Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.
Apollo Agriculture is a company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that provides essential financial and technical support to smallholder farmers in emerging markets. Founded in 2015, it offers customized farming loans that enable farmers to purchase vital inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and crop insurance. Utilizing agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology, Apollo assesses credit risk and tailors its services to each farmer's specific circumstances, enhancing their productivity and profitability. By leveraging satellite and soil data, along with insights into farmer behavior, Apollo aims to double farm yields and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The company's innovative approach combines technology with expert advice, positioning it as a key player in the agricultural sector.
Elemental Impact is an impact investment firm established in 2009 and based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies that operate within the energy, mobility, agriculture, circular economy, and water sectors. By providing financial support and resources, Elemental Impact aims to foster advancements that improve systems affecting everyday life. The firm has a history of awarding substantial funding to a select number of startups, enabling them to implement solutions that drive positive change in their respective communities.
Youth Radio is an award-winning media production company that trains diverse young people in digital media and technology. Partnering with industry professionals, students learn to produce marketable media for massive audiences while bringing youth perspectives to issues of public concern. Their mission is to launch young people on career and education pathways by engaging them in work-based learning opportunities, creative expression, professional development, and health and academic support services.
BYJU'S is a leading ed-tech company valued at approximately USD 10.5 billion, known for its innovative learning solutions tailored for students from classes 1 to 12 and for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, CAT, and IAS. The flagship product, BYJU’S - The Learning App, was launched in 2015 and has since attracted over 42 million registered users, who spend an average of 71 minutes daily engaging with the platform. The app employs a variety of educational methods, including watch-and-learn videos, animations, and interactive simulations, to provide a personalized and effective learning experience. In 2019, BYJU'S expanded its offerings with the Disney. BYJU'S Early Learn App for younger students, and also acquired Osmo, enhancing its capabilities in transforming offline educational experiences into engaging online formats. BYJU'S continues to redefine learning through its adaptive and interactive approach, catering to a diverse student base across more than 1,700 cities.
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Nerdy is a curated direct-to-consumer platform that specializes in live online learning, utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to connect learners of all ages with experts across a wide range of subjects. The platform offers various learning formats, including one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large group sessions, and adaptive self-study options. By focusing on delivering high-quality educational experiences, Nerdy aims to provide significant value to both learners and professionals in the gig economy, establishing itself as a comprehensive online learning destination.
Seqera Labs is a Barcelona-based business creating solutions for high-performance computing workloads across cloud and clusters. It was founded by the creators of the popular open-source workflow software Nextflow (http://www.nextflow.io).
Panorama Education is a data analytics company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on K-12 education. Established in 2012, the company offers a software-as-a-service platform that enables school districts, charter networks, and state governments to conduct comprehensive surveys among students, parents, teachers, and staff. The platform provides research-based surveys that generate valuable feedback on individual teachers and overall school environments. By analyzing this data, Panorama Education helps educators and administrators identify areas for improvement, addressing critical issues such as parent involvement, school safety, and student engagement. Additionally, the company offers consultation, technical assistance, and training to support the effective implementation of its tools, thereby enhancing professional development and fostering a fairer educational evaluation system.
Lovevery, Inc. is a company based in Boise, Idaho, that specializes in manufacturing educational play products for infants. Founded in 2015, Lovevery offers a range of items designed to support early childhood development, including the Play Gym, which features various toys and tools that engage babies' senses and promote learning at different developmental stages. The company's products are informed by child development experts and aim to provide parents with stage-based information to enhance their children's growth. Lovevery sells its offerings primarily online and has received recognition for its innovative designs from several notable organizations, including TIME Magazine and Parents' Choice. The company is backed by prominent investors such as Maveron and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
OpenClassrooms is an online education platform based in Paris, France, founded in 2007. It offers a diverse catalog of over 1,000 courses, with a strong emphasis on career-oriented and certified programs. The platform attracts around 3 million users monthly, fostering a community of over 1 million members. OpenClassrooms is recognized for its pedagogical quality and innovative features, including on-demand course access, personalized mentoring, and the flexibility to learn at one's own pace. Additionally, the platform provides supplementary resources, such as eBooks and video downloads. OpenClassrooms also operates a Premium subscription model that grants unlimited access to courses for a monthly fee, enhancing the learning experience for its users.
Newsela, Inc. is an instructional content platform that publishes daily news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the platform offers a wide range of topics, including war and peace, science, health, and the arts, while providing content tailored to different reading levels. By featuring articles from reputable sources such as National Geographic, NASA, and the Washington Post, Newsela enhances engagement and learning for students and teachers alike. The platform also includes integrated formative assessments and analytics, helping educators track student progress and improve instruction. With a presence in over 90% of U.S. K-12 schools, Newsela has established itself as a vital resource for modern classrooms, facilitating non-fiction literacy and critical thinking across various subjects.
Descomplica, based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is an online education platform founded in 2011 that aims to provide affordable and quality education. The platform offers a variety of resources for students, including pre-recorded and live classes, as well as online monitoring, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Descomplica focuses on helping students prepare for college entrance exams, allowing them to learn at their own pace and access essential course materials. The company is committed to making education more accessible and effective for its users.
Handshake is a college career network established in 2014, aimed at transforming the recruiting experience for students, career centers, and employers. It connects 17 million students and young alumni from over 1,000 colleges and universities—including many minority-serving institutions—with nearly 500,000 employers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and nonprofits. The platform democratizes access to job opportunities, providing students with valuable insights and a wider array of career options, while enabling employers to efficiently access diverse talent. Additionally, it offers colleges tools to enhance student engagement and boost employment outcomes. Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Denver and London, Handshake has raised a total of $155 million from various investors, including prominent venture capital and social impact firms.
Eruditus Education Pvt Ltd specializes in providing executive education programs aimed at mid-career professionals. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, with additional offices in Gurgaon, Dubai, and Singapore, the company collaborates with over 30 prestigious universities, including MIT, Harvard, and INSEAD. This partnership allows Eruditus to offer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 courses, which are available in various formats such as short workshops, online programs, and customized sessions. The programs are designed to help professionals develop leadership skills and acquire relevant knowledge applicable to various business scenarios. With a global reach, Eruditus serves students from over 80 countries, offering courses in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin, thus making high-quality executive education accessible to a wider audience.
Seqera Labs is a Barcelona-based business creating solutions for high-performance computing workloads across cloud and clusters. It was founded by the creators of the popular open-source workflow software Nextflow (http://www.nextflow.io).
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity founded in 2000 and based in New York, New York, that enables individuals to support students in need through a straightforward crowdfunding platform. It focuses on addressing educational inequity by allowing donors to contribute directly to public school projects. Each request for funding is carefully vetted, and once funded, resources are shipped directly to classrooms. DonorsChoose also emphasizes transparency and accountability, providing donors and school leaders with thank you notes and detailed reports on how funds are utilized. The organization has received high ratings for its commitment to transparency from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, solidifying its reputation as a trusted resource for teachers, donors, and district administrators.
CureGRIN Foundation is a parent-run charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with GRIN disorders. We work closely with scientists and the medical community to drive research that will lead to therapies and a cure.
The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation based in Troy, Michigan, established in 1924, with assets totaling approximately $3 billion. It aims to enhance the quality of life for future generations by focusing on seven key program areas: arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, the environment, and specifically Detroit. The foundation is committed to expanding opportunities in underserved communities, improving health outcomes for low-income individuals, and supporting artistic endeavors. Additionally, it plays a vital role in revitalizing Detroit and addressing global climate challenges. In 2011, the foundation awarded 346 grants totaling $170 million, demonstrating its dedication to social impact through grantmaking and social investments.
Plotly, Inc. is a data science and AI company based in Montreal, Canada, that offers an online platform for data analysis and visualization. Its tools are designed for a diverse audience, including scientists, students, engineers, and analysts, allowing them to analyze, simulate, and graph various data formats such as Excel spreadsheets, CSV, TSV, and Matlab files. Plotly simplifies the creation and sharing of interactive web applications and visualizations, enabling users to leverage these capabilities across different programming languages. The company aims to integrate data science into business applications, making advanced analytics accessible and practical for a wider range of users.
Lovevery, Inc. is a company based in Boise, Idaho, that specializes in manufacturing educational play products for infants. Founded in 2015, Lovevery offers a range of items designed to support early childhood development, including the Play Gym, which features various toys and tools that engage babies' senses and promote learning at different developmental stages. The company's products are informed by child development experts and aim to provide parents with stage-based information to enhance their children's growth. Lovevery sells its offerings primarily online and has received recognition for its innovative designs from several notable organizations, including TIME Magazine and Parents' Choice. The company is backed by prominent investors such as Maveron and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Jefferson Education Exchange Inc. provides research and analysis services aimed at assisting educators and institutional leaders in selecting educational tools. Established in 2018 and headquartered in the District of Columbia, the organization specializes in defining, collecting, and analyzing data to support informed decision-making in education. In addition to its core services, Jefferson Education Exchange publishes resources and insights related to the implementation and analysis of educational technology. Through its work, the company aims to enhance the effectiveness of educational tools by leveraging insights from the educational community.
Project QUEST is a critical economic development resource
Onward is a non-profit employer-based mobile savings and credit app that enables workers of all income levels to build financial security. We help workers save effortlessly, build financial literacy, and access responsible credit when emergencies strike. Essentially, what the 401K is for long-term retirement savings, Onward is for short-term emergency savings.
Handshake is a college career network established in 2014, aimed at transforming the recruiting experience for students, career centers, and employers. It connects 17 million students and young alumni from over 1,000 colleges and universities—including many minority-serving institutions—with nearly 500,000 employers, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and nonprofits. The platform democratizes access to job opportunities, providing students with valuable insights and a wider array of career options, while enabling employers to efficiently access diverse talent. Additionally, it offers colleges tools to enhance student engagement and boost employment outcomes. Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Denver and London, Handshake has raised a total of $155 million from various investors, including prominent venture capital and social impact firms.
Brightwheel is the first all-in-one software platform for preschools, childcare providers, camps, and afterschool programs. Brightwheel helps teachers manage their day and communicate with parents, gives parents deeper insight into what their children are learning, and automates the process of managing operations for administrators. The platform has been shown to save teachers and administrators up to an hour per day while improving parent satisfaction and giving them a closer connection to their child’s learning. It is the fastest growing platform in early education, used across thousands of locations globally.
RaiseMe is a financial aid information and networking platform aimed at improving access to higher education by providing scholarship opportunities. The platform allows students to earn "micro-Scholarships" throughout their high school years, based on individual achievements both in and outside the classroom. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional financial aid systems, which typically award assistance at the end of high school, often too late to influence students' college decisions. By enabling students to accumulate financial aid early, RaiseMe has facilitated the earning of over $2 billion in micro-scholarships from its university partners. This innovative model seeks to enhance educational pathways and support students in their academic pursuits.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States. Chicago Public Schools has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child-in every school and every neighborhood-has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college-and career ready. Please visit our website at www.cps.edu to learn more about the organization.
LEAP Innovations fosters the use of personalized learning and technology to accelerate education for every student. Think of us as the R&D hub for education innovation, bringing the best technology here to pilot, research and scale. What’s really exciting is that They are making Chicago the destination for this work by attracting innovations from across the globe – and what works here will be relevant across the entire country.
Varsity Tutors LLC, founded in 2007 and based in Clayton, Missouri, provides a comprehensive Live Learning Platform that connects learners with experts across a wide range of subjects. As the largest tutoring and live instruction platform in the United States, it offers personalized online tutoring services, including one-on-one, small group, and large format classes in over 3,000 subjects and topics. The platform emphasizes innovative technology and personalized learning experiences, integrating AI to enhance the customer journey. Varsity Tutors has facilitated more than 10 million hours of live instruction, positioning itself as a key destination for students seeking to excel in their studies.
University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research and land-grant university that offers academic, master's, and doctoral programs. It is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. University of Massachusetts Amherst has an annual enrollment of approximately 1,300 faculty members and more than 30,000 students.
Ellevation, LLC is a Boston-based company that develops a web-based software platform aimed at supporting English learners (EL) and the educators who serve them. The platform organizes EL student data, facilitates critical monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation offers research-based instructional practices and activities that assist classroom teachers in effectively planning lessons to help ELs acquire language skills and master grade-level content. Additionally, the company provides Ellevation Math, specifically designed to help ELs engage with grade-level math concepts. Serving various public school districts, including EL coordinators, specialists, and teachers, Ellevation aims to enhance educational outcomes for English learners across the United States. Founded in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. and rebranded to Ellevation, LLC in 2011.
ReadCoor, Inc. develops and commercializes a panomic spatial sequencing platform for researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, and patients worldwide. It offers FISSEQ, a platform that enables integration of high throughput sequencing, morphometric analysis, cellular location, and three-dimensional spatial imaging. The company’s platform also enables researchers to perform RNA-Seq while preserving sample morphology and simultaneously providing cellular location and spatial image data. ReadCoor, Inc. was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As of October 13, 2020, ReadCoor, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of 10x Genomics, Inc.
Harvard College, established in 1636 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a prestigious educational institution that offers a comprehensive array of academic programs across disciplines such as arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, and engineering. It emphasizes excellence in teaching, learning, and research, fostering the development of leaders who impact the global community. The college supports its students with access to advanced technological resources for research and a significant financial aid program, which allocates over $160 million to assist more than 60% of undergraduates. Harvard University, of which Harvard College is a part, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and serves over 20,000 degree candidates across its twelve schools and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Harvard Management Company, founded in 1974, manages the university’s endowment and financial assets, investing in various markets while employing external managers for its portfolio.
Panorama Education is a data analytics company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on K-12 education. Established in 2012, the company offers a software-as-a-service platform that enables school districts, charter networks, and state governments to conduct comprehensive surveys among students, parents, teachers, and staff. The platform provides research-based surveys that generate valuable feedback on individual teachers and overall school environments. By analyzing this data, Panorama Education helps educators and administrators identify areas for improvement, addressing critical issues such as parent involvement, school safety, and student engagement. Additionally, the company offers consultation, technical assistance, and training to support the effective implementation of its tools, thereby enhancing professional development and fostering a fairer educational evaluation system.
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Sawyer operates a marketplace focused on children's activities, facilitating connections between parents, children, and providers of enriching experiences. The platform simplifies the process of discovering and booking activities such as yoga, dance, and craft classes for children of all ages. By offering a suite of technology solutions, Sawyer supports small business owners, non-profits, and educational institutions in streamlining their registration and booking processes while providing tools for business intelligence and growth. The company aims to assist parents in navigating the complexities of early childhood development, making it easier to manage their children's activities and discover local opportunities. Sawyer is dedicated to reshaping perceptions of education, emphasizing that learning should foster discovery and joy rather than solely focusing on academic performance.
Brightwheel is the first all-in-one software platform for preschools, childcare providers, camps, and afterschool programs. Brightwheel helps teachers manage their day and communicate with parents, gives parents deeper insight into what their children are learning, and automates the process of managing operations for administrators. The platform has been shown to save teachers and administrators up to an hour per day while improving parent satisfaction and giving them a closer connection to their child’s learning. It is the fastest growing platform in early education, used across thousands of locations globally.
Meta is a company focused on transforming the experience and consumption of scientific knowledge through artificial intelligence. It provides an AI-based search engine that efficiently organizes and analyzes scientific research papers, allowing researchers to sort and access new publications based on specific subject matter. By offering powerful insights into the trajectories of science and technology, Meta aims to make all scientific knowledge computable, thus supporting innovators across the scientific ecosystem. The company's mission centers on unlocking the world's scientific and technical insights, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of complex information.
The Center for Data Science is among the first initiatives embarked upon by the College of Information and Computer Sciences when it was established in 2015. Momentum for creating a center had begun long before the creation of the new college brought about by the depth of faculty expertise in data science foundations and the longstanding commitment to offering the highest quality education.The timing to launch a center dedicated to data science became ideal when key factors came into alignment: rapidly accelerated interest across virtually every industry domain, steadily increasing demand by students, vigorous support from the new college and university administration, and the boundless intellectual curiosity within the university computer science community by a cohesive team of highly regarded faculty researchers who have enduring successful ventures to their credit.
MasteryConnect is an educational technology company founded in 2009 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It specializes in providing an assessment and curriculum platform that supports educators in identifying student understanding and tailoring interventions to meet individual learning needs. The platform offers various methods for administering formative and benchmark assessments, while also automating the grading process. This enables teachers to effectively assess core standards, monitor student performance, and provide detailed reports to parents and administrators. By leveraging data, MasteryConnect empowers educators to enhance their teaching practices and foster student growth.
BYJU'S is a leading ed-tech company valued at approximately USD 10.5 billion, known for its innovative learning solutions tailored for students from classes 1 to 12 and for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, CAT, and IAS. The flagship product, BYJU’S - The Learning App, was launched in 2015 and has since attracted over 42 million registered users, who spend an average of 71 minutes daily engaging with the platform. The app employs a variety of educational methods, including watch-and-learn videos, animations, and interactive simulations, to provide a personalized and effective learning experience. In 2019, BYJU'S expanded its offerings with the Disney. BYJU'S Early Learn App for younger students, and also acquired Osmo, enhancing its capabilities in transforming offline educational experiences into engaging online formats. BYJU'S continues to redefine learning through its adaptive and interactive approach, catering to a diverse student base across more than 1,700 cities.
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Age of Learning, Inc., based in Glendale, California, operates ABCmouse, an online educational platform designed for children ages 2 to 7. ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy offers a comprehensive, research-validated curriculum that covers subjects such as reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. The platform is accessible to families at home, as well as in over 100,000 classrooms and thousands of public libraries across the United States. It provides various interactive resources, including online books, educational games, puzzles, and art activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Age of Learning supports early childhood education initiatives like Head Start, which aids school readiness for low-income children, and offers free access to its resources for preschool and early elementary classrooms. The platform also features tools for teachers to assign individualized lessons and track student progress. Established in 2007, Age of Learning combines educational expertise with innovative technology to foster academic success for young learners.
Ellevation, LLC is a Boston-based company that develops a web-based software platform aimed at supporting English learners (EL) and the educators who serve them. The platform organizes EL student data, facilitates critical monitoring processes, and aids in instructional planning for multilingual students. Ellevation offers research-based instructional practices and activities that assist classroom teachers in effectively planning lessons to help ELs acquire language skills and master grade-level content. Additionally, the company provides Ellevation Math, specifically designed to help ELs engage with grade-level math concepts. Serving various public school districts, including EL coordinators, specialists, and teachers, Ellevation aims to enhance educational outcomes for English learners across the United States. Founded in 2006, the company was previously known as ESL Innovations, Inc. and rebranded to Ellevation, LLC in 2011.
Newsela, Inc. is an instructional content platform that publishes daily news articles to support students in developing advanced literacy skills. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, the platform offers a wide range of topics, including war and peace, science, health, and the arts, while providing content tailored to different reading levels. By featuring articles from reputable sources such as National Geographic, NASA, and the Washington Post, Newsela enhances engagement and learning for students and teachers alike. The platform also includes integrated formative assessments and analytics, helping educators track student progress and improve instruction. With a presence in over 90% of U.S. K-12 schools, Newsela has established itself as a vital resource for modern classrooms, facilitating non-fiction literacy and critical thinking across various subjects.
MasteryConnect is an educational technology company founded in 2009 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It specializes in providing an assessment and curriculum platform that supports educators in identifying student understanding and tailoring interventions to meet individual learning needs. The platform offers various methods for administering formative and benchmark assessments, while also automating the grading process. This enables teachers to effectively assess core standards, monitor student performance, and provide detailed reports to parents and administrators. By leveraging data, MasteryConnect empowers educators to enhance their teaching practices and foster student growth.
Bridge International Academies operates primary schools focused on providing education to underprivileged children. Founded in 2007 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the organization offers services that align with national curricula and emphasizes comprehensive teacher training and development programs. Utilizing advanced wireless technology, Bridge International Academies aims to deliver quality education at no cost to students, fostering opportunities for a brighter future for those in underserved communities.
Bridge International Academies operates primary schools focused on providing education to underprivileged children. Founded in 2007 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the organization offers services that align with national curricula and emphasizes comprehensive teacher training and development programs. Utilizing advanced wireless technology, Bridge International Academies aims to deliver quality education at no cost to students, fostering opportunities for a brighter future for those in underserved communities.