U.S. Department of Energy

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer that specializes in designing, engineering, and supplying driveline and drivetrain systems, as well as related components for various vehicle types, including light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. The company's product offerings encompass axles, chassis modules, driveshafts, power transfer units, transfer cases, and metal-formed products. American Axle operates globally, serving customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia through a network of distributors. Incorporated in 1993 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, the company has additional offices in several countries, including Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, and Poland, along with research and development centers in Michigan and Sweden. The company primarily generates revenue from its driveline segment while also engaging in metal forming.

mHUB is an independent innovation center based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on hardtech and manufacturing. Established in 2013, it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding physical product innovation. The organization serves over 270 startups and small businesses, leveraging a diverse talent pool that includes product designers, engineers, and industry experts. mHUB specializes in the development and manufacturing of various products, such as robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technology, medical devices, smart buildings and cities, and unmanned vehicles. By providing a resource-rich environment, mHUB aims to facilitate the commercialization of new hardtech innovations, fostering the growth of new businesses, intellectual property, investment opportunities, and job creation within the manufacturing sector.

Machfu Inc. is a company that specializes in applications and infrastructure for the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating data, analytics, and visualization for industrial enterprises. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Machfu has developed a smartphone for machines that enhances communication between industrial assets and integrates them with both legacy systems and cloud-based platforms. The company's Mach-IT solution enables seamless communication among various pieces of equipment and information processing systems. Founded in 2015, Machfu aims to simplify the management of industrial IoT environments, providing real-time visibility into operations and equipping operators with the data needed to make informed decisions. This focus on ease of use allows companies to effectively manage their IIoT ecosystems, encompassing hardware, networking, and security.

6K is a materials development company based in North Andover, Massachusetts, founded in 2014. The company specializes in advanced microwave-based plasma technology that aims to transform the production processes of nanomaterials. By utilizing proprietary plasma processing and industrial systems, 6K enables the creation of materials tailored to specific requirements, facilitating innovation in various sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, and consumer electronics. With a team of experts in materials, processes, and production, 6K provides comprehensive access to the materials engineering process, allowing companies to produce high-quality materials that meet exact specifications.

mHUB is an independent innovation center based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on hardtech and manufacturing. Established in 2013, it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding physical product innovation. The organization serves over 270 startups and small businesses, leveraging a diverse talent pool that includes product designers, engineers, and industry experts. mHUB specializes in the development and manufacturing of various products, such as robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technology, medical devices, smart buildings and cities, and unmanned vehicles. By providing a resource-rich environment, mHUB aims to facilitate the commercialization of new hardtech innovations, fostering the growth of new businesses, intellectual property, investment opportunities, and job creation within the manufacturing sector.

Veeco Instruments Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of thin film process equipment used in the production and development of electronic devices worldwide. Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Plainview, New York, the company specializes in various technologies, including ion beam deposition, laser annealing, and metal organic chemical vapor deposition systems. Veeco serves a diverse range of markets through its three main segments: LED & Solar Process Equipment, Data Storage Process Equipment, and Metrology. The LED & Solar segment focuses on systems for high brightness light emitting diodes and solar cells, while the Data Storage segment provides equipment for creating thin film magnetic heads used in hard drives. The Metrology segment designs instruments that offer critical surface measurements for research and production, enabling customers in semiconductor and data storage industries to monitor their manufacturing processes effectively. Veeco's products are utilized by manufacturers, research centers, and universities, supporting the ongoing advancement of microelectronic components such as power electronics, laser diodes, and MEMS devices.

1366 Technologies Inc. is a manufacturer of silicon wafers primarily used in solar cell modules. Founded in 2007 and based in Bedford, Massachusetts, the company specializes in producing 3D direct wafers and traditional silicon solar wafers. Its innovative technology allows for the direct creation of silicon wafers from molten silicon, resulting in lower production costs, reduced energy requirements, and improved uniformity. This approach enables businesses to develop solar cells that offer a better price-to-performance ratio. 1366 Technologies has established strategic partnerships with Hanwha Q CELLS and operates additional locations in Shanghai, China, and Mumbai, India.

The principal mission of the Company is to provide technology and technology services to industry and public sector agencies for enhanced productivity, improved safety, and reduced costs.

Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles and energy generation and storage systems globally, including in the United States, China, and Europe. The company operates in two main segments: Automotive and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers a range of electric vehicles, including sedans and SUVs, and provides electric powertrain components and related services through its service locations and mobile technicians. It sells its vehicles through company-owned stores and its website. The Energy Generation and Storage segment focuses on energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion battery systems for homes and commercial applications, and includes the design and installation of solar energy products. Tesla also offers vehicle insurance and promotes renewable energy solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company aims to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility by expanding the availability and affordability of electric vehicles.

Solyndra is a manufacturer of cylindrical panels utilizing CIGS thin-film solar cell technology, located in Fremont, California. Established in 2005, the company focuses on designing and producing photovoltaic systems that include both panels and mounting hardware specifically for the commercial rooftop market. Solyndra employs high-volume manufacturing techniques to address the needs of the global solar industry. Its proprietary cylindrical modules are engineered to achieve low installation costs while maximizing solar energy output, particularly on low-slope commercial rooftops. The company operates a fully-automated manufacturing facility spanning 300,000 square feet, underscoring its commitment to efficiency and innovation in solar technology.