Michigan State University
Grant in 2025
Michigan State University is an educational institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and research programs in the fields of business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. The schools and colleges of the university include College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Letters, Eli Broad College of Business and The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, College of Education, College of Human Ecology, College of Engineering, College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Natural Science. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and is based in East Lansing, Michigan.
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 Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, is a leading global automaker engaged in the manufacture and sale of a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, sedans, crossovers, and hybrid models. The company operates in various markets, including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, and offers its products through a network of dealers and distributors. GM also provides parts and accessories, as well as vehicle safety and information services through its OnStar subsidiary. Following its emergence from bankruptcy in 2009, GM streamlined its brand portfolio and has since regained its market share leadership in the U.S. automotive sector. The company operates under four segments: GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial. GM's Cruise division focuses on autonomous vehicle technology and has conducted pilot services in select urban areas. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, General Motors is committed to advancing mobility solutions while maintaining its position as one of the world's largest automakers.
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 Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, is a leading global automaker engaged in the manufacture and sale of a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, sedans, crossovers, and hybrid models. The company operates in various markets, including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, and offers its products through a network of dealers and distributors. GM also provides parts and accessories, as well as vehicle safety and information services through its OnStar subsidiary. Following its emergence from bankruptcy in 2009, GM streamlined its brand portfolio and has since regained its market share leadership in the U.S. automotive sector. The company operates under four segments: GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial. GM's Cruise division focuses on autonomous vehicle technology and has conducted pilot services in select urban areas. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, General Motors is committed to advancing mobility solutions while maintaining its position as one of the world's largest automakers.
LuxWall is a building materials company that pioneers the design and manufacture of vacuum-insulated glass. LuxWall produces glass that acts as transparent insulation, providing thermal insulation values comparable to fiberglass wall insulation. With widespread adoption, LuxWall's patented technology has the potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States.
Xcel Energy is an electric and natural gas utility company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1909. It serves approximately 3.8 million electric customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across eight states. The company is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, biomass, oil, and wind. Xcel Energy is recognized as one of the largest suppliers of renewable energy in the United States, with over half of its electricity sales derived from carbon-free sources. Its operations are organized into five segments: electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, transmission, and innovation, which also includes the development and leasing of natural gas pipelines and related facilities.
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 an electric and natural gas utility company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1909. It serves approximately 3.8 million electric customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across eight states. The company is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, biomass, oil, and wind. Xcel Energy is recognized as one of the largest suppliers of renewable energy in the United States, with over half of its electricity sales derived from carbon-free sources. Its operations are organized into five segments: electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, transmission, and innovation, which also includes the development and leasing of natural gas pipelines and related facilities.
Michigan State University
Grant in 2023
Michigan State University is an educational institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and research programs in the fields of business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. The schools and colleges of the university include College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Letters, Eli Broad College of Business and The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, College of Education, College of Human Ecology, College of Engineering, College of Human Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Natural Science. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and is based in East Lansing, Michigan.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2023
The University of Michigan’s programs consistently places high in national rankings. Especially renowned are the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, The Law and Medical Schools, and the Musical Theatre program. There is also a strong film presence in Ann Arbor, with many major motion pictures being shot there and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which brings in filmmakers from all over the world.
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.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2022
The University of Michigan’s programs consistently places high in national rankings. Especially renowned are the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, The Law and Medical Schools, and the Musical Theatre program. There is also a strong film presence in Ann Arbor, with many major motion pictures being shot there and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which brings in filmmakers from all over the world.
Jolt Energy Technologies was formed in 2015 by Tom Guarr and Jack Johnson with the goal of revolutionizing the field of energy storage. Jolt is based in West Michigan at MSU Bioeconomy Institute.Manufacturer of organic electrochemical additives created to build lithium ion battery cells. The company's organic electrochemical additives help in developing energy storage devices which increases battery capacity, prevent dangerous overcharging and greatly simplify the electronic control, enabling battery manufacturers to improve safety, function and cost of lithium ion batteries.
Accio Energy
Grant in 2015
Accio Energy, Inc. is a company that specializes in alternative energy generation technology, specifically focusing on innovative wind energy systems. Established in 2007 and located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Accio Energy develops Aerovoltaic energy systems that convert wind energy into electricity without the use of traditional moving parts or large wind turbines. This approach combines the cost-effectiveness of large-scale wind energy with the modularity and flexibility typically associated with solar energy systems. Additionally, Accio Energy offers electrohydrodynamic wind energy systems aimed at offshore markets, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. The company is also involved in providing information and updates on projects that enhance sustainability in the energy sector.
Ecovia Renewables
Grant in 2015
Ecovia Renewables Inc. was formed in 2014 as a spin-out company from the University of Michigan. It is our mission to develop and commercialize high-performing biobased ingredients and materials from sustainable processes at the best value for our customers. We do this by having microbial ecosystems work for us. Our suite of Ecovia™ Biopolymers are created from a proprietary fermentation process. They are affordable, biobased, biodegradable, and functional alternatives to conventional acrylate and acrylamide polymers and starch-based biopolymers. Applications range from soil additives for water retention to super-absorbent cores for infant diapers to thickeners for personal care and industrial products, among many others.
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.