University of Nebraska Omaha
Grant in 2025
Students looking to work in state-of-the-art computer science and
engineering facilities should look no further than the University of
Nebraska at Omaha. UNO is a leader Bioinformatics, Computer Science and
Management Information Systems programs.
But UNO is not merely a four-year state university focused on science.
With approximately 200 academic programs, this school offers an intimate
atmosphere in a thriving city with numerous employment options for future
graduates.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha implements the Four-Year Guarantee
resolution, meaning that the university will design a curriculum
dedicated to permitting students to graduate as quickly as possible.
UNO has a non-refundable $45 application fee for all applicants. The
admissions requirements are based on core course prerequisites and
performance requirements.
The performance requirements for UNO admissions are a rank in the upper
half of your graduating high school class and an ACT score of 20 or
higher. The core course requirements are similar to the core requirements
of other four-year colleges.
UNO offers several types of financial aid to ease the cost of tuition.
Not only do they have federal and state programs, but the school also
offers scholarships, work-study programs and loans.
Eradivir is a biotechnology company based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Founded in 2020, it focuses on developing a non-immunological targeting agent to combat the virus causing COVID-19.
Northern Kentucky University
Grant in 2024
Northern Kentucky University, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit institution located in a vibrant suburban area just across the river from Cincinnati, serving nearly 16,000 students. The university offers a diverse range of graduate and undergraduate programs, contributing to its reputation as a growing metropolitan university. With a commitment to education and community engagement, Northern Kentucky University plays a significant role in the region's development and supports a dynamic student experience. Its investment portfolio reflects a balanced approach, including various asset classes such as equity funds, fixed income, and private equity, among others, ensuring financial stability to support its educational mission.
University of Iowa
Grant in 2024
With just over 31,000 students, the University of Iowa is one of the nation's top public research universities, a member of the Big Ten conference since 1899, and an Association of American Universities member since 1909.
Iowa is known around the world for its balanced commitment to the arts, sciences, and humanities. It's home to one of the nation's largest academic medical centers, the pioneering Iowa Writers' Workshop, and hundreds of options for affordable, accessible education.
The University of Iowa is located in the casual yet cosmopolitan environment of Iowa City, widely recognized as one of the country's most livable communities.
The menu at right provides a gateway to facts and figures that offer background on the university, its people, and its missions. Contact us to suggest updates or additions to these resources.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2024
The University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the Midwest, offers a diverse array of academic programs that attract over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its renowned schools include the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and prominent law and medical schools. The university also has a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by its Musical Theatre program and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which draws filmmakers globally. In addition to its educational endeavors, the University of Michigan actively manages a significant endowment, investing in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure to support its mission and enhance its resources. The institution consistently ranks highly in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Grant in 2024
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. The University was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is committed to liberal arts and professional education.
Indiana Wesleyan is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County.
Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the University’s 350-acre residential campus in Marion. Most buildings on the Marion campus have been built in the past 25 years, so students live and learn in a visually striking environment with well-appointed residence halls and academic facilities, all on a campus that is only an hour away from both Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.
IWU offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees, 38 graduate degrees and 5 doctorate degrees and students represent more than 80 Christian denominations and 10 foreign countries.
Amplified Sciences
Grant in 2024
Amplified Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company developing a point-of-care platform that enables early detection of debilitating diseases. Its sensor-based and optical reporter systems, combined with machine learning and multi-analyte assays, target cancers and chronic conditions such as pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. The technology supports detection of low-abundance disease markers in urine and saliva, with scalability to cost-effective point-of-care formats. The company leverages ultra-sensitive sensing and composition-of-matter intellectual property licensed from Purdue University to deliver single-molecule level detection. Its portfolio aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling rapid, minimally invasive testing, reducing unnecessary procedures, and expediting diagnosis across oncology and other disease areas. The platform has demonstrated prototype data and is positioned for broad applicability across multiple disease states.
Great Lakes ReNew
Grant in 2024
Great Lakes ReNew is a foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. It operates as a partnership comprising over 50 institutions, including universities, technology firms, and government and nonprofit organizations. The foundation focuses on driving innovation and collaboration in various sectors, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of its diverse partners to address pressing environmental and social challenges. The executive team manages its activities and initiatives, aiming to enhance sustainability and community development in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Grant in 2023
Founded in 1890 as the Armour Institute, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is a private, independent, nonprofit research university located in Chicago. IIT offers a wide range of programs, including engineering, science, architecture, business, law, design, human sciences, and applied technology, granting degrees up to the Ph.D. level. The university's Chicago location enhances its global recruitment efforts and provides extensive opportunities that inform its educational and research initiatives. Through its innovative research and collaborations, IIT aims to contribute positively to the city of Chicago, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that supports both the institution's growth and the community's development.
University of Chicago
Grant in 2023
The University of Chicago is a private research university renowned for its rigorous academic inquiry across various fields such as sciences, economics, law, and medicine. It offers over 50 specialized undergraduate and graduate programs, including interdisciplinary studies like 'Big Problems'. The university fosters critical thinking and encourages cross-disciplinary exploration while hosting numerous public art and cultural events.
Alerje, Inc. is a Detroit-based company focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with food allergies. Founded in 2015, Alerje has developed an innovative emergency medicine and digital oral immunotherapy management platform. Central to its offerings is an epinephrine auto-injector that conveniently fits into a smartphone case, promoting better adherence and alert management for users. The company also provides a mobile application that allows users to create personalized food allergy profiles, share these profiles with caregivers and medical professionals, and filter recipes based on allergen information. Additionally, the app includes features for scanning grocery items to identify potential allergens, thus aiding families and healthcare providers in making informed dietary choices. Alerje's platform is validated by the National Science Foundation and aims to improve emergency response and overall management of food allergies.
University of Missouri
Grant in 2023
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a comprehensive public university located in Columbia, Missouri. It offers over 280 degree programs across various fields, including medicine and law. With around 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds, Mizzou is known for its competitive admissions process considering factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular involvement. The university provides academic merit scholarships and federal aid to support students financially.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Grant in 2023
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a comprehensive land-grant university offering over 600 undergraduate and graduate majors across a wide range of disciplines.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2023
The University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the Midwest, offers a diverse array of academic programs that attract over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its renowned schools include the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and prominent law and medical schools. The university also has a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by its Musical Theatre program and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which draws filmmakers globally. In addition to its educational endeavors, the University of Michigan actively manages a significant endowment, investing in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure to support its mission and enhance its resources. The institution consistently ranks highly in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Grant in 2023
Established in 1867, this prestigious university is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and economic impact on the state. With over 3,000 faculty members, it offers a wide range of programs, attracting top students who engage in diverse activities and join global alumni networks.
Northwestern University
Grant in 2023
Northwestern University, established in 1851, is a comprehensive research university offering over 120 undergraduate programs and more than 140 graduate and professional degrees across its 12 schools and colleges. It provides educational services, including internship opportunities, career guidance, financial aid options such as loans, grants, and scholarships, and exam certification resources to its approximately 8,500 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate/professional students. The university is renowned for its law school, founded in 1859, which offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees and various master's programs, along with executive education and clinical legal education opportunities. Northwestern University is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago and Doha, Qatar.
WiSys Technology Foundation
Grant in 2023
WiSys Technology Foundation works hand in hand with the University of Wisconsin System to support research and technology development, link campus innovators with industry leaders and speed technology transfer through patent and licensing activities.
The Water Council
Grant in 2023
The Water Council, established in 2009, is a Milwaukee-based organization dedicated to positioning the region as a global leader in water technology. It achieves this by fostering collaboration among water technology companies, entrepreneurs, academic research programs, and related professionals. The Council's primary focus is on driving economic development, research, and education in the water sector.
Case Western Reserve University
Grant in 2023
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a private research university located in Cleveland's University Circle. Established in 1843, it comprises various schools including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Social Sciences, Dental Medicine, Management, and Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. CWRU is renowned for its biomedical discoveries, medical education, and top-ranked programs such as international law, health law, and intellectual property law. It offers practical experiences like real-client work and full-time practice experiences to students across various disciplines. The university is accredited by several professional associations and holds membership in the Association of American Universities.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Grant in 2023
Established in 1867, this prestigious university is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and economic impact on the state. With over 3,000 faculty members, it offers a wide range of programs, attracting top students who engage in diverse activities and join global alumni networks.
Baldwin Wallace University
Grant in 2023
Baldwin Wallace University, established in 1845 and located in Berea, Ohio, is a non-profit educational institution recognized for its strong regional college ranking by U.S. News and World Report. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate degrees in fields such as Art History, Criminal Justice, Film Studies, and Neuroscience, along with graduate programs in Business and Education. A notable highlight is its music conservatory, which prepares students for successful careers in various music-related fields, including Broadway and music therapy. Baldwin Wallace emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships that provide practical application of their studies and enhance employability. The university supports students through personalized Action Plans created in collaboration with career and academic counselors, guiding them in course selection and extracurricular involvement. With over 100 clubs, athletic teams, and residential living options, student life is vibrant and engaging. Additionally, Baldwin Wallace offers health services, personal counseling, and financial aid opportunities to ensure students have access to necessary resources throughout their education.
Newhaptics is a microfluidic technology company that develops full-page digital braille and tactile graphics displays. It offers a tablet-like device that serves as a full-page tactile display, enabling blind users to access real-time digital content. Founded in 2018 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Newhaptics aims to expand education and employment opportunities for blind individuals through advanced tactile interfaces.
Advisory Aerospace OSC
Grant in 2023
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Monstr Sense Technologies
Grant in 2023
Monstr Sense Technologies develops spectrometers for microscopy and microscopy tools for defect inspection in semiconductors. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is dedicated to the advancement and development of coherent spectroscopy and imaging technologies.
Marquette University Endowment
Grant in 2023
Marquette University is a prominent Catholic institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university provides degrees in fields such as Civil and Environmental Engineering, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, alongside professional training in law, medicine, and dentistry. Marquette emphasizes the integration of Christian values into its educational framework, promoting community service and volunteerism among its students. The campus features dedicated resources for community engagement and spiritual growth, including a community service center and a ministry center. Additionally, the university supports students through financial aid options to help alleviate the cost of tuition. Marquette University aims to foster a comprehensive educational experience rooted in Jesuit principles, preparing students to contribute positively to society.
Wichita State University
Grant in 2023
Wichita State University is the perfect school for students looking to
combine a traditional college atmosphere with the freedom of a big city.
Students applying to WSU must submit a non-refundable $30 application fee
when submitting their application for admissions. Additionally, the cost
of tuition varies depending on whether or not you are a Kansas resident.
Wichita State provides, on average, more than $100 million in grants,
scholarships and student loans each year. WSU also offers three of the
state’s largest individual undergraduate scholarships: the Harry Gore
Memorial Scholarships and the Clay Barton Scholarship.
WSU offers academics through several colleges, including the College of
Education, College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, College of
Health Professions, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Pre-Professional College, and the W. Frank Barton School of Business.
With a focus on experience-based learning, Wichita State focuses on real
world learning, not just academic testing. This school believes that by
preparing students for future jobs, they are also expanding their
experience, thus making them more marketable to prospective employers.
The Rhatigan Student Center is the hub of student life at WSU. Located in
the center of campus, the Rhatigan Center houses places to eat, study,
hang out with friends, shop, relax or get a haircut. Students looking to
get involved in campus organizations will find a diverse assortment of
leadership, Greek, volunteer and student organizations to choose from.
Eastern Michigan University
Grant in 2023
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution offering comprehensive academic programs. It provides over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields such as arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and more. The university is known for its unique majors like Arts Management and Music Therapy, and its programs in Special Education and Forensics are nationally recognized.
MCity is an autonomous vehicle research center located on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It serves as a unique testing facility that integrates early-stage research, real-world testing, and on-road vehicle deployments. MCty brings together industry, government, and academia to collaborate on advancements in transportation, focusing on enhancing safety, sustainability, and accessibility. The center is home to renowned researchers and provides an innovative urban environment for testing new mobility technologies, aiming to benefit society as a whole.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Grant in 2022
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh provides students with state-wide resources and ensures academic quality and accountability. UW Oshkosh is committed to providing students with a broad knowledge base and transferable skills as well as a strong sense of values and ethics that prepares them for civic leadership in society. UW Oshkosh is part of the robust University of Wisconsin System—one of the largest systems of public higher education in the country.
It was founded in 1871 and its headquarters is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Ohio State University
Grant in 2022
Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public research university based in Columbus, Ohio. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and research programs across various fields including business, social sciences, law, medicine, and public affairs.
Haskell Indian Nations University
Grant in 2022
Haskell Indian Nations University is committed to educating American Indians and Alaska Natives through holistic learning that integrates academics with work and recreational activities.
Located in Lawrence, Kansas, Haskell Indians Nations University has three distinctive degree-granting colleges. These are the college of arts and science, the school of business and the college of education. Through these three schools one may obtain a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Haskell is also partnered with several organizations, allowing students to undertake cooperative learning experiences. Among these organizations are the USDA, University of Kansas, the Bureau of Land Management and Department of Defense.
Haskell’s student life offers a rich array of social, cultural, academics, athletic and other opportunities. Clubs include the Apache Club and Dance Group, the American Indian Business Leaders group, a film and storytelling organization, a boxing club, and others.
Student services at Haskell provide career counseling, housing and financial aid. Pell grants and scholarships are some of the financial aid sources available to those who qualify. Other sources, as well as eligibility and the application process, may be discussed with a Haskell financial aid counselor.
University of Michigan
Grant in 2022
The University of Michigan, one of the largest universities in the Midwest, offers a diverse array of academic programs that attract over 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its renowned schools include the Stephen Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and prominent law and medical schools. The university also has a vibrant arts scene, highlighted by its Musical Theatre program and the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, which draws filmmakers globally. In addition to its educational endeavors, the University of Michigan actively manages a significant endowment, investing in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure to support its mission and enhance its resources. The institution consistently ranks highly in national assessments, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Aesir Technologies
Grant in 2022
Æsir Technologies focuses on the development and commercialization of advanced Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) battery technologies that offer a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to traditional lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Incorporated in 2011, the company operates a research and development facility in Bozeman, Montana, and a low-rate initial production facility in Joplin, Missouri. Æsir's innovative battery solutions are designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including trucking, marine, telecommunications, and industrial storage applications, while ensuring that the materials used are easily recyclable and safe for the environment.
Dynamac Microwave
Grant in 2022
Dynamac Microwave is a manufacturer of electronic components located in Addison, Illinois. The company specializes in providing a range of products and solutions including electronic countermeasures, reaction capability equipment, filters and networks, switches, semiconductor devices, and amplifiers. Their offerings cater to various applications in the electronics industry, emphasizing advanced technology and performance in electronic systems.
Environmental Protective Coatings
Grant in 2022
Founded in 1983, Environmental Protective Coatings specializes in manufacturing innovative coatings designed to protect surfaces from dust and algae. Their fluorine-free and omniphobic products utilize polymer additives for self-cleaning properties, anti-graffiti features, and residue-free fluid transfer, promoting cleanliness and safety while being environmentally friendly.
Iaso Therapeutics
Grant in 2022
Iaso Therapeutics is a therapeutics company established in 2018 and located in East Lansing, Michigan. The company specializes in the development of vaccines aimed at improving human health and addressing infectious diseases. Its platform is designed to create vaccines targeting various deadly infections, including smallpox, yellow fever, and tetanus. By focusing on innovative vaccine technologies, Iaso Therapeutics seeks to equip healthcare professionals with effective tools to combat diseases and enhance overall public health.
SkyGig is a Michigan-based company specializing in millimeter-wave wireless communications. It develops innovative beamforming technology to provide scalable, cost-effective broadband connectivity.
GeniPhys develops and commercializes standardized tunable collagen polymers and collagen-fibril materials for research and medical applications. It manufactures research-grade collymers and polymerization reagents that enable customization of 3D collagen-fibril matrices for in-vitro tissue systems used in drug discovery, toxicity testing, and basic cell and tissue research, as well as engineered tissue and organ constructs and 3D bioprinting. The product line includes oligomer polymerization kits, polymerization buffers, supplements, and related reagents, which are sold online. Founded in 2014 and based in Zionsville, Indiana, the company focuses on designing collagen materials for site-appropriate tissue generation and potential delivery of pharmaceutical and cell-based therapies.
Rowbot Systems
Grant in 2022
Rowbot Systems LLC, established in 2012 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in developing robotic machinery for precision agriculture. Their primary product is a robotic system designed to enable farmers to manage nitrogen application more effectively during the growing season. This technology aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency on farms, potentially reducing costs and enhancing crop yields.
Psyonic, Inc. is a company that develops advanced bionic limbs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with amputations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Psyonic focuses on creating innovative prosthetic solutions, with its flagship product being an advanced bionic hand. This hand features muscle pattern recognition technology and provides sensory feedback, allowing users to perform everyday tasks with greater ease. Designed to be user-friendly and durable, it is also positioned to be affordable, with aspirations for full insurance coverage to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for users. The company's commitment to accessibility ensures that its products cater to a wide range of needs for those with amputations and injured limbs.
RoadPrintz, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, specializing in robotic equipment designed for comprehensive road painting and pavement markings. Incorporated in 2018, the company produces machines that survey, map, paint, and repaint road markings, including turn arrows and lane separators. RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible. Its robotic street painting systems enable traffic engineers and road painting contractors to efficiently specify and apply paint schemes on roads, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.
Frost Defense
Grant in 2021
FrostDefense, founded in 2018 and based in Champaign, Illinois, specializes in developing innovative frost protection solutions. The company focuses on creating environmentally friendly biofertilizers and patented sprayable compounds designed to combat early spring frost, particularly in vineyards and specialty fruit crops. By offering these frost protection products, FrostDefense aims to help vineyard owners prevent frost damage, thereby enhancing crop yield and improving labor management and mechanized farming operations.
Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 2018, Volexion specializes in manufacturing lithium ion batteries. Its proprietary graphene coating technology enhances conventional lithium-ion batteries, offering clients improved battery life, power performance, and a wider temperature and voltage range.
Rapid Radicals Technology
Grant in 2021
Rapid Radicals Technology develops wastewater treatment solutions for municipal sewer systems to address combined sewer overflows. Founded in 2016 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company operates a catalytically enhanced ozone-based oxidation process designed to treat wastewater cost-effectively, improving system performance and resilience for municipalities, industrial users, and emergency responders.
Founded in 2018, Valgotech is a technology company based in Fishers, Indiana. It specializes in advanced materials and energy storage systems, aiming to make energy consumption more sustainable and affordable.
Makefully is a media company committed to creating meaningful, purposeful, and influential learning environments and educational media. The company's headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.
Biochip Labs
Grant in 2021
Biochip Labs is a company based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2019. It specializes in providing laboratory testing services focused on blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The company offers a range of proprietary microfluidic biomarker assays, including tests for blood cell adhesion, red blood cell deformability, whole blood rheology, and endothelialized microfluidics. These assays are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging targeted and curative therapies, allowing clinicians to monitor patients' responses to treatment accurately.
NanoPattern Technologies
Grant in 2021
NanoPattern Technologies develops photopatternable quantum dot formulations and nanoparticle inks for patterning high-resolution quantum dot downconverter layers, enabling displays for televisions, smartphones, wearables, augmented reality and virtual reality. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company’s direct nanoparticle lithography process is compatible with conventional photolithography and supports parallel patterning, helping manufacturers produce advanced display systems.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
CRCL Solutions
Grant in 2021
CRCL Solutions, founded in 2021 and based in South Bend, Indiana, specializes in wind and solar forecasting services for energy markets, particularly within ERCOT's day-ahead and real-time markets. The company offers a weather forecasting platform designed to enhance forecast accuracy and strengthen power grid resiliency. By leveraging artificial intelligence, CRCL Solutions identifies discrepancies in current wind and solar forecasts and delivers improved atmospheric forecasting in real-time. This enables power traders to engage in low-risk, high-return trades and better anticipate market movements, ultimately supporting more efficient and reliable energy trading.
Compact Medical Solutions
Grant in 2021
Compact Medical Solutions develops a medical bag-valve-mask used to assist patients experiencing emergency breathing issues. The ultra-compact device aims to improve resuscitation by preventing hyperventilation and enabling medical personnel to safely ventilate patients whose breathing is compromised. Founded in 2016 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on creating portable respiratory support tools for first responders and healthcare providers.
Frugi Biotechnology
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2020, Frugi Biotechnology is a synthetic biology company based in Ames, Iowa. It specializes in creating modular, paper-based diagnostics for managing viral outbreaks securely.
Lucata Corporation is a technology company that specializes in enhancing memory utilization through its innovative hardware and software solutions. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in South Bend, Indiana, Lucata develops motherboards, node cards, and memory servers tailored for various applications such as graph analysis, cyber security, data warehousing, machine learning, and risk analysis. Utilizing patented migrating thread technology, Lucata enables organizations to conduct high-performance analytics on extensive databases exceeding one trillion vertices, facilitating deeper insights into complex data relationships. Its solutions are designed for sectors including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, allowing for real-time analysis and scalable memory architecture without the need for additional software layers. Lucata's architecture supports energy-efficient processing and significant performance enhancements as hardware scales, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving landscape of big data and analytics.
ZiTechnologies
Grant in 2021
ZiTechnologies is a company based in Hancock, Michigan, specializing in the production of end product pellets designed for power and heat applications. These pellets feature reduced chlorine content, making them an environmentally friendlier alternative for traditional coal usage. By offering a sustainable solution, ZiTechnologies aims to address the growing demand for cleaner energy sources in various industries.
Alerje, Inc. is a Detroit-based company focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with food allergies. Founded in 2015, Alerje has developed an innovative emergency medicine and digital oral immunotherapy management platform. Central to its offerings is an epinephrine auto-injector that conveniently fits into a smartphone case, promoting better adherence and alert management for users. The company also provides a mobile application that allows users to create personalized food allergy profiles, share these profiles with caregivers and medical professionals, and filter recipes based on allergen information. Additionally, the app includes features for scanning grocery items to identify potential allergens, thus aiding families and healthcare providers in making informed dietary choices. Alerje's platform is validated by the National Science Foundation and aims to improve emergency response and overall management of food allergies.
Amber Agriculture
Grant in 2021
Founded in 2016, Amber Agriculture develops IoT-based sensor solutions for automated grain storage monitoring and management. Its technology helps farmers protect and optimize their crops, reducing waste and enabling better market timing.
PolyLux is an advanced materials company that develops light-switchable adhesive platforms and photo-responsive wound dressings. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, the company creates adhesive technologies that alter bonding properties with light and non-stick bandages designed to heal wounds faster by maintaining strong adhesion when needed while allowing removal and reapplication on demand by medical professionals.
Sassafras Tech Collective
Grant in 2021
Sassafras Tech Collective is a technology cooperative that specializes in web and app development. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Epivara, established in 2016 and based in Champaign, Illinois, specializes in animal welfare innovations. The company develops a single-injection alternative to traditional spaying and neutering surgery for pets. This non-surgical sterilization method aims to reduce pain, risk, and recovery time compared to conventional procedures, thereby improving the lives of both animals and their owners. Epivara's mission is to enhance animal well-being through innovative science and compassionate care.
SoilSerdem is a data-driven agricultural technology company that develops high-resolution soil fertility maps using an optimized soil sampling method and machine learning with remotely sensed data. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, the company provides turnkey, scalable informatics that generate fine-resolution soil maps to support farmers and agronomists in precise, profitable, and sustainable farm management. Its maps integrate laboratory and field measurements with satellite and other remote sensing data to address core map creation needs, enabling automated workflows and improved operational efficiency. SoilSerdem focuses on turning soil data into actionable insights for crop management and soil health, helping users optimize input use and make informed decisions at the field level.
Noble Gas Systems
Grant in 2021
Noble Gas Systems LLC, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Novi, Michigan, specializes in the development of gas storage and delivery systems tailored for the chemical and gas industries. The company utilizes innovative conformable tank technology to provide safe and flexible storage solutions for various compressed gases, including natural gas, air, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. By enabling clients to store and utilize high-pressure gases economically, Noble Gas Systems addresses the growing demand for efficient gas management in industrial applications.
AgraFilms is a biotechnology company based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing sustainable treatments to mitigate crop loss through an all-natural approach. AgraFilms offers a biocontrol solution using amoebic biocontrol for crops, aiming to address environmental and health challenges posed by synthetically produced antibiotics and pesticides. This technology helps farmers prevent the spread of agricultural-related diseases and control crop damage and loss.
MITS develops multiscale integrated technology solutions to improve mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
Natural Fiber Welding
Grant in 2021
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacture and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from natural fibers. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials from plants, which are applicable across various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale environmentally friendly products, thereby promoting sustainability in material usage.
Rhaeos is a pioneering company that has developed the world's first wearable shunt monitor, designed to enhance the quality of care for patients with hydrocephalus. Utilizing a novel thermal biosensor, Rhaeos addresses a critical clinical need by offering noninvasive, wireless patches that detect fluid flow in various bodily systems, including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative technology enables timely treatment for chronic medical conditions, particularly in the field of neurosurgery. Founded through collaborative efforts at Northwestern University, Rhaeos exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from engineering, medicine, and management to advance patient care.
FibrosIX is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in East Lansing, Michigan. The company focuses on developing small-molecule therapeutics aimed at preventing lung fibrosis in cancer patients. Its innovative drugs target and modulate a critical signaling pathway involved in the development of fibrotic diseases, which can lead to diminished lung function and respiratory issues. By addressing these challenges, FibrosIX aims to enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
South Bend Woodworks
Grant in 2021
South Bend Woodworks, established in 2013 and headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, specializes in creating handcrafted wooden toys and furniture designed for small children. The company offers a diverse product range that includes personalized name puzzles, memorabilia, blocks, cutting boards, and various play accessories. By focusing on high-quality craftsmanship, South Bend Woodworks aims to provide children with engaging and educational play experiences while also offering unique legacy gifts.
Fybraworks Foods
Grant in 2021
Fybraworks Foods, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, focused on developing alternative meat substitutes through innovative fermentation techniques. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in creating animal-free meat structural proteins and synthetic meat, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat products. By leveraging its advanced technological solutions, Fybraworks Foods enables both industry leaders and individual consumers to access sustainable meat alternatives, thus promoting humane practices and reducing environmental impact associated with animal agriculture.
Eradivir is a biotechnology company based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Founded in 2020, it focuses on developing a non-immunological targeting agent to combat the virus causing COVID-19.
iReprogram is a cell regeneration laboratory based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2017. The company focuses on advancing personalized medicine through innovative cell reprogramming technology. By utilizing a high-fidelity prototype computational tool, iReprogram generates transcription factor recipes that facilitate cellular trans-differentiation, particularly for cancer treatment. This technology aims to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies, ultimately allowing patients to benefit from more tailored and effective treatment options.
MineraLogic is a geochemistry consultancy firm based in Duluth, Minnesota, established in 2016. The company specializes in identifying risks and opportunities associated with geochemical reactions among minerals, water, and the atmosphere. By providing a coherent framework for understanding the distribution and mobility of chemical elements within geological systems, MineraLogic enables its clients to effectively manage geochemical relationships that influence the success of their projects.
Advisory Aerospace OSC
Grant in 2021
Advisory Aerospace OSC is a management consulting firm that enables aerospace transformations and transactions. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
O2M Technologies
Grant in 2021
O2M Technologies develops oxygen imaging devices for effective cancer and regenerative medicine treatments. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
BiomeSense develops an integrated hardware, software, and data platform to scale microbiome data collection and analysis for clinical research. The company integrates at-home monitoring of the gut microbiome through its GutLab smart-bathroom system with the MetaBiome time-series analytics platform to connect microbiome changes with clinical outcomes in real time. Its platform supports large-scale, densely longitudinal datasets to discover, validate, and commercialize microbiome biomarkers, enabling clinicians to apply microbiome insights to improve human health. Founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, BiomeSense seeks to advance precision medicine by providing end-to-end microbiome measurement and analytics.
Radwave Technologies
Grant in 2020
RadWave Technologies Inc., established in 2018 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is an early-stage company specializing in advanced technologies for minimally invasive medical procedures. The company focuses on developing an electromagnetic navigation system that provides accurate object tracking for surgical interventions. This innovative system enhances performance tracking during image-guided, minimally invasive, and robotic procedures, allowing medical professionals to effectively locate surgical instruments and tools within the human body, even in areas without direct line of sight.
Inanovate Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of protein screening and analysis technologies for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with an additional office in Raleigh, North Carolina, Inanovate offers its flagship product, Bio-ID, a protein screening biochip platform. This platform provides sensitive real-time kinetic data for multiple protein interactions, facilitating applications in protein research, drug development, quality control, biomarker profiling, and clinical diagnostics. The company also offers a range of services, including biomarker discovery and validation programs, nano-particle surface technology for protein immobilization, and various protein micro-array services. Inanovate serves a diverse clientele, including researchers, clinical centers, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies, with operations extending to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Founded in 2017, Pyran develops renewable industrial chemicals from agricultural and wood waste. Its proprietary process converts these resources into a five-carbon diol used in coatings, adhesives, plastics, and polyols production. The company serves chemical industries, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products.
FruitVaccine
Grant in 2020
FruitVaccine is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the production of fruit-based vaccines aimed at providing immunity against widespread infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing noninvasive, orally administered vaccine alternatives. Its products come in various forms, including gummy-like pills, oral drops, and fruit purees, making them accessible and appealing. These vaccines are designed to be natural, vegan-friendly, and environmentally sustainable, distinguishing them from traditional injectable options. FruitVaccine's innovative approach aims to enhance immunization efforts by offering a more palatable and less invasive means of disease prevention.
NUMiX MATERIALS
Grant in 2020
NUMiX MATERIALS is a water treatment company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying sorbents to remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. It focuses on RCRA, Water, Sorbents, Pretreatment, and Metals.
It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
HabitAware, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based company that develops wearable devices aimed at helping individuals manage compulsive behaviors such as hair pulling, nail biting, skin picking, and thumb sucking. The company's flagship product, Liv, is a smart awareness bracelet that utilizes motion sensors to detect these subconscious actions. It connects to a mobile application that provides users with training to recognize and track their behaviors, identify triggers, and implement healthier coping strategies. Founded in 2014, HabitAware combines technology with behavioral science to empower users, particularly those affected by trichotillomania, to gain awareness and control over their habits. The products are available for purchase online.
RoboPath specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence for the pathology industry. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.
Scalar Magnetics
Grant in 2020
Scalar Magnetics is a company that specializes in developing nuclear magnetic resonance-based technologies for chemical analysis. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the company focuses on creating innovative solutions that utilize reduced potency magnets. This approach allows for spectroscopy to be performed at moderate magnetic field strengths, thereby eliminating the challenges associated with the use of large superconducting magnets. Scalar Magnetics aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of chemical analysis through its advanced technologies.
Founded in 2016, ZeoVation specializes in manufacturing nanozeolites and hierarchical zeolites. These materials enhance consumer products such as skincare lotions, sunscreens, laundry detergents, water softeners, and filtration systems by improving efficiency.
Theion Agriculture
Grant in 2020
Theion Agriculture develops fertilizer additives to accelerate the growth of leafy greens grown in indoor farms worldwide. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, the company’s additives can be applied to a range of crops, including leafy greens, legumes, and maize, enabling farmers to improve crop yields.
Founded in 2019, VasoGnosis is a Milwaukee-based healthcare technology company specializing in AI-powered diagnostic and surgical planning software for cerebrovascular diseases like brain aneurysms. Its platform automates analysis of brain aneurysms, providing advanced visualization tools to aid neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists in decision-making.
ZIN Technologies
Grant in 2020
Zin Technologies, Inc. is a Cleveland-based company specializing in the design, fabrication, assembly, and operation of integrated products and spaceflight hardware for clients, including NASA and major corporations. Founded in 1957, the company provides a wide range of products and services, including data acquisition, space systems engineering, and specialized power conversion solutions. Zin Technologies develops space flight hardware for applications such as mission planning, complex systems integration, and both flight and ground software development. The company also offers engineering, modeling, simulation, and testing services across various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing. Additionally, Zin Technologies supports the entire life-cycle development of aerospace hardware and software, focusing on dynamic analysis and vibration isolation to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.
ChameleonCloud
Grant in 2020
Cloud services have become ubiquitous to all major 21st century economic activities. However, cloud services and technologies can be significantly more powerful than they are now. A persistent barrier to further advancement has been the lack of a large-scale and open cloud research platforms.
With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Chameleon project will provide such a large-scale platform to the open research community allowing them explore transformative concepts in deeply programmable cloud services, design, and core technologies. Chameleon will allow users to explore problems ranging from the creation of Software as a Service to kernel support for virtualization. This broad range of supported research includes many other areas such as developing Platforms as a Service, creating new and optimizing existing Infrastructure as a Service components, investigating software-defined networking, and optimizing virtualization technologies.
The Chameleon testbed, will be deployed at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center and will consist of 650 multi-core cloud nodes, 5PB of total disk space, and leverage 100 Gbps connection between the sites. While a large part of the testbed will consist of homogenous hardware to support large-scale experiments, a portion of it will support heterogeneous units allowing experimentation with high-memory, large-disk, low-power, GPU, and co-processor units. The project will also leverage existing FutureGrid hardware at the University of Chicago and the Texas Advanced Computing Center in its first year to provide a transition period for the existing FutureGrid community of experimental users.
To support the broad range of experiments experiments described above, the project will support a graduated configuration system allowing full user configurability of the software stack, from provisioning of bare metal and network interconnects to delivery of fully functioning cloud environments. A special feature of Chameleon is that it provides for an exceptionally close integration of clouds and networks, which substantially enhances the capabilities of both. In addition, to facilitate experiments, Chameleon will support a set of services designed to meet researchers needs, including support for experimental management, reproducibility, and repositories of trace and workload data of production cloud workloads.
The project is led by the Computation Institute at the University of Chicago and partners from the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin, the International Center for Advanced Internet Research at Northwestern University, the Ohio State University, and University of Texas at San Antonio, comprising a highly qualified and experienced team. The team includes members from the NSF supported FutureGrid project and from the GENI community, both forerunners of the NSFCloud solicitation under which this project is funded. Chameleon will also form a set of partnerships with commercial and academic clouds, such as Rackspace, CERN and Open Science Data Cloud (OSDC), and will partner with other testbeds, notably GENI and INRIA's Grid'5000 testbed.
Ateios Inc. is a technology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializing in the development of ultra-thin and customizable batteries for use in flexible electronics. Founded in 2018, Ateios focuses on zinc-oxide battery technology, which offers significantly higher energy density compared to traditional coin cells. The company's innovative manufacturing process enables the production of batteries that can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of various applications, including smart textiles, soft robotics, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, and wearable medical and fitness patches. By advancing the capabilities of thin and flexible electronics, Ateios is positioned to support the growing demand for integrated energy solutions in diverse industries.
Terran Robotics
Grant in 2020
Terran Robotics is a construction company based in Bloomington, Indiana, that focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics in home construction. The company specializes in automated adobe wall building, utilizing a custom-designed cable-driven robot to create three-dimensional printed homes. This innovative approach enhances traditional earthen building techniques, offering features such as fire resistance and superior sound dampening. By leveraging advanced technology, Terran Robotics aims to significantly reduce housing costs, lower energy expenses, and promote environmentally friendly construction practices.
Advaita Corporation, established in 2005 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, is a bioinformatics company that specializes in developing software tools for the research and pharmaceutical industries. The company's flagship product, Pathway-Guide, is a gene-expression analysis tool designed to assist biologists and drug researchers in interpreting complex data from gene-expression experiments. Additionally, Advaita offers consulting services that include pathway analysis, biological model building, biomarker identification, expression data interpretation, report creation, and training on data interpretation. The company's software helps investigators, core facilities, and enterprise bioinformatics teams analyze gene expression data, with capabilities to integrate multi-omic data from a systems biology perspective.
Initium.AI develops a customized solution that transforms natural language into actionable insights. The company's headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Cellulose Sciences International
Grant in 2020
Cellulose Sciences International develops novel methods for utilizing celluloses and lignocellulosic. The headquarters of the company are in Madison, Wisconsin.
Plastomics is a biotechnology company focused on chloroplast genetic engineering to enhance crop yields and nutritional quality. Its technology platform enables precise insertion of beneficial traits into chloroplasts, reducing cross-pollination and shortening breeding timelines. The company employs gene stacking and rapid breeding approaches to develop biotech crops with a broader set of traits, addressing industry challenges in seed development. Plastomics' approach is applicable across multiple crops and trait areas, supporting commercial trait expression while aiming to lower production costs. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Founded in 2019, Confluency is an engineering company based in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in water resource management, offering an AI-based platform that helps water utilities manage complex systems. The platform combines data and advanced algorithms to enhance engineers' productivity through automated processes and data analytics.
Onederings Lavender Farm
Grant in 2020
Onederings Lavender Farm, located in Clarksville, Ohio, specializes in the cultivation of lavender and the production of high-quality lavender-based products. The farm focuses on creating boutique skin and home care items crafted from its homegrown lavender, utilizing evidence-based natural ingredients. This commitment allows Onederings to offer customers premium beauty products that emphasize quality and effectiveness. The company aims to provide a unique selection of dried lavender and fine lavender products, catering to individuals seeking natural and luxurious options for personal care and home use.
Infecho Scientific
Grant in 2020
Infecho Scientific specializes in instrumentation research and development. The company was founded in May 2017 and is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.
EarthSense develops autonomous agricultural robotics and AI software to improve farming productivity and sustainability. Its flagship TerraSentia robot is a compact, teachable platform that integrates on-board computation and multiple sensors for plant phenotyping and field data collection. The company offers an extensible platform that enables data-driven crop development, field scouting, and decision support to address labor shortages, weather variability, and the need to reduce chemical inputs. The platform gathers under-canopy data to support product development, crop research, and precision agriculture, helping growers obtain actionable insights, monitor weed pressures including herbicide resistance, and optimize management practices. EarthSense emphasizes a climate-smart approach by enabling more efficient use of inputs, improving soil and plant health, and facilitating scalable innovation in farming. The company is based in Champaign, Illinois.
Hubly Surgical
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Hubly Surgical Inc., established in 2018 with headquarters in San Francisco and a satellite office in Chicago, specializes in developing innovative neurosurgical devices aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and safety. The company's flagship product is an integrated electric drill system designed to replace traditional free-hand cranks, thereby reducing the risk of lethal complications during surgical procedures. Hubly Surgical's mission is to make its safety technology the standard for all medical drilling across various settings, including underserved areas, with a focus on improving patient care and quality of life.
SkyGig is a Michigan-based company specializing in millimeter-wave wireless communications. It develops innovative beamforming technology to provide scalable, cost-effective broadband connectivity.
Celadyne Technologies, founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in the development of advanced nanocomposite membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. These membranes are engineered to facilitate efficient heat and water management, addressing critical challenges in hydrogen production. By incorporating innovative technologies, Celadyne's membranes provide advantages akin to ceramic separators, including reduced hydrogen crossover, while maintaining performance under low humidity and elevated temperature conditions. This design enhances catalyst durability and supports the hydrogen economy by offering a cost-effective solution for energy applications.