatronix aims to support advancements in critical industries.
HaptX is a technology company focused on enhancing virtual reality experiences through realistic touch simulation. It has developed HaptX Gloves, which enable natural interaction and provide haptic feedback with a high level of realism. Utilizing patented microfluidic technology, these gloves feature 130 points of touch feedback and can apply resistive force feedback of up to 4 pounds per finger, while also tracking hand motions with sub-millimeter precision. Founded by Jake Rubin and Dr. Bob Crockett, HaptX employs a team of 35 and operates from offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Luis Obispo, California. The company's innovations allow users to feel the texture, shape, motion, vibration, and temperature of virtual objects, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual worlds.
PocketLab develops wireless sensors for scientific exploration and experimentation. Its affordable, user-friendly sensors measure acceleration, force, angular velocity, magnetic field, pressure, altitude, and temperature, enabling educators and students to conduct experiments, analyze data, and stream measurements to smartphones or tablets.
Sinovia Technologies
Grant in 2020
Sinovia Technologies specializes in display technologies, including transparent electrodes for touch screens and flexible printed OLED displays. It uses roll-to-roll manufacturing akin to printing labels and packaging to produce lightweight, durable displays and indicator modules for IoT applications, designed for curved surfaces. The technology enables thinner, brighter, higher-contrast, and lower-power electronics that are cost-competitive with LED and LCD options. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California, Sinovia focuses on enabling hardware designers to integrate flexible displays into a range of electronic products and form factors.
Nativus is a hardware technology company developing a hyper-efficient air-conditioner for commercial and residential applications in the heating and cooling industry. Current technologies have remained stagnant for decades, receiving only incremental improvements over the past 50 years. However, through our patent-pending technology which combines the heat exchanger surface with a centrifugal fan, it’s theoretically possible to achieve a 10x better overall system efficiency than currently available air conditioners. With the US HVAC market valued at over $20B, we initially plan to target the room a/c market and offer customers an extremely efficient, quiet, lightweight, and stylistic product.
Mizar Imaging
Grant in 2020
Founded in 2017, Mizar Imaging specializes in developing modular light sheet illumination systems for high-resolution imaging. Headquartered in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, the company's innovative technology reduces photobleaching and enables physiologically relevant biological process imaging on modern inverted microscopes.
NanoSoft is a cryogenic electron microscopy tool and instrument maker.
GelSight is a sensor technology company that develops advanced surface measurement solutions, including a benchtop GelSight scanner that captures the surface geometry of a wide range of materials. Its technology can visualize three-dimensional topography and provide micron-level dimensional measurements by digitizing tactile sensing on an elastomeric interface, enabling detailed measurements across four orders of magnitude. The company serves aerospace, electronics, universities, research institutions, and forensics applications, with prototypes and tools designed to reveal surface features invisible to the naked eye. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, GelSight focuses on flexible metrology solutions for quality control, testing, and research, helping clients obtain reliable, high-resolution surface data for design, inspection, and material studies.
Wield is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2020 that develops advanced prosthetic systems aimed at restoring mobility and independence for individuals with limb loss. The company focuses on creating a platform that utilizes innovative materials and biomimetic design to produce prosthetics that are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Wield's wearables can be controlled through computer interfaces, empowering users to engage more fully in daily life and pursue their personal goals.
Inso Biosciences
Grant in 2020
Inso Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company that develops microfluidic hardware platforms for genomic sample handling. The company's patented microfluidic technology enables high-efficiency processing of cellular material and the separation and isolation of cellular components, supporting genomic analysis and DNA sequencing workflows. Its platform aims to improve long-read DNA extraction, multiomic sample processing, and pathogen surveillance, enabling healthcare and biotech organizations to perform biological sample preparation with greater efficiency and accuracy.
SuperMEM specializes in the development of lightweight chips that facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into various devices. These chips are designed to enhance Internet of Things applications by incorporating AI capabilities without significantly increasing costs or power consumption. SuperMEM's technology provides a standard chip interface and simplifies software migration, allowing clients to adopt advanced AI solutions efficiently and affordably. The company's innovations aim to transform everyday devices, contributing to a smarter and more connected world.
Berd manufactures cycling products that make use of advances in materials science and engineering to improve cycling products. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Hopkins, Minnesota.
Mosaic Microsystems
Grant in 2020
Mosaic Microsystems LLC is a microelectronics and photonics packaging company headquartered in Rochester, New York. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in using glass and other thin substrates as a platform material for various applications, including logic, memory, analog and power electronics, photonics, RF, MEMS, and sensor technologies. Mosaic Microsystems aims to support manufacturers by providing solutions that enable high-volume thin glass manufacturing, thereby enhancing efficiency and performance in the microelectronics sector.
Agile Focus Designs
Grant in 2020
Agile Focus Designs automates and accelerates microscopic imaging with fast focus and zoom technology without any moving parts. This electronic control of true optical zoom and focus without complex algorithms revolutionizes the way microscopes can be used.
Inso Biosciences
Grant in 2020
Inso Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company that develops microfluidic hardware platforms for genomic sample handling. The company's patented microfluidic technology enables high-efficiency processing of cellular material and the separation and isolation of cellular components, supporting genomic analysis and DNA sequencing workflows. Its platform aims to improve long-read DNA extraction, multiomic sample processing, and pathogen surveillance, enabling healthcare and biotech organizations to perform biological sample preparation with greater efficiency and accuracy.
Supranational
Grant in 2019
Supranational develops hardware and software solutions for verifiable and secure computing. The company was founded in 2019 with the goal of developing products at the intersection of cryptography and computer architecture.
easyXAFS offers complete instruments for advanced x-ray spectroscopy. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Founded in 2018, Pascal Tags specializes in chipless radio frequency identification technology for inventory management. Its platform replaces traditional barcodes with durable printed tags, offering item serialization, real-time tracking, and performance reports to enhance efficiency and visibility in logistics and manufacturing.
Xogo develops a hardware and software platform that enables people with disabilities to control their technology experience. The platform connects a wide range of devices and inputs, including USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 3.5mm jack interfaces, allowing users to operate cable boxes, smart home devices, video game consoles, and more in ways that suit their abilities and preferences. By integrating diverse devices, Xogo helps users maximize the functions of their devices and use technology on their terms.
Ludlum Measurements
Grant in 2019
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. is a manufacturer of radiation detection instruments and technologies, established in 1962 by Don Ludlum. The company specializes in providing a diverse range of equipment designed to monitor the safety of personnel and the environment. Its products are utilized in various applications, including routine personnel and material monitoring, border security, and emergency response situations. In addition to manufacturing radiation detection instruments, Ludlum Measurements offers servicing for instruments produced by other companies and provides training courses in repair and calibration for customers. This comprehensive approach enables users to access affordable, reliable, and durable equipment while ensuring safety in critical environments.
Recon RF specializes in the design and manufacture of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and transmit/receive (T/R) cells, which are essential for creating integrated microwave assemblies and modules operating from DC to over 140 GHz. The company is known for its advanced GaN solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) design capabilities, allowing for the development of custom ultra-high-efficiency SSPAs in various configurations, including MMIC and Hybrid-MIC forms. Additionally, Recon RF utilizes parallel computing techniques to optimize on-chip component values with electromagnetic (EM) accuracy, facilitating the exploration of design alternatives and the verification of large-scale system performance. This innovative approach enhances product development and amplifier efficiency for their clients.
FireHUD provides a monitoring system intended to improve situational awareness. The company has been providing easy-to-use products for improving the decision making of teams since its founding in 2016.
Active Layer Parametrics
Grant in 2019
Active Layer Parametrics (ALP Inc.) specializes in developing advanced metrology equipment for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Their system is uniquely capable of rapidly and accurately measuring mobility and activated carrier concentration profiles with Angstrom-level resolution. This technology provides detailed insights into the depth of electrical activation resulting from implant-anneal processes, which are crucial for improving yield and device performance. By offering quick feedback on process changes, ALP Inc.'s equipment enables efficient process development, modeling, and reliable manufacturing control, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of semiconductor production.
Squishy Robotics
Grant in 2019
Founded in 2017, Squishy Robotics develops mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. Their robots, equipped with visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS sensors, can traverse rough environments and be deployed by ground or aerial vehicles to provide situational awareness and assist in victim rescue until human responders arrive.
Nodexus is a biotech startup focused on providing innovative solutions for live single-cell isolation in the industrial, biopharma, clinical research, and academic sectors. The company commercializes the NX One platform, which features a low-cost, low-infrastructure hardware system and single-use disposable microfluidic cartridges. This platform is designed to enhance workflows related to gene editing, cell line and antibody development, and studies on tumor heterogeneity. By offering affordable automated cell isolation, Nodexus aims to accelerate biological research and make advanced technologies more accessible to a wider range of clients.
Beacon Street Innovations
Grant in 2019
Braille display manufacturer with the goal of producing full page braille displays for the vision impaired community to create better access to digital technology
Labsys is a company based in East Lansing, Michigan, founded in 2011, that specializes in the development of microelectronics and microfabrication technology. The firm focuses on creating solutions for government, industry, and academic partners, primarily aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in various applications. Labsys's technology is designed to control sensors for detecting toxic or explosive gases and to facilitate quality control processes. Additionally, the company offers non-destructive evaluation techniques for assessing the structural integrity of aircraft, as well as microfluidic integration for bio-analysis. Their innovations also include bio-mimetic self-adhesives, enabling the aircraft industry to implement advanced sensors and algorithms for identifying cracks and corrosion in airframes.
ActiveMEMS is a technology startup focused on commercializing advanced micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies developed at the University of Michigan. The company leverages proprietary design and manufacturing innovations to deliver solutions for wireless sensing across diverse applications, such as industrial monitoring, vehicle instrumentation, smart buildings, and wearable devices. ActiveMEMS is dedicated to creating high-performance micro transducers and energy harvesters, addressing the demands of next-generation energy-autonomous wireless sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. To support the production of these advanced systems, the company is developing new microfabrication technologies that enable the wafer-scale integration of high-quality smart materials. This core technology platform not only facilitates the creation of energy harvesters but also extends to applications including high-resolution ultrasound transceiver arrays for biomedical imaging, as well as micro-speakers, microphones, and haptic-feedback transducers for mobile consumer electronics.
Vieletech provides research engine controller hardware components, software, and systems integration. Their software is primarily written in LabVIEW, and their hardware is designed to interface with National Instruments RIO FPGA targets.
HeroWear develops wearable exoskeleton technology for workers in physically demanding jobs, aiming to reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal strain. Its Apex back-assist exosuit is designed from the ground up to fit men and women, featuring dual-mode technology that turns back support on or off for use in a range of work scenarios. The textile-based design is modular, offering more than 50 configurations to tailor fit and level of assistance. The systems focus on lift assistance to aid in strenuous tasks and daily chores, with the goal of improving safety, health, and productivity by reducing body pain and related ailments while wearing a comfortable garment.
Innogized Technologies
Grant in 2019
Innogized Technologies is a developer of innovative hardware and software solutions aimed at discovering and pioneering new technologies that drive growth and success. The company offers a platform that delivers transformational discoveries directly to consumers, enhancing the economy and improving lives. By providing unique tools and insights, Innogized Technologies empowers individuals and organizations to explore new opportunities and realize the full potential of technological advancements. Their focus on impactful, immediate change positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of technology and driving significant, lasting transformations in various sectors.
Levaté designs a lightweight wheelchair. This lightweight wheelchair accessory restores reach and independence, giving people the flexibility to work, play, and love in their daily lives. The lift attaches and detaches quickly from the wheelchair and raises to eye level or any height in between to improve vision and reach in any environment - high shelves at the grocery store, the refrigerator or cabinets at home, gas stations, public restrooms, car transfers, shopping.
Waviks develops custom nanoanalysis and nanofabrication tools. The company was founded by Dr. Tom Moore in 2013 and is based in Dallas, Texas.
Shark Wheel LLC, based in Lake Forest, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative wheels that aim to surpass traditional wheel performance. The company offers a range of uniquely shaped wheels, including skateboard and longboard sizes, characterized by their distinctive shark jaw design. These wheels provide features such as enhanced grip, improved sliding control, and adaptability across various terrains and weather conditions. Shark Wheel's products are backed by scientific research, demonstrating advantages over conventional wheels, and the company holds multiple patents worldwide. Founded in 2012, Shark Wheel has also received government grants for its technological advancements, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the wheel industry.
Aligned Carbon
Grant in 2019
Aligned Carbon Inc. is a manufacturer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) specifically designed for the integrated circuit industry. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company produces semiconductor-pure, aligned CNTs that are available on industry-standard wafers at a manufacturing scale. These CNTs are uniquely aligned in arrays that cover full semiconductor substrates and can be purified to be either entirely semiconducting or metallic. Aligned Carbon's technology facilitates a transition away from traditional silicon, allowing semiconductor foundries to achieve significant improvements in speed, energy efficiency, and performance in applications such as logic processing, signal processing, and advanced sensing technologies. The company's innovations enable clients to enhance computing applications through the integration of carbon nanotube logic with conventional silicon logic and memory, thereby addressing growing demands in the semiconductor sector.
Nativus is a hardware technology company developing a hyper-efficient air-conditioner for commercial and residential applications in the heating and cooling industry. Current technologies have remained stagnant for decades, receiving only incremental improvements over the past 50 years. However, through our patent-pending technology which combines the heat exchanger surface with a centrifugal fan, it’s theoretically possible to achieve a 10x better overall system efficiency than currently available air conditioners. With the US HVAC market valued at over $20B, we initially plan to target the room a/c market and offer customers an extremely efficient, quiet, lightweight, and stylistic product.
Weiss Envirotronics
Grant in 2019
Weiss Envirotronics offers pre-engineered, custom environmental test chambers, and equipment for industries. Weiss Envirotronics offers testing solutions for all industries, whether they are testing extreme temperatures, humidity, altitude, vibration, or a combination of these. Weiss Envirotronics designs and manufactures temperature, humidity, vibration, altitude, thermal shock test chambers, portable shock chambers, burn-in chambers, custom equipment, fluid chillers, air burn-in systems, SAE dust chambers, combustion air units, automotive test systems, drive-in chambers, conditioned rooms, and forced air ovens.
Fortify is an advanced manufacturing startup focused on digital composite manufacturing for 3D-printed parts with optimized material properties. The company uses magnetically aligned reinforcing fibers and high-resolution microstructure control enabled by magnetics and digital light processing to produce carbon fiber reinforced composites with tailored mechanical and electromagnetic performance. Its technology enables engineers to manufacture durable, functional parts with customized material properties for applications such as injection mold tooling and high-performance end-use components.
SweatID is a developer of wearable fabric sensors designed for health and fitness applications. Their sensors help to monitor hydration on the surface of the skin in real time, enabling users to continuously monitor biomarkers.
Millimeter Wave Systems
Grant in 2019
Millimeter Wave Systems, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts, specializes in millimeter wave and microwave hardware solutions. The company develops a range of products, including subsystems, modules, components, and antennas, as well as advanced technologies such as cryogenic quantum-limited parametric amplifiers and latching junction ferrite circulators. These innovations are utilized in various applications, including medical scanners, sensors, automobile radars, and high data-rate communications. Millimeter Wave Systems aims to provide consistent quality in production while offering customizable solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
Mosaic Microsystems
Grant in 2019
Mosaic Microsystems LLC is a microelectronics and photonics packaging company headquartered in Rochester, New York. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in using glass and other thin substrates as a platform material for various applications, including logic, memory, analog and power electronics, photonics, RF, MEMS, and sensor technologies. Mosaic Microsystems aims to support manufacturers by providing solutions that enable high-volume thin glass manufacturing, thereby enhancing efficiency and performance in the microelectronics sector.
Momentum Optics
Grant in 2019
Momentum Optics specializes in the on-demand manufacturing of premium glass optics, addressing the growing demand for high-quality optical components. The company utilizes proprietary technology supported by NASA to produce custom lenses with precision, significantly enhancing manufacturing efficiency. By employing machine learning and a unique laser-based mechanism, Momentum Optics is able to fabricate multiple lenses simultaneously, thereby accelerating the development process for researchers and product developers. This innovative approach not only reduces costs and improves the performance of optical devices but also shortens time to market, positioning Momentum Optics as a leader in the optical components industry.
Lucendi is a technology company specializing in AI-enabled smart measurement platforms focused on micro-object detection and characterization. The company’s innovative technology portfolio combines computational microscopy and holographic imaging with advanced image processing, big data, and machine learning techniques. This robust approach allows Lucendi to offer versatile applications across various industries, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for its clients. Additionally, Lucendi provides a range of products related to lighting, electrical materials, solar energy systems, and electrical sockets, further diversifying its offerings in the technology and energy sectors.
Harmonic Bionics
Grant in 2018
Founded in 2016, Harmonic Bionics specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic rehabilitation systems. Their primary product is a bilateral upper extremity robotic system that enhances rehabilitation therapy through automation, dynamic data capture, and connectivity.
Bakman Technologies
Grant in 2018
Bakman Technologies develops a portable terahertz spectrometer for air pollution monitoring and enforcement. The instrument is housed in a compact chassis and can be configured for transmission or reflection measurements. Its dual-channel terahertz spectrometer can simultaneously assess transmitted and reflected terahertz power from a sample, enabling on-site measurements of concentrations for a broad range of gases that contribute to pollution and climate change.
Berd manufactures cycling products that make use of advances in materials science and engineering to improve cycling products. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Hopkins, Minnesota.
Sinovia Technologies
Grant in 2018
Sinovia Technologies specializes in display technologies, including transparent electrodes for touch screens and flexible printed OLED displays. It uses roll-to-roll manufacturing akin to printing labels and packaging to produce lightweight, durable displays and indicator modules for IoT applications, designed for curved surfaces. The technology enables thinner, brighter, higher-contrast, and lower-power electronics that are cost-competitive with LED and LCD options. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California, Sinovia focuses on enabling hardware designers to integrate flexible displays into a range of electronic products and form factors.
PocketLab develops wireless sensors for scientific exploration and experimentation. Its affordable, user-friendly sensors measure acceleration, force, angular velocity, magnetic field, pressure, altitude, and temperature, enabling educators and students to conduct experiments, analyze data, and stream measurements to smartphones or tablets.
Neptune Fluid Flow Systems
Grant in 2018
Neptune specializes in the sale of microfluidic connectors, sample reservoirs, pressure cells, manual plungers, and other accessories. They offer design, prototyping, manufacturing services, and project-related consulting.
Agile Focus Designs
Grant in 2018
Agile Focus Designs automates and accelerates microscopic imaging with fast focus and zoom technology without any moving parts. This electronic control of true optical zoom and focus without complex algorithms revolutionizes the way microscopes can be used.
JoyLabz is a project and development company founded in 2012 and based in Santa Cruz, California. The company specializes in designing augmented reality devices, offering a range of products that include do-it-yourself devices, hardware integration tools, and digital learning boxes. These offerings are designed to help users explore and experiment with new system integrations, facilitating an engaging augmented reality experience while fostering creativity and innovation. Through its focus on user-driven design, JoyLabz aims to empower individuals to invent and create within the realm of augmented reality.
SelfArray, founded in 2015 and based in Troy, New York, specializes in directed self-assembly technology that streamlines the assembly of chip-on-board (CoB) LED displays into pixel arrays. By utilizing diamagnetic levitation, SelfArray's innovative approach allows for the rapid and cost-effective assembly of millions of LEDs, facilitating their transfer to final printed circuit boards for bonding in parallel. This technology not only reduces costs for direct-view LED display manufacturers but also supports the industry's transition to more economical, unpackaged LED solutions.
FireHUD provides a monitoring system intended to improve situational awareness. The company has been providing easy-to-use products for improving the decision making of teams since its founding in 2016.
NanoSoft is a cryogenic electron microscopy tool and instrument maker.
Squishy Robotics
Grant in 2017
Founded in 2017, Squishy Robotics develops mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. Their robots, equipped with visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS sensors, can traverse rough environments and be deployed by ground or aerial vehicles to provide situational awareness and assist in victim rescue until human responders arrive.
NeuroBytes are hands-on electronic neuron simulators that allow students, makers, and tinkerers to learn about the brain.
Shark Wheel LLC, based in Lake Forest, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative wheels that aim to surpass traditional wheel performance. The company offers a range of uniquely shaped wheels, including skateboard and longboard sizes, characterized by their distinctive shark jaw design. These wheels provide features such as enhanced grip, improved sliding control, and adaptability across various terrains and weather conditions. Shark Wheel's products are backed by scientific research, demonstrating advantages over conventional wheels, and the company holds multiple patents worldwide. Founded in 2012, Shark Wheel has also received government grants for its technological advancements, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the wheel industry.
GelSight is a sensor technology company that develops advanced surface measurement solutions, including a benchtop GelSight scanner that captures the surface geometry of a wide range of materials. Its technology can visualize three-dimensional topography and provide micron-level dimensional measurements by digitizing tactile sensing on an elastomeric interface, enabling detailed measurements across four orders of magnitude. The company serves aerospace, electronics, universities, research institutions, and forensics applications, with prototypes and tools designed to reveal surface features invisible to the naked eye. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, GelSight focuses on flexible metrology solutions for quality control, testing, and research, helping clients obtain reliable, high-resolution surface data for design, inspection, and material studies.
Harmonic Bionics
Grant in 2017
Founded in 2016, Harmonic Bionics specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic rehabilitation systems. Their primary product is a bilateral upper extremity robotic system that enhances rehabilitation therapy through automation, dynamic data capture, and connectivity.
Waviks develops custom nanoanalysis and nanofabrication tools. The company was founded by Dr. Tom Moore in 2013 and is based in Dallas, Texas.
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,