Illinois Ventures

The AI Implementation Gap: AI is everywhere - ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Azure AI, Deepseek - yet most enterprises are still bogged down with manual processes and inefficiencies. Why? These tools lack the orchestration layer needed to embed AI seamlessly into business operations. Without workflow automation, real-time data connectivity, and intuitive interfaces, companies are forced to stitch together incomplete solutions. The result? Fragmented systems, costly delays, and AI initiatives that fail to move the needle. Pathlit - The AI Command Hub: Pathlit isn’t just another AI tool - it’s the infrastructure that makes AI work for your business. Imagine an intelligent network of AI-powered assistants: one for financial modeling, another for operational automation, another for data analysis - all connected through a single, unified platform. Pathlit integrates 100+ enterprise tools (Slack, Google Drive, HubSpot) with additional integrations delivered in 48 hours. Trusted by a Big 4 firm, top PE and VC firms, and leading enterprises, Pathlit transforms AI from an experiment into a competitive advantage. What Sets Pathlit Apart? ● AI Agents That Work - Automate repetitive tasks, adapt to complex workflows, and enhance team efficiency. ● Seamless Ecosystem - Connect every tool your business relies on into a fully integrated, frustration-free system. ● Data-Driven Insights - Extract actionable intelligence from unstructured data, no special code required. ● Enterprise-Grade Security & Scalability - SOC 2 Type 2 certified, with on-premise options for high-trust environments. Beyond Tools - Modern Assembly Lines for the Dynamic Enterprise: OpenAI is a model provider. Azure is a cloud infrastructure provider. Pathlit is the automation backbone provider that transforms manual workflows into fast, automated assembly lines - requiring minimal oversight. We replace complexity with seamless AI integration, turning manual processes into intelligent, scalable systems. With rapid workflow automation and real-time data insights, AI isn’t just an add-on - it’s the foundation of a more efficient enterprise. Turn AI Into Your Competitive Advantage: Pathlit eliminates the guesswork of AI adoption. We provide strategy, integration, and execution in one platform - so your team can focus on growth, not tech troubleshooting. Ready to move beyond AI experimentation and start driving real impact? Let’s get started.

Elion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to addressing life-threatening invasive fungal infections (IFIs). The company develops innovative treatments by enhancing the existing Amphotericin B drug, aiming to provide a broad spectrum of antifungal options that are non-toxic to mammalian cells. Elion's approach is grounded in mechanistic insights, which facilitate the targeted optimization of natural compounds for improved therapeutic efficacy. Through its focus on clinical research and development, Elion seeks to deliver safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from serious fungal infections.

Cadenza Bio is a biotechnology company focused on the development of highly selective small-molecule drugs aimed at treating demyelinating and inflammatory diseases. The company is dedicated to creating therapeutic medications that not only alleviate symptoms but also halt disease progression, promote repair, and restore the quality of life for patients. By advancing a new class of Estrogen Receptor targeted small molecules, Cadenza Bio aims to empower patients to regain control over their health and improve their overall well-being.

Leveraging cutting-edge bioengineering to solve America's hundred-billion-pound organic waste problem.

Natrion LLC specializes in the design and manufacturing of sodium-ion batteries and solid-state electrolyte components. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company is focused on enhancing renewable energy storage solutions. Natrion has developed a plug-and-play solid-state electrolyte component known as LISIC, which can be quickly integrated into existing battery production lines. This innovation aims to eliminate fire risks, improve battery durability, and facilitate the use of advanced chemistries that enhance energy density. By providing universally compatible materials for solid-state batteries, Natrion supports the transition to efficient renewable energy systems.

Mesh++ is a developer of solar-powered wireless communication technologies aimed at providing high-speed WiFi access in public spaces and remote areas. The company specializes in solar-powered routers that leverage mobile processing power to deliver reliable internet connectivity outdoors. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Mesh++ enables users to access high-speed internet at a low cost, enhancing connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

Ascent Integrated Tech develops a hardware-enabled software platform focused on enhancing situational awareness for first responders and military personnel. Its Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) integrates with smartwatches and existing equipment to provide real-time location tracking and physiological alerting, significantly improving safety and operational decision-making during emergencies. The platform offers comprehensive monitoring and mapping capabilities in hazardous environments, enabling incident commanders to assess the status of their teams and make informed evacuation decisions through a biometric tracking system. Ascent’s technology is utilized by major metropolitan fire departments across the United States and is expanding internationally through strategic partnerships. The company is supported by government contracts and venture funding, positioning itself as a leader in redefining emergency response effectiveness.

GrayKea, founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco, California, is a social enterprise focused on alleviating financial stress for low-income college students. The company facilitates sustainable alumni giving by creating direct-support options for donors, which are not typically available. This approach allows alumni to contribute in ways that provide immediate assistance to students, while also offering a new channel for traditional scholarship gifts. Through its initiatives, GrayKea aims to uplift students and enhance their educational experiences by addressing financial challenges directly.

Ocient Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in analytical software solutions for database management. Founded in 2018, Ocient has developed a data analytics platform capable of rapidly analyzing massive datasets, ranging from tens of terabytes to exabytes, which can contain trillions or quadrillions of rows. The platform is designed to efficiently ingest billions of rows per second while filtering and computing aggregate results at speeds of up to trillions of rows per second. This capability allows organizations to effectively leverage large datasets, enabling them to gain insights at scale and with high velocity.

Cystetic Medicines develops a treatment that potentially could help people with cystic fibrosis (CF), regardless of genetic mutation.

Network Perception, Inc. specializes in network device configuration analysis software designed to help organizations visualize and manage their network effectively. Established in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers solutions that simplify firewall auditing and provide continuous monitoring capabilities. Its platform conducts automated, comprehensive analyses of network device configuration files, enabling organizations to assess firewalls and identify cyber vulnerabilities. By doing so, Network Perception assists corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers in ensuring that network configurations align with best practices and regulatory standards. The company initially launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

Amber Agriculture, Inc. specializes in developing Internet of Things (IoT) sensor and analytics solutions aimed at automating grain storage monitoring and management for farmers. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company focuses on enhancing agricultural practices through technology. Its flagship product is an IoT self-install kit that allows farmers to automate the monitoring of crop quality and grain management processes. By utilizing wireless sensors and cloud analytics, Amber Agriculture enables farmers to effectively monitor and manage the condition of stored crops, minimize waste, and respond to market prices, all through a smartphone-connected system.

With wasteful healthcare spending in the U.S. estimated at $935 billion, we take our role as a healthcare innovator very seriously. Simply put, we’re on a mission to transform quality measurement and care delivery. To drive toward a Learning Health System—a framework that drives better outcomes and cost efficiencies across the health ecosystem—the industry has to commit to real change. Apervita is that change. Through our solutions and trusted collaboration platform, we’re committed to making the Learning Health System a reality, making healthcare smarter and ultimately improving patient care. As we move into our next phase of growth, we’re looking for passionate and fearless professionals to help us pursue our mission. We’ve earned the trust of our investors, including Optum Ventures, Baird Capital, Pritzker Group Venture Capital and Math Venture Partners, to further grow and scale our business. We’ve also been recognized as an industry leader by Gartner, CIOReview, Healthcare Tech Outlook, and Healthcare Informatics. Always in search of the next “first,” Apervita was named the first company to certify electronic clinical quality measures from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) using our proprietary clinical quality language (CQL) ingestion engine. And, we were recently awarded by Healthcare Innovation for our innovative work with The Joint Commission, one of the nation’s largest regulatory organizations. We believe we’re making a difference every day to drive improvements in quality care that lead to better patient outcomes with a lower cost of care. We’re honored to be on this incredibly important journey to build a better healthcare system.

Mesh++ is a developer of solar-powered wireless communication technologies aimed at providing high-speed WiFi access in public spaces and remote areas. The company specializes in solar-powered routers that leverage mobile processing power to deliver reliable internet connectivity outdoors. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Mesh++ enables users to access high-speed internet at a low cost, enhancing connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

Lightform, Inc. is a computer vision and hardware company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in projected augmented reality. Founded in 2014, the company develops innovative solutions that enable users to create and project animated content onto various scenes. Their offerings include sound-reactive projectors, projector kits, and a desktop application that simplifies the projection mapping workflow, allowing for seamless control and content updates via laptop or smartphone. Lightform's technology incorporates 3D scanning capabilities, enabling the capture of complex scenes and automatic alignment adjustments, which enhance the integration of real objects with projected imagery. By streamlining the creation and projection process, Lightform empowers users to transform spaces with dynamic visual effects and ambient interfaces.

Vitrix Health, Inc. is a company focused on designing and developing innovative screening tools for the healthcare industry, specifically targeting oral health. Founded in 2018 and based in Champaign, Illinois, Vitrix Health offers a mobile platform that utilizes optics and machine learning to assist primary care providers in effectively screening for oral diseases. This technology aims to improve health outcomes for millions of Americans who do not regularly visit a dentist but do see a doctor, thereby addressing disparities in oral health. The company's oral cancer screening device, along with its associated application, facilitates early-stage detection and prevention of oral diseases. Vitrix Health is currently conducting pilot tests at various healthcare institutions, including Mt. Sinai Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical School, and is involved in international clinical trials in Bolivia and India. Through its innovative approach, Vitrix Health seeks to empower healthcare providers to detect diseases early and refer patients for timely dental care.

EarthSense, Inc. is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence. The company develops innovative robots, such as the TerraSentia, an autonomous and compact device equipped with various sensors for plant phenotyping and data collection. EarthSense addresses the challenges faced by modern agriculture, including labor shortages, environmental impact, and food security concerns exacerbated by unpredictable weather. Its platform focuses on three key areas: enhancing crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable insights for growers, and managing issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of the EarthSense platform allows for easy integration and innovation, promoting the development of a climate-smart agricultural system that aims to improve plant and soil health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and costly inputs.

Xaptum, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2013 that focuses on enhancing the security and management of Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. The company offers a messaging platform that facilitates the authentication, authorization, and auto-configuration of IoT devices over a single TCP connection. By providing a multi-tenant, network-as-a-service solution, Xaptum enables enterprises to connect their IoT devices to a secure, logical middle-mile network, effectively keeping them and their data shielded from the public Internet. This approach addresses key challenges in provisioning and managing IoT devices by implementing zero-touch identity and key management, thus allowing enterprises to scale their deployments securely. Xaptum's architecture is designed to simplify the complexities of IoT security, providing visibility, control, and flexibility for organizations looking to adopt and expand IoT technologies.

Mesh++ is a developer of solar-powered wireless communication technologies aimed at providing high-speed WiFi access in public spaces and remote areas. The company specializes in solar-powered routers that leverage mobile processing power to deliver reliable internet connectivity outdoors. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Mesh++ enables users to access high-speed internet at a low cost, enhancing connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

Petronics is a company that specializes in creating robotic pets for cats, with a focus on interactive play and exercise. Founded in 2014 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers Mousr, a robotic toy designed to engage indoor cats in hunting-like activities. Mousr features advanced technology, including 360-degree vision, environmental sensing, and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to mimic the movements of prey. This innovative approach not only provides entertainment for cats but also helps address issues like obesity by encouraging active play.

Cast21 is a medical product developer based in Memphis, Tennessee, focused on creating innovative orthopedic solutions for fracture and joint care. Established in 2015, the company has developed a waterproof and breathable cast designed to enhance patient comfort and facilitate recovery. Its unique design not only allows for skin hygiene—enabling patients to wash and scratch beneath the cast—but also supports the integration of electronic therapies aimed at reducing healing time. By prioritizing user experience and effective treatment, Cast21 seeks to improve the overall recovery process for individuals with orthopedic injuries.

Reconstruct, Inc. specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for construction projects. Its visual production management platform facilitates data collection through drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, enabling effective progress analysis and documentation. By visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the platform enhances coordination and transparency among project stakeholders. It identifies locations at risk of delays, allowing for proactive weekly work planning, and integrates schedules with BIM animations to illustrate any changes in plans. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct aims to improve construction management by fostering better communication and visibility, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring project returns on investment.

Aptimmune is a biotechnology company based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing mucosal vaccines for swine to combat viral diseases, specifically targeting Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) and influenza A virus. Aptimmune employs innovative technologies, including its proprietary pig alveolar macrophage cell line ZMAC, to create effective nasal delivery vaccines. These advancements aim to provide animal breeders with lasting immune responses and enhanced disease protection, contributing to the overall health and productivity of swine populations.

Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. is focused on advancing imaging technologies that aid physicians in the real-time evaluation of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which utilizes near-infrared light waves and interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy to produce diffraction-corrected images. This innovative system allows healthcare professionals to perform rapid, free-hand scans, enhancing their ability to locate and identify areas of interest within tissue samples. The technology originated from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, a prominent interdisciplinary research facility.

PhotoniCare, Inc. is a medical device company based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 2013. The company specializes in developing innovative diagnostic tools for middle ear infections, notably the TOMi Scope. This handheld device employs advanced light-based technology, specifically near-infrared light waves, to create 3D images of the middle ear by seeing through the eardrum. This capability allows physicians to visualize the middle ear directly and safely, enabling them to assess its condition quickly and accurately. By determining the contents of the middle ear, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the need for antibiotics or surgical interventions. PhotoniCare's technology not only addresses otology but also presents potential for growth in other medical fields.

Persio Inc. operates a multi-channel marketing and decision-making platform designed specifically for retail marketers. The platform enables users to build customer profiles, execute campaigns, and synchronize data while offering solutions for identity resolution, shopping behavior analysis, and demographic insights. Persio facilitates campaign automation through content management, audience segmentation, and analytics, allowing marketers to manage both online and offline campaigns effectively. By integrating clients' existing data sources and technology solutions into a unified interface, Persio empowers marketers to create personalized, data-driven campaigns across various channels, including web, email, SMS, and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Persio was previously known as Iris Mobile Corporation and is now a subsidiary of Clutch Holdings, LLC.

Chromatin is a biotech company focused on developing and marketing innovative technologies and products across agricultural, energy, chemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sectors. The company specializes in hybrid, drought-tolerant sorghum seeds, utilizing advanced breeding methodologies to create next-generation sorghum that meets the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices. By combining diverse sorghum varieties, Chromatin produces seeds that can thrive on more than 80% of the world's agricultural land, supporting farmers in optimizing crop production for both traditional agriculture and bio-industrial applications. The company aims to address key societal challenges, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to renewable energy resources.

Revenew International, LLC is a provider of cost recovery and cost containment services, specializing in helping clients ensure compliance with commercial terms, recover lost funds, and enhance operational practices. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional offices across various U.S. cities and in Canada, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services. These include contract compliance reviews, supplier payment audits, and performance improvement strategies aimed at optimizing the procurement-to-payment cycle for commercial clients, particularly within Fortune 500 companies in sectors like energy and power. Revenew's focus on enhancing supplier relationships and streamlining operations allows clients to manage costs effectively while mitigating risks.

Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of gesture-based products. The company's software integrates with motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment, to learn, track, and analyze user movements in real time. Rithmio's flagship product, Constellation, is designed for next-generation wearables and connected clothing, allowing brands to seamlessly incorporate gesture recognition into their devices. The company has established strategic partnerships with prominent semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturers, supporting the integration of its technology at various levels, including system on chip and reference design. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Rithmio was originally known as Neurogito, Inc. before rebranding in 2014.

Vanquish Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, focused on developing targeted small-molecule therapeutics for specific cancer types that are often overlooked in treatment options. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in activating procaspase-3, a crucial enzyme that initiates the process of programmed cell death, thereby effectively eliminating cancer cells. By concentrating on unmet and underserved cancer markets, Vanquish Oncology aims to provide innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes through personalized medicine. The company employs a capital-efficient virtual model that utilizes contract research and manufacturing to streamline development while minimizing costs and infrastructure needs.

Chromatin is a biotech company focused on developing and marketing innovative technologies and products across agricultural, energy, chemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sectors. The company specializes in hybrid, drought-tolerant sorghum seeds, utilizing advanced breeding methodologies to create next-generation sorghum that meets the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices. By combining diverse sorghum varieties, Chromatin produces seeds that can thrive on more than 80% of the world's agricultural land, supporting farmers in optimizing crop production for both traditional agriculture and bio-industrial applications. The company aims to address key societal challenges, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to renewable energy resources.

Phi Optics Inc. develops optical imaging systems for life sciences, medical diagnostics, nanotechnology, and semiconductor testing applications. It offers Quantitative Phase Imaging, a label-free, non-contact, and non-invasive imaging method for measuring nanoscale structures and dynamics via interferometry. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Revenew International, LLC is a provider of cost recovery and cost containment services, specializing in helping clients ensure compliance with commercial terms, recover lost funds, and enhance operational practices. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional offices across various U.S. cities and in Canada, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services. These include contract compliance reviews, supplier payment audits, and performance improvement strategies aimed at optimizing the procurement-to-payment cycle for commercial clients, particularly within Fortune 500 companies in sectors like energy and power. Revenew's focus on enhancing supplier relationships and streamlining operations allows clients to manage costs effectively while mitigating risks.

Persio Inc. operates a multi-channel marketing and decision-making platform designed specifically for retail marketers. The platform enables users to build customer profiles, execute campaigns, and synchronize data while offering solutions for identity resolution, shopping behavior analysis, and demographic insights. Persio facilitates campaign automation through content management, audience segmentation, and analytics, allowing marketers to manage both online and offline campaigns effectively. By integrating clients' existing data sources and technology solutions into a unified interface, Persio empowers marketers to create personalized, data-driven campaigns across various channels, including web, email, SMS, and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Persio was previously known as Iris Mobile Corporation and is now a subsidiary of Clutch Holdings, LLC.

ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.

Serionix, Inc. is a company that specializes in the development of air and water purification solutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix creates innovative filters for air purifiers and furnace units. The company utilizes fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange materials to effectively remove toxic chemicals and odors from the air, as well as to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and mold. One of its notable products features a proprietary adsorptive coating technology called Colorfil™, which changes color as it absorbs pollutants, providing users with a clear visual indication of filter effectiveness and the need for replacement.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, develops technologies and raw materials for the nuclear medicine market in the United States. The company specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic radioisotopes, offering products such as Molybdenum-99 and Technetium-99m, which are essential for imaging in various medical fields including neurology, oncology, and cardiology. Additionally, NorthStar provides therapeutic isotopes like Actinium-225 and Bismuth-213 for treating incurable diseases such as cancers and HIV. The company has also created the RadioGenix System, an advanced radioisotope separation platform that produces Technetium-99m from non-uranium based Molybdenum-99. By addressing supply challenges in the medical isotope market, NorthStar aims to enhance patient care and support clinical research initiatives.

Adrenaline Mobility specializes in providing secure backend services for mobile applications, focusing on enhancing development processes while ensuring data protection. The company employs military-grade end-to-end encryption to safeguard users' information both at rest on mobile devices and in transit to cloud servers. Adrenaline offers a developer-friendly library that simplifies the integration of encrypted data storage in popular cloud platforms such as Amazon, Google, and Dropbox. This allows developers to bypass complex security challenges, including key management and encrypted query processing. Additionally, Adrenaline's cloud-based services include features like push notifications, distributed storage, a web-based console for user management, and messaging capabilities, facilitating the seamless incorporation of robust backend functionality into mobile applications, ultimately improving the user experience.

Semprius, Inc. is a company focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius utilizes a unique micro-transfer printing technology that enables the production of high-performance and reliable CPV modules at a low cost, making solar power generation economically feasible in sunny and arid climates. The company’s products are targeted for utility, commercial, industrial, and government applications and are distributed through integrators and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms. In addition to its solar applications, Semprius is licensing its micro-transfer printing technology for non-solar uses, which can facilitate the development of innovative products such as flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors. Founded in 2005, Semprius continues to advance its technology to enable scalable production and broad applications in the semiconductor industry.

Buzz Referrals enables companies to have their own referral programs that integrate with both social media and their company websites. The company is specialized in e-mail, mobile, and native advertising.

Chromatin is a biotech company focused on developing and marketing innovative technologies and products across agricultural, energy, chemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sectors. The company specializes in hybrid, drought-tolerant sorghum seeds, utilizing advanced breeding methodologies to create next-generation sorghum that meets the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices. By combining diverse sorghum varieties, Chromatin produces seeds that can thrive on more than 80% of the world's agricultural land, supporting farmers in optimizing crop production for both traditional agriculture and bio-industrial applications. The company aims to address key societal challenges, enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to renewable energy resources.

Personify Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing innovative video communication solutions aimed at enhancing personal and professional interactions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Silicon Valley and Vietnam, Personify offers a range of products designed for collaboration and presentations. Its flagship offerings include a video calling platform that enables users to connect with friends, family, and coworkers in real time, allowing for shared experiences such as document collaboration, gaming, and live events. The company also provides tools like ChromaCam, which allows users to blur or replace their backgrounds for greater privacy in online meetings, and Presenter, which enhances the presentation experience during virtual interactions. Personify leverages advanced computer vision technologies to create immersive video experiences that foster meaningful connections across various contexts.

Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. is focused on advancing imaging technologies that aid physicians in the real-time evaluation of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which utilizes near-infrared light waves and interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy to produce diffraction-corrected images. This innovative system allows healthcare professionals to perform rapid, free-hand scans, enhancing their ability to locate and identify areas of interest within tissue samples. The technology originated from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, a prominent interdisciplinary research facility.

Caterva, based in Champaign, Illinois, is a development stage company focused on creating a real-time social-marketing platform. Previously known as Yottaclick, Inc., the company was incorporated in 2008 and rebranded in 2010. Caterva specializes in social media data analysis and has recently introduced a service called mirror.me. This service aims to generate interest graphs based on users' online activities, facilitating connections among individuals with shared interests.

Semprius, Inc. is a company focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius utilizes a unique micro-transfer printing technology that enables the production of high-performance and reliable CPV modules at a low cost, making solar power generation economically feasible in sunny and arid climates. The company’s products are targeted for utility, commercial, industrial, and government applications and are distributed through integrators and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms. In addition to its solar applications, Semprius is licensing its micro-transfer printing technology for non-solar uses, which can facilitate the development of innovative products such as flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors. Founded in 2005, Semprius continues to advance its technology to enable scalable production and broad applications in the semiconductor industry.

SolarBridge Technologies, originally founded as SmartSpark Energy Systems in 2004, specializes in microinverter and monitoring solutions for residential and small commercial solar power installations. The company pivoted to focus exclusively on the solar industry in 2009, leveraging power electronics technologies developed at the University of Illinois. With significant research and development facilities in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, SolarBridge aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems. Their offerings include an energy management system that integrates a microinverter directly with photovoltaic modules, providing alternating current power to the grid. Additionally, SolarBridge provides a solar information module that gathers performance data from each microinverter, allowing system owners to analyze and monitor their solar installations remotely via the Internet. Through these innovations, SolarBridge Technologies seeks to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy for solar installations while improving overall energy production and simplifying installation processes.

Local Offer Network (LON) is a technology company specializing in data integration and content distribution, primarily focusing on personalized marketing solutions. LON connects diverse data sources and consumer insights to deliver tailored content through its proprietary platforms. One of its key offerings, Catalyst, harnesses data from various origins to create anonymous user profiles, utilizing an Adaptive Response Model to predict consumer behavior and deliver relevant information in real-time. The company also manages a Syndicated Shopping Content Network that distributes a wide range of retail offers and coupons, reaching millions of consumers daily. Additionally, LON provides VoucherPro, a white-label platform that enables publishers and manufacturers to develop their own prepaid offer products, and Dealradar, a comprehensive shopping resource available in over 200 markets across four countries. LON serves notable clients, including MasterCard, Tribune, and Gannett, enhancing their marketing capabilities through innovative technology solutions.

Semprius, Inc. is a company focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius utilizes a unique micro-transfer printing technology that enables the production of high-performance and reliable CPV modules at a low cost, making solar power generation economically feasible in sunny and arid climates. The company’s products are targeted for utility, commercial, industrial, and government applications and are distributed through integrators and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms. In addition to its solar applications, Semprius is licensing its micro-transfer printing technology for non-solar uses, which can facilitate the development of innovative products such as flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors. Founded in 2005, Semprius continues to advance its technology to enable scalable production and broad applications in the semiconductor industry.

Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. engages in developing and applying diamond films for industrial, electronic, and medical applications. It offers AFM probes, ultrananocrystalline diamond seals, and ultrananocrystalline diamond wafers for MEMS development and UNCD product prototyping. The company also provides MEMS, applications development, and coating services. In addition, it offers UNCD Electrodes for advanced electrochemical water treatment applications. Further, the company operates as a licensee to the Argonne portfolio of application and process patents for using, synthesizing, and micromachining ultrananocrystalline diamond films. It offers its products through its Website, as well as through distributors in the United States and internationally. Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Romeoville, Illinois.

TetraVitae Bioscience is focused on developing biobased chemicals, plastics, and fuels using bio-butanol derived from biomass substrates through microbial fermentation. The company employs proprietary technology and expertise in industrial fermentations, process engineering, microbiology, and the utilization of cellulosic feedstocks. This innovative approach aims to significantly reduce production costs, enabling TetraVitae to compete with and potentially replace traditional petroleum-derived products. Additionally, the company operates a microbiological laboratory to support its research and development efforts in this field.

RiverGlass, founded in 2003 by pioneers of the World Wide Web, specializes in providing intelligent web information analysis services to businesses and government agencies. The company emerged from the University of Illinois' National Center for Supercomputing Applications, where its founders recognized the need for specialized data analytics solutions to help organizations efficiently gather, organize, merge, and analyze data from various online sources. By transforming the D2K software environment and partnering with IllinoisVENTURES, RiverGlass evolved from a research-focused initiative into a dynamic startup. Today, it offers a suite of services including intelligent web search and enterprise search, tailored to meet the information needs of Fortune 1000 companies and governmental organizations that require access to accurate and often obscure data to drive decision-making.

Semprius, Inc. is a company focused on the design, development, and manufacture of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules aimed at generating solar energy. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius utilizes a unique micro-transfer printing technology that enables the production of high-performance and reliable CPV modules at a low cost, making solar power generation economically feasible in sunny and arid climates. The company’s products are targeted for utility, commercial, industrial, and government applications and are distributed through integrators and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms. In addition to its solar applications, Semprius is licensing its micro-transfer printing technology for non-solar uses, which can facilitate the development of innovative products such as flat-panel displays, flexible electronics, and large-area sensors. Founded in 2005, Semprius continues to advance its technology to enable scalable production and broad applications in the semiconductor industry.

RiverGlass, founded in 2003 by pioneers of the World Wide Web, specializes in providing intelligent web information analysis services to businesses and government agencies. The company emerged from the University of Illinois' National Center for Supercomputing Applications, where its founders recognized the need for specialized data analytics solutions to help organizations efficiently gather, organize, merge, and analyze data from various online sources. By transforming the D2K software environment and partnering with IllinoisVENTURES, RiverGlass evolved from a research-focused initiative into a dynamic startup. Today, it offers a suite of services including intelligent web search and enterprise search, tailored to meet the information needs of Fortune 1000 companies and governmental organizations that require access to accurate and often obscure data to drive decision-making.

Radio One Llama is a comprehensive platform that serves as a hub and search engine for online radio stations. The company specializes in acoustic and cultural analysis, as well as collaborative filtering tools designed for music and video navigation. Its offerings include a machine learning system called Classify, which assists music aggregators in organizing digital music for easier browsing and purchasing. Additionally, Radio One Llama provides a Search application that integrates various methods of acoustic similarity searching with playlist and social networking analysis. This combination enhances the music discovery process, allowing users to explore and create playlists efficiently.

ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.

Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. engages in developing and applying diamond films for industrial, electronic, and medical applications. It offers AFM probes, ultrananocrystalline diamond seals, and ultrananocrystalline diamond wafers for MEMS development and UNCD product prototyping. The company also provides MEMS, applications development, and coating services. In addition, it offers UNCD Electrodes for advanced electrochemical water treatment applications. Further, the company operates as a licensee to the Argonne portfolio of application and process patents for using, synthesizing, and micromachining ultrananocrystalline diamond films. It offers its products through its Website, as well as through distributors in the United States and internationally. Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Romeoville, Illinois.

Caden Biosciences is a life sciences tools and services company focuses on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Mobitrac, Inc. specializes in developing software tailored for delivery services, focusing on location and time-based mobile resource management. Founded in 2001 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robust database engine and industry-standard APIs that facilitate the creation and deployment of services for fleet management, mobile workforce optimization, and mobile commerce. In addition, Mobitrac provides a graphical interface designed to streamline dispatch operations and improve communication with drivers. Its client base includes trucking companies, package delivery services, service fleets, and third-party logistics providers. In 2006, Mobitrac was acquired by Fluensee, Inc.

INI Power Systems, Inc. is a company based in Morrisville, North Carolina, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, and licensing of portable power components and systems aimed at augmenting or replacing traditional batteries and generators. Founded in 2001, the company focuses on direct methanol laminar flow fuel cell products and offers a range of power systems for applications in consumer electronics, industrial, recreation, safety, and security markets. Additionally, INI Power Systems develops flex-fuel generators that are lightweight and man-portable, providing efficient power generation and battery recharge capabilities for military personnel in remote locations.