The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Massachusetts Capital Resource Company, founded in 1977 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a private investment firm focused on addressing the funding gap for growing companies. The company provides risk capital in the form of mezzanine financing, long-term debt, and equity investments, specifically targeting emerging growth and middle-market firms. Its primary sectors of interest include manufacturing, distribution, service, and technology. By offering tailored investment solutions, Massachusetts Capital complements the financing available from senior lenders and equity investors, thereby supporting the growth and acquisition needs of companies operating in Massachusetts.

Autodesk is a software company that develops 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software used across architecture, engineering, construction, product design and manufacturing, and media industries. Its portfolio includes AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Building Design Suites, Revit, Infrastructure Design Suites, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, Product Design Suites, Inventor, AutoCAD Mechanical, Moldflow, and 3D modeling, animation and rendering tools such as Maya and 3ds Max, plus editing and finishing tools like Flame, Smoke, and Lustre. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Rafael, California.

Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz and based in Menlo Park, California. It funds startups across the entire lifecycle, from seed to growth, with a broad focus on software and technology-enabled businesses. The firm backs companies in software, cloud infrastructure, digital platforms, data storage, and mobile and Internet services, as well as sectors at the intersection of technology with life sciences, such as bio healthcare and computational medicine. Its investments span artificial intelligence, fintech, consumer and enterprise software, crypto and blockchain, cybersecurity, and related infrastructure. Through strategic guidance and a hands-on approach, the firm aims to help portfolio companies scale and innovate.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a technology-focused capital provider based in Philadelphia, founded in 1982 to advance the region's technology community. The organization funds and supports technology companies across Pennsylvania, especially in information technology, health, and physical sciences, investing substantial capital in early-stage and established ventures. It has invested over 170 million dollars in more than 1,750 regional technology companies and has launched university-industry partnerships to translate scientific discoveries into commercial products, while seeding regional initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create jobs.

Synopsys is a technology company that provides software and intellectual property for semiconductor and electronic product design. It positions itself as the Silicon to Software partner for companies building electronic devices and software applications. Its core offerings include electronic design automation (EDA) software used to automate chip design, semiconductor IP blocks, and software quality and security solutions. The company also supports system verification and SoC design through Silicon IP and end-to-end design tools. As customers shift toward systems-like architectures, Synopsys supplies a comprehensive portfolio that helps improve design accuracy, productivity, and efficiency across the full design flow. Through a broad reach in semiconductor and software markets, the firm serves diverse end markets as digitalization accelerates demand for verification, IP, and integrated design toolchains.

Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.

Lockheed Martin Ventures, established in 2014, is a venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies specializing in advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Solid Solutions Management Limited is a prominent reseller of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) software in the United Kingdom, specializing in SOLIDWORKS products developed by Dassault Systems. The company provides a comprehensive range of software solutions including SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management, which collectively enhance design efficiency and innovation. Additionally, Solid Solutions offers SOLIDWORKS Composer for creating graphical assets, SOLIDWORKS Inspection for streamlining inspection document creation, and SOLIDWORKS Electrical CAD software. The firm also delivers manufacturing solutions like SolidCAM, SigmaNEST, and SWOOD, along with training, support, subscription, and consultancy services tailored to various industries including aerospace, construction, high-tech electronics, and life sciences. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Leamington Spa, the company aims to facilitate faster product development while reducing costs for its clients across the UK and Ireland.

Dassault Systemes offers project lifecycle management solutions that enable businesses to create and share experiences in 3D. Its suite of products, including SolidWorks, CATIA, SIMULIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, and Medidata, empower users across various industries such as transportation, industrial equipment, aerospace, defense, and life sciences.

Microsoft is a multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, server products like Windows Server and SQL Server, business solutions such as Dynamics, cloud services through Azure, hardware devices like Surface and Xbox, and online advertising platforms.

Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.

FARO Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing software-driven three-dimensional (3D) measurement and imaging solutions on a global scale. The company operates through three primary segments: 3D Manufacturing, Construction BIM, and Emerging Verticals. Its product offerings include the FaroArm, FARO ScanArm, FARO Design ScanArm 2.5C, FARO Laser Tracker, and FARO Focus laser scanner, all of which are designed for high-precision measurement and data collection in various industries. FARO's software solutions complement its hardware, enabling users to capture and manipulate both 3D and 2D data effectively. The company's technology serves a diverse range of applications, including manufacturing, architecture, surveying, building information modeling, construction, public safety forensics, and cultural heritage. Founded in 1981, FARO is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, with additional locations in Germany and Singapore, supporting a global customer base of approximately 15,000 users.

PTC is a US-based technology company that develops, markets, and supports product lifecycle management software and related services. It provides technology platforms and enterprise applications for smart and connected products, operations, and systems, including Creo computer-aided design software, Windchill PLM, and Internet of Things and augmented reality solutions. Its offerings span multiple industries, including manufacturing, publishing, services, government, and life sciences, serving a global customer base. The company employs more than 6,000 professionals and serves over 28,000 businesses worldwide, demonstrating its scale and reach since its founding in 1985.

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, with offices in Berlin, Paris, London, Munich, and San Francisco, that focuses on early-stage technology investments across Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe. The firm backs seed to early growth rounds in areas including deep tech, fintech, health, industrial tech, marketplaces, consumer tech, software-as-a-service, and network effects, with a platform philosophy and hands-on support via an in-house Platform+ team that provides growth marketing, human resources, US business development, and networking assistance from day one. Typical investments range from a few hundred thousand euros up to about three million euros, with a preference for minority stakes up to around 20% and for taking co-entrepreneurial operational roles for six months to a year. Speedinvest was founded in 2011 and is known for combining capital with hands-on operational support to help portfolio companies scale.

Cadmatic is a prominent developer of digital and intelligent 3D design, engineering, and information management software solutions, primarily serving the marine, process, and construction industries. Based in Turku, Finland, the company facilitates advanced digitalization throughout all project life cycles, enhancing data-driven shipbuilding, plant construction, and operational processes. Cadmatic's software is utilized in a wide range of construction projects, including luxury yachts, large cruise vessels, offshore platforms, and various industrial plants, such as those in the food, pharmaceutical, power, chemical, oil and gas, and pulp and paper sectors.

Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2013, dedicated to investing in early-stage startups that aim to address climate change. The firm focuses on sectors such as advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation, logistics, advanced materials, manufacturing, and advanced computing. By supporting innovative businesses in these areas, Prelude Ventures seeks to foster the development of the next generation of companies that can significantly impact environmental sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Vectorworks develops intuitive design software for architecture, landscape, and entertainment industries. Founded in 1985, the company offers cross-platform CAD and BIM solutions, enabling users to seamlessly sketch, model, and present projects from inception to completion.

Founded in 1995, Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Germany. It specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on high-tech companies in sectors such as biotechnology, IT, and environmental technology. The firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized companies located exclusively in Bavaria, with typical investment amounts ranging from €0.25 million to €9 million.

HAX is a global venture capital-backed program dedicated to accelerating startups with a hardware element. Operating across San Francisco and Shenzhen, HAX focuses on rapid prototyping and iteration, helping teams refine their products, business plans, and launch strategies. The program culminates in market readiness support, including introductions to corporates, investors, partners, and press, as well as securing funding and gaining traction.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that backs science and technology companies across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage. It pursues transformative technologies and follows a founder-friendly investment approach that provides substantial support with minimal interference. The firm invests in ventures solving difficult problems across sectors such as aerospace and transportation, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, energy, healthcare, biotechnology, cybersecurity, fintech, consumer internet, software, robotics, and related technology fields. It has backed notable companies early, including SpaceX, Palantir, and Facebook, reflecting a history of partnering with ambitious founders to scale breakthrough technologies.

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital markets.

Turkey Development Fund is an economic development agency in Istanbul established in 2019 that aims to strengthen Turkey’s enterprise ecosystem by investing in new-generation startups and in investment vehicles that support sustainable development. It focuses on strategically important economic sectors and on growing the nascent venture capital ecosystem by directing capital to innovative companies that drive long-term growth.

Richen Capital is an investment firm that focuses on identifying and capitalizing on promising investment opportunities. The firm employs a strategic approach to investing, aiming to generate sustainable growth and value for its stakeholders. By leveraging market insights and analytical expertise, Richen Capital seeks to build a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors and asset classes. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and supporting the development of businesses that demonstrate strong potential for success.

Founded in 2000, Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York and Silicon Valley. It manages over $5 billion in assets, focusing on seed to growth investments at the intersection of technology and sciences. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs building successful businesses in high-growth sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, aerospace, genomics, synthetic biology, and robotics.

MiTek is a global leader in providing engineered products and services for the building components industry. With a strong focus on fulfilling customer needs, they offer advanced design software programs and machinery designed to address real customer challenges. Their commitment to customer dedication and partnership has allowed them to provide a competitive edge to their customers, locally, nationally, and internationally. MiTek's reputation is built on delivering solutions that help their customers succeed in their operations, making them a trusted partner in the industry.

Established in 2006, SC Launch is a non-profit corporation affiliated with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). It facilitates applied research, product development, and commercialization programs. SC Launch provides loans, investments, and resources to selected South Carolina-based companies participating in its program, aiming to create high-wage jobs and foster technology startups.

Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, with additional offices in Osaka and Nagoya, founded in 1974. It concentrates on seed to development stage and startup investments across healthcare, biotech, information technology, electronics, high technology, life sciences, fintech, ICT, SaaS, and AI sectors. The firm targets opportunities in Japan and with relevance to the Japanese market, and it participates in investment syndication for Japanese investments to support entrepreneurs and innovation within the domestic economy.

The EIC Accelerator is a Horizon Europe funding program that provides assistance to start-ups and SMEs that have an innovative, game-changing product, service, or business model that has the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, and have the ambition and commitment to scale up, are seeking substantial funding, but the risks involved are too high for private investors to invest alone

Schramm, Inc. is a century-old manufacturer based in Chester County, Pennsylvania, specializing in mobile, top-head hydraulic rotary drilling rigs for land-based applications. The company serves a diverse range of sectors, including mining, energy, geothermal, and water, with over 75 percent of its revenue generated from export sales. Schramm maintains a strong global presence, particularly in markets such as China, Chile, Brazil, Australia, Russia, and South Africa. The company's approach emphasizes long-term customer relationships and direct engagement with end-users, ensuring high user satisfaction for products often valued in the millions of dollars. Schramm designs and manufactures its equipment with a focus on quality, innovation, and flexibility, utilizing advanced computer-aided design and integrated manufacturing processes to meet the evolving demands of the drilling industry. Additionally, Schramm's commitment to technological advancement and adherence to industry standards allows it to enhance product performance and reliability, catering effectively to the needs of drilling contractors.

Strata-G Solutions provides engineering and hardware solutions based in Huntsville, Alabama. The company engages in project management, weapon system engineering solutions, R&D, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, aircraft and platform modification, manufacturing and kitting, system documentation, and associated material purchasing.

Tata Technologies Limited, headquartered in Pune, India, is a global company specializing in product engineering and digital services. Founded in 1981, it provides a range of services including IT consultancy, SAP implementation, networking solutions, CAD/CAM engineering, and design consultancy. The company's offerings extend to product development, digital manufacturing, teardown and benchmarking, project execution, and components integration. Tata Technologies also delivers PLM solutions that enhance the efficiency of product development processes and offers manufacturing/enterprise IT solutions that optimize critical business processes through data analytics and enterprise resource planning. With a strong focus on the automotive industry, the company serves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers in markets such as aerospace and engineering. Its operations are primarily based in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

Rand Worldwide provides design automation, engineering, and data management software solutions for manufacturing, building design, infrastructure, and facilities management markets in the United States and Canada. The company operates across divisions including IMAGINiT Technologies, Rand 3D, Rand Simulation, Facilities Management, and ASCENT, reselling software for Autodesk, Archibus, and other design and visualization tools, as well as Leica 3D laser scanning equipment. ASCENT courseware is also offered. It provides professional services such as software implementations, customization, data migration, CAD standards consulting, supplemental design staffing, drawing digitization, symbol library development, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and thermal simulation, in addition to training and technical support. Its customers include private companies, public organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Rand Worldwide is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dentsply Sirona is a leading global manufacturer of dental equipment, consumables, and related technologies. Formed in 2016 from the merger of Dentsply International and Sirona Dental Systems, it offers a broad portfolio spanning dental consumables, lab products, CAD/CAM and imaging technologies, orthodontics, endodontics, and implant-related devices. Its product lineup includes treatment and diagnostic tools such as electric dental drills, imaging systems, ultrasonic scalers, and digital restoration platforms. The company distributes a large share of its consumables, technology, and equipment through third-party distributors, with remaining products sold directly to laboratories and dental offices through its salesforce. Dentsply Sirona serves dental practices worldwide by providing integrated hardware, software, and materials that support clinical workflows.

Transoft Solutions specializes in the development and support of CAD-based software tailored for engineers, architects, and drafters involved in civil and infrastructure design and planning. The company's innovative software solutions are widely recognized and have become the standard for numerous transportation departments across various state and national agencies globally. This level of adoption underscores Transoft's position as a leader in the industry, providing essential tools that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in infrastructure projects.

Carlisle Companies is a holding company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of highly engineered products for the commercial building industry, primarily through its segments, Carlisle Construction Materials and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies. The company offers a diverse product portfolio that includes single-ply roofing products, moisture protection solutions, protective roofing underlayments, integrated air and vapor barriers, spray polyurethane foam, and coating systems. Additionally, it provides airflow hardware and accessories, such as liquid duct sealants, rolled sealants, adhesives, coatings, and flashing tapes. The majority of Carlisle's revenue is generated from its Construction Materials segment, with a significant portion derived from sales within the United States.

Procore Technologies, Inc. is a cloud-based software company specializing in construction management. It offers a platform and related products enabling construction stakeholders, such as owners, contractors, architects, and engineers, to collaborate on projects. Procore's suite includes Design Coordination, BIM, Field Productivity, Project Financials, and other tools for streamlined project management, document control, financial tracking, and stakeholder communication. The company operates in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, and Mexico, serving customers across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure segments. Procore generates revenue through subscription-based pricing for access to its software products.

Hanwha Aerospace is a South Korea's aircraft engine manufacturer focused on the development, production, and maintenance of aircraft engines, and offers a wide range of gas turbine solutions worldwide. The company operates two divisions: Aircraft Engine and Aero Mechanical System. The Aircraft Engine division handles precision machining for developing, manufacturing, and servicing engines, while the Aero Mechanical System division supplies hydraulic components, flight control actuators, and fuel systems to aerospace and defense customers. Formerly known as Hanwha Techwin, the firm serves global markets with its products and emphasizes quality, cost competitiveness, and timely delivery.

Lattice Semiconductor develops and sells semiconductor technologies worldwide, focusing on low power programmable solutions. Its product portfolio includes field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), video connectivity application-specific standard products, software tools, and IP licensing services. The company serves original equipment manufacturers across communications and computing, consumer, industrial, automotive, and other markets.

Straumann is a company that specializes in conducting research, developing, and manufacturing dental implants, instruments, prosthetics, and dental biomaterials to aid in tooth replacement, restoration, and prevention of tooth loss. With a focus on incorporating technological advancements into dentistry, Straumann offers a wide range of products and solutions for traditional treatments as well as digital workflows, such as guided surgery, intra-oral scanning, and CAD/CAM restorations. Their innovative approach to dental care aims to provide high-quality products to meet the evolving needs of dental professionals and patients alike.

MACOM specializes in analog semiconductor solutions for various industries. With a focus on optical, wireless, and satellite networks, they enable high-speed communication infrastructure and enhance safety through advanced radar technologies. Serving leading companies worldwide, MACOM's products include integrated circuits, multichip modules, amplifiers, switches, and complete subsystems.

KATEK Group is a German electronics service provider specializing in high-quality electronic solutions for various industries such as automotive, communication, consumer goods, industry, energy/solar, and medical technology. The company operates through two segments: Electronics, focusing on hardware and software development, prototyping, and manufacturing; and Systems & Products, offering additional value-added services.

Applied Materials, Inc. is a leading provider of manufacturing equipment, services, and software for the semiconductor, display, and related industries. The company operates through three primary segments: Semiconductor Systems, Applied Global Services, and Display and Adjacent Markets. The Semiconductor Systems segment focuses on the development and sale of equipment essential for fabricating semiconductor chips, utilizing advanced technologies such as epitaxy, ion implantation, and chemical vapor deposition. The Applied Global Services segment enhances equipment and fabrication performance through integrated solutions, including spare parts, upgrades, and automation software. The Display and Adjacent Markets segment offers manufacturing products for various display technologies, including liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes. Established in 1967 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Applied Materials serves a global customer base that includes some of the largest chip manufacturers, operating across regions such as the United States, China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Configit A/S is a software company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, that specializes in configuration solutions designed to address complex product configuration challenges for businesses. Founded in 2000, Configit offers a range of products, including Configit Quote, which facilitates configure-price-quote processes for SAP users; Configit Ace, an enterprise application for managing various aspects of configurable products; Configit Model, aimed at system integrators for developing configurator applications; and Configit Build, which focuses on designing user experiences for solution configuration. The company serves diverse industries, such as automotive, high tech, HVAC, industrial components, safety, industrial machinery, and life sciences across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Configit's innovative solutions leverage its patented Virtual Tabulation technology, enabling the management of intricate manufacturing models with billions of potential combinations. In 2014, Configit expanded its capabilities by acquiring 3DFacto, enhancing its expertise in visualization and CAD and PLM integration.

MAXON Computer is a developer of 3D software tailored for the creative industries, renowned for its flagship product, CINEMA 4D. This software encompasses a range of functionalities, including 3D modeling, painting, rendering, and animation, and is widely utilized for creating motion graphics, architectural visualizations, video game graphics, and illustrations. In addition to CINEMA 4D, MAXON offers various products like BodyPaint 3D, CINEBENCH, and CINEWARE, catering to the diverse needs of editors, filmmakers, motion designers, and visual effects artists. The company serves an impressive client roster that includes prominent names such as ABC, Blizzard Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company. Headquartered in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, MAXON maintains a global presence with offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, France, and Singapore.

Viking Air is a specialized manufacturer of aerospace products and parts, focusing primarily on original equipment for de Havilland aircraft. The company produces a range of aircraft, including the DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-2T Turbo Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and DHC-7 Dash 7. In addition to manufacturing, Viking Air offers various services such as spare parts sales, technical support, engineering services, aircraft maintenance, repairs, overhauls, conversions, and aircraft leasing. Through its comprehensive offerings, the company supports both the operational needs of its aircraft and the broader aerospace industry.

Laguna Tools is a manufacturer of computer numeric control (CNC) machinery and equipment, catering to the woodworking, metalworking, and signage industries. The company offers a diverse range of products, including automated machinery such as three and five-axis CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser cutters. In addition to industrial-grade equipment, Laguna Tools also provides hobby-related tools like bandsaws, planers, and table saws. By delivering a comprehensive suite of tools and machinery, Laguna Tools aims to assist its customers in improving their operational efficiency and achieving their business objectives.