Michigan State University
Grant in 2025
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a comprehensive educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs across various fields, including business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. Its academic structure comprises several colleges, including the Eli Broad College of Business and the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, among others. In addition to its educational mission, Michigan State University manages an endowment fund with $200 million in assets, employing alternative investment strategies such as buyouts, hedge funds, and venture capital. The endowment aims for a net internal rate of return of 10%, with allocations of up to 11% of total assets dedicated to alternative investments. This fund has been operational since 1988, highlighting the university's commitment to financial stewardship in support of its educational objectives.
Michigan Potash Company
Debt Financing in 2025
Founded in 2011, Michigan Potash Company is a U.S.-based producer and supplier of potash and salt. It offers white muriate of potash for various applications such as fertilizer, feed, industrial processes, purified acid, metal finishing, and food-grade salts for water softening and de-icing.
DTE Energy is a major provider of gas and electric utility services in Michigan, serving approximately 2.3 million customers through its DTE Electric division and 1.3 million customers via DTE Gas. The company operates two regulated utilities that account for a significant portion of its earnings. In addition to its utility services, DTE Energy is involved in nonutility ventures, including energy marketing and trading, renewable natural gas facilities, and on-site industrial energy projects. The company is committed to fostering community development and supports various initiatives through the DTE Energy Foundation, which focuses on arts, education, and environmental needs, among others.
General Motors
Grant in 2024
General Motors is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. It designs, manufactures, and sells cars and trucks in regions including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, offering a broad lineup of sedans, crossovers, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, and hybrids, along with parts, accessories, and in-vehicle safety and information services. The company provides used vehicles and distributes its products through a network of dealers and distributors. It operates through North America, International, and Financing segments and maintains a broad brand portfolio, supported by GM Financial for customer financing. General Motors has a history of major restructuring following the 2009 bankruptcy and government involvement, including a 2010 initial public offering, and continues to pursue mobility and propulsion technology development. Headquartered in Detroit, GM is among the world’s largest automakers by vehicle unit sales.
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota, incorporated in 1906. It operates through two primary segments: Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy. The Regulated Operations segment includes Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power Company, which provide electric, natural gas, and water services to a significant number of customers in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Additionally, this segment encompasses an investment in American Transmission Company, a utility that maintains electric transmission infrastructure across parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on the development, acquisition, and operation of clean and renewable energy projects, operating around 660 megawatts of wind energy generation. The company is also involved in coal mining operations in North Dakota and real estate investments in Florida, while owning and operating multiple substations with substantial capacity.
General Motors
Grant in 2024
General Motors is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. It designs, manufactures, and sells cars and trucks in regions including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, offering a broad lineup of sedans, crossovers, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, and hybrids, along with parts, accessories, and in-vehicle safety and information services. The company provides used vehicles and distributes its products through a network of dealers and distributors. It operates through North America, International, and Financing segments and maintains a broad brand portfolio, supported by GM Financial for customer financing. General Motors has a history of major restructuring following the 2009 bankruptcy and government involvement, including a 2010 initial public offering, and continues to pursue mobility and propulsion technology development. Headquartered in Detroit, GM is among the world’s largest automakers by vehicle unit sales.
University of Detroit Mercy
Grant in 2023
Formerly separate institutions, the University of Detroit and Mercy
College of Detroit merged in 1990. The result of this consolidation was
the University of Detroit Mercy, a comprehensive university with a
diverse student body, personalized instruction, and extensive academics.
The University of Detroit Mercy consists of these schools:
* School of Architecture
* College of Business Administration
* School of Dentistry
* College of Engineering and Science
* College of Health Professions (including the McAuley School of
Nursing)
* School of Law
* College of Liberal Arts & Education
About 100 programs of study are available, including several top-tier
graduate programs. Individualized instruction is a priority at the
University of Detroit Mercy, and the school keeps its student-to-faculty
ratio low with an average class size of 20.
Several financial aid sources are available, including government
programs like the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and federal
work-study. The university also offers several renewable merit
scholarships.
Many of these are based on your academic achievements, and some take
activities, interests and goals into consideration. All incoming freshmen
are automatically considered for these awards.
LuxWall is a building materials company that designs and manufactures vacuum-insulated glass, a transparent insulation material that reduces heating and cooling losses and improves building energy efficiency. Its vacuum-insulated glass supports energy standards for commercial and residential buildings and uses technology aimed at enabling greater thermal performance. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, LuxWall seeks to advance sustainable construction and has indicated a potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year, highlighting its environmental impact.
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota, incorporated in 1906. It operates through two primary segments: Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy. The Regulated Operations segment includes Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power Company, which provide electric, natural gas, and water services to a significant number of customers in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Additionally, this segment encompasses an investment in American Transmission Company, a utility that maintains electric transmission infrastructure across parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on the development, acquisition, and operation of clean and renewable energy projects, operating around 660 megawatts of wind energy generation. The company is also involved in coal mining operations in North Dakota and real estate investments in Florida, while owning and operating multiple substations with substantial capacity.
Xcel Energy is a leading electric and natural gas utility company serving approximately 6 million customers across eight states. It generates power through diverse sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions and aims to supply more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Consumers Energy Company
Grant in 2023
Consumers Energy Company is a Michigan-based electric and natural gas utility serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the Lower Peninsula. It delivers electricity and natural gas to about 6.7 million residents in 68 counties. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, it operates through Electric Utility and Gas Utility segments and also includes NorthStar Clean Energy as a non-utility investments unit. It is a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation.
Xcel Energy is a leading electric and natural gas utility company serving approximately 6 million customers across eight states. It generates power through diverse sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions and aims to supply more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Michigan State University
Grant in 2023
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a comprehensive educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs across various fields, including business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. Its academic structure comprises several colleges, including the Eli Broad College of Business and the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, among others. In addition to its educational mission, Michigan State University manages an endowment fund with $200 million in assets, employing alternative investment strategies such as buyouts, hedge funds, and venture capital. The endowment aims for a net internal rate of return of 10%, with allocations of up to 11% of total assets dedicated to alternative investments. This fund has been operational since 1988, highlighting the university's commitment to financial stewardship in support of its educational objectives.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2023
The University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the Midwest, offers a diverse array of academic programs that attract over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its renowned schools include the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and prominent law and medical schools. The university also has a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by its Musical Theatre program and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which draws filmmakers globally. In addition to its educational endeavors, the University of Michigan actively manages a significant endowment, investing in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure to support its mission and enhance its resources. The institution consistently ranks highly in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Ford Motor Company
Debt Financing in 2023
Ford Motor Company is a prominent automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Michigan, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The company produces a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and tractors, and sells them through dealerships for both retail and fleet customers, including government and rental agencies. In addition to manufacturing, Ford offers various automotive financing products through its subsidiary, Ford Motor Credit Company. These financial services include retail installment sale contracts, direct financing leases for new vehicles, and wholesale loans to dealerships for inventory purchases and facility improvements. Ford also provides insurance products, including coverage for vehicles in transit and extended service contracts. The company is committed to environmental sustainability and has initiated efforts in alternative fuel technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Automation Alley
Grant in 2023
Automation Alley is a leading nonprofit organization based in Troy, Michigan, dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in the technology and manufacturing sectors. Established in 1999, it connects industry, academia, and government to drive Southeast Michigan's economy forward by providing resources, funding, and actionable intelligence tailored for the digital age.
Michigan Technological University
Grant in 2022
Michigan Technological University, founded in 1885 and located in the northern part of Michigan, is a non-profit educational institution known for its strong emphasis on engineering and technology. While its primary focus lies in science, engineering, and computing, Michigan Tech also offers a diverse range of academic programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, environmental science, and forestry. The university provides ample financial aid options, participating in government programs and offering various scholarships, including the Department of Defense's SMART Scholarship, which covers tuition and expenses for exceptional science students. Michigan Tech has a vibrant student life, particularly noted for winter sports and the annual Winter Carnival, which showcases impressive snow sculptures and outdoor activities. Admissions require standardized test scores and high school transcripts, with some programs having additional criteria.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2022
The University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the Midwest, offers a diverse array of academic programs that attract over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its renowned schools include the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and prominent law and medical schools. The university also has a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by its Musical Theatre program and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which draws filmmakers globally. In addition to its educational endeavors, the University of Michigan actively manages a significant endowment, investing in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure to support its mission and enhance its resources. The institution consistently ranks highly in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, LLC, founded in 2015 and based in West Michigan, specializes in developing innovative compounds for lithium-ion batteries. The company focuses on creating organic electrochemical additives that enhance battery performance by increasing capacity, preventing overcharging, and simplifying electronic control systems. These advancements allow battery manufacturers to improve the safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of their products. Additionally, Jolt is working on all-organic nonaqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) designed for large-scale energy storage, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery technologies. With a commitment to sustainability, Jolt Energy aims to revolutionize the energy storage sector.
Accio Energy
Grant in 2015
Accio Energy, Inc. is a company that specializes in alternative energy generation technology, focusing on wind energy systems that produce electricity using wind and charged water mist. Founded in 2007 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Accio Energy has developed Aerovoltaic energy systems that convert wind energy directly into electricity without the need for moving parts, such as traditional wind turbines. This innovation aims to make distributed wind energy systems scalable, reliable, and affordable, combining the low costs associated with large-scale wind energy with the modularity and flexibility akin to solar power. Additionally, the company provides insights and updates on sustainability initiatives within the energy sector.
Ecovia Renewables
Grant in 2015
Founded in 2014, Ecovia Renewables develops bio-based ingredients through a proprietary fermentation process using renewable biomass. Its product portfolio includes EcoSynth platform for biochemicals and biofuels, Ecovia biopolymers for multi-functional applications, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. These products serve the agriculture and personal care sectors.
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, established in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The company operates through four geographical segments: North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Its primary product offerings include refrigerators, freezers, laundry appliances, cooking appliances, dishwashers, and various small domestic appliances, as well as hermetic compressors for refrigeration systems. Whirlpool markets its products under a diverse range of brand names, including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Amana, among others. The company distributes its products to retailers, distributors, builders, and directly to consumers, ensuring a broad reach in the home appliance market across multiple regions.