National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

James Donlon

Program Director

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Defence

Orbital Services Corporation (OSCorp)

Grant in 2024
OSCorp is an in-space services company that safeguards the space domain and builds a thriving in-space economy. OSCorp develops cutting-edge technologies at the nexus of GN and C, AI/ML, LiDAR sensors, space robotics, and lasercom terminals. The company aims to revolutionize space operations by delivering strategic capabilities for the U.S. government and commercial space operators. It also aims to provide government operators with unparalleled situational awareness and enable them to execute tactically responsive space operations to protect strategic government and commercial space assets, and the services they provide, from denial, disruption, destruction, or degradation.

National Air and Space Museum

Grant in 2023
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution has the world's biggest and most significant collection of aviation and space objects, including all aspects of human flight, as well as associated works of art and archive materials. It operates two iconic facilities that accommodate more than eight million visitors every year, making it the country's most visited museum. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies is also housed there.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2022
ANAFLASH Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specializes in developing energy-efficient AI solutions for edge devices. The company's core product is a test chip demonstrating analog neurocomputing within logic-compatible embedded flash memory, enabling cost-effective processing in devices not connected to the cloud. ANAFLASH's solutions are designed to operate in standard CMOS processes, making them accessible and power-efficient for a wide range of applications. The company is backed by funding from the NSF, DoD, and NASA.

Dynamac Microwave

Grant in 2022
Dynamac Microwave is a manufacturer based in Addison, Illinois, specializing in electronic components. The company offers a range of products, including electronic countermeasures, reaction capability equipment, filters and networks, switches, semiconductor devices, and amplifiers. With a focus on developing advanced technology, Dynamac Microwave supports various industries by providing essential hardware that enhances electronic functionality and performance.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2022
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

Distributed Spectrum

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2020, Distributed Spectrum is a defense technology company that specializes in signal processing, machine learning, and embedded systems. The company develops software and sensors designed to enhance understanding of critical radio signals for various missions. Its spectrum monitoring systems provide essential situational awareness and actionable alerts, offering capabilities such as passive signature detection and signal analysis. These products enable users to comprehend the radio spectrum in their vicinity and effectively identify and track signals across diverse environments.

4D Avionic Systems

Grant in 2021
4D Avionic Systems specializes in providing advanced aviation and aerospace solutions focused on enhancing airspace management. The company offers strategic and tactical deconfliction services, along with four-dimensional prescriptive control and flight path management capabilities. These services enable high-density operations, ensuring that aviation industry stakeholders can achieve safer, more efficient, and more profitable outcomes. By integrating innovative technology into airspace management, 4D Avionic Systems aims to improve overall safety and operational effectiveness for airplane operators.

Coreless Technologies

Grant in 2021
Coreless Technologies specializes in the design and manufacture of hollow metal nanoparticles, focusing on enhancing the performance of nano-enabled devices. The company has developed a continuous flow process for large-scale production of these nanoparticles, allowing for precise control over their size, shape, and optical properties. This innovation is particularly beneficial for military applications in potentially contaminated zones, as well as for addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas with limited access. Additionally, Coreless Technologies aims to support agricultural practices by providing solutions for the detection of plant-based diseases.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2021
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

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.

Space Domain Awareness

Grant in 2021
Space Domain Awareness encompasses the development of solutions for tracking space objects, which are essential for identifying and classifying on-orbit assets. The products offered in this sector enable the seamless integration of orbital information into existing space traffic management systems. This capability is crucial for various customers, including commercial entities, military organizations, and civil satellite operators, who require accurate and reliable data to monitor space activity. By providing tools that enhance the accountability, transparency, and predictability of space operations, Space Domain Awareness plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient use of the increasingly crowded orbital environment.

Anello Photonics

Grant in 2021
Anello Photonics, based in Silicon Valley, specializes in developing advanced sensors that deliver optical gyroscope performance at an affordable price. Founded by experts in silicon photonics and inertial navigation, the company has created a patented technology known as the Anello SiPhOG gyroscope. This innovative sensor leverages an integrated photonic system-on-chip that utilizes a proprietary waveguide process, which simulates the characteristics of optical fiber within a compact chip. Anello's technology aims to redefine navigation systems with next-generation capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in the mass-market sensor industry. The company has garnered support from prominent venture capital firms to propel its growth and technological advancements.

Epirus

Grant in 2021
Epirus, Inc. is a technology company based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in the design and development of advanced defense systems that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave solutions aimed at countering unmanned aircraft systems and other asymmetric threats. Its flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, serves as a counter-infrastructure solution that can simultaneously target multiple threats, effectively neutralizing drones and swarms. By integrating AI and machine learning with advanced electronics, Epirus enhances the detection and tracking of objects of interest, offering innovative capabilities in electronic warfare and power management for both defense and commercial sectors.

TLC Millimeter Wave Products

Grant in 2021
TLC Millimeter Wave Products specializes in the design, fabrication, and assembly of custom communication devices tailored for both military and commercial use. The company focuses on providing front-end wired and wireless solutions that enhance bandwidth delivery to back-end applications and servers. Its product offerings emphasize improved power, speed, and reliability in the millimeter-wave and microwave frequency ranges, addressing the specific needs of various sectors.

Zeteo Tech

Grant in 2021
Zeteo Tech LLC is a defense technology company that focuses on researching, developing, prototyping, and commercializing innovative solutions in the fields of biodefense and medical devices. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Maryland, the company specializes in creating advanced instrumentation, such as fieldable biological mass spectrometers that can identify airborne microbes, proteins, and lipids. This technology aids in screening for infectious diseases and other biological threats, allowing healthcare professionals to automate detection in operational environments while reducing costs. Additionally, Zeteo Tech's portfolio includes air and water purification systems, portable power solutions, and technologies for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) detection and decontamination. The company serves a diverse clientele, including national security agencies, private enterprises, and government organizations within the United States.

Skyhaven Systems

Grant in 2021
Skyhaven Systems is a research and development firm headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with primary laboratories in Westford, Massachusetts. Established in 2017 through the merger of Reactive Innovations, LLC, the company specializes in addressing critical needs of the U.S. Government across the Defense, Energy, Aerospace, and Environmental sectors. Skyhaven employs advanced electrochemical engineering and reaction-based chemistry to tackle complex technical challenges, working closely with agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The firm focuses on innovative chemical process technologies, including reactor design and thermal management, to develop operational prototypes and deliver research findings. As a small business, Skyhaven retains technology rights from its government-funded projects, providing the government with a royalty-free license while also enabling the firm to pursue commercialization opportunities. This strategic approach allows Skyhaven to address high-risk development areas often overlooked by larger organizations, fostering innovation through government contracts and grants. The firm actively protects its intellectual property through patents and trade secrets, positioning itself for future growth in both governmental and commercial markets.

DeepBits

Grant in 2021
DeepBits is a technology company specializing in cybersecurity solutions. It organizes and indexes the world's binary code to swiftly identify vulnerabilities and malware in various devices, including computers, mobile phones, and IoT devices. Backed by extensive research funded by the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense, DeepBits' AI-driven tools generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), detect vulnerabilities, and ensure software supply chain security compliance. The company's platform disassembles and analyzes binary files to accurately pinpoint threats, enabling businesses to mitigate risks and reduce cybersecurity expenditure.

QDIR

Grant in 2021
QDIR is a nanomaterials company focused on the development of infrared detectors and imaging arrays for various applications, including industrial and defense sectors. By employing proprietary nanomaterial technology, QDIR aims to deliver high sensitivity and low noise in its products, resulting in enhanced imaging performance compared to conventional infrared detectors. The company's offerings cater to a diverse clientele, encompassing commercial, medical, industrial, and military customers.

Ballydel Technologies

Grant in 2021
Ballydel Technologies is a research and development company founded in 2018 and based in Newark, Delaware. The company focuses on creating innovative material and technology solutions for various sectors, including space exploration, defense, public health, and societal applications. Ballydel specializes in areas such as nanocomposite design and synthesis, hypersonic materials and manufacturing, as well as pharmaceutical tagging and authentication. Through its expertise, Ballydel aims to assist clients in enhancing their existing products and optimizing their manufacturing processes.

Sperry Bio

Corporate Round in 2021
Sperry Bio is focused on developing innovative medical devices, particularly the sperry micro-coring system, aimed at treating burns and enhancing wound healing while minimizing scarring. The company is engaged in research programs aligned with the objectives of the army medical research and materiel command, specifically within the clinical and rehabilitative medicine research domain. By creating advanced skin graft harvesting technologies, Sperry Bio seeks to alleviate the pain and limitations associated with existing treatment methods, addressing functional impairments caused by severe scarring and contraction. Their approach aims to improve both the effectiveness of burn injury treatments and the cosmetic outcomes for patients.

Nanomatronix

Grant in 2020
Nanomatronix operates an engineering platform that specializes in biotechnology, microelectronics, and nanotechnology. The company provides solutions tailored for the healthcare, energy, and defense sectors by facilitating the design, prototyping, packaging, screening, qualification, and production of application-specific integrated circuits, hybrid microcircuits, and fiber optic networking transceivers. Their focus on advanced technologies enables the transition of innovative biomedical, chemical processing, microelectronics, nanomaterials, and photonics technologies, supporting clients in creating effective products suitable for both standard and harsh environments.

Guardion

Grant in 2020
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

ZIN Technologies

Grant in 2020
ZIN Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in integrated products and spaceflight hardware, primarily serving NASA and Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 1957 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the company engages in the design, fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and operation of aerospace systems. It offers a wide range of services, including data acquisition, space systems engineering, and quality assurance for government and commercial applications. ZIN Technologies develops space flight hardware for various uses, such as mission planning, systems integration, and software development, as well as providing power conversion products and specialized data control systems. The company also supports industries like healthcare and electronics through engineering, modeling, simulation, and testing services.

Lux Semiconductors

Grant in 2020
Lux Semiconductors specializes in the development of crystalline thin-film semiconductors aimed at enhancing the integration of semiconductor chips. The company utilizes a proprietary system-on-foil platform that supports heterogeneous integration, allowing for the incorporation of silicon circuitry onto a patterned flexible silicon substrate. This innovative approach enables the production of densely integrated, durable, lightweight, and flexible devices. Lux Semiconductors' technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, medical, and consumer internet-of-things electronics, facilitating the fabrication of advanced electronic components that address current industry challenges.

Blue Cranium

Grant in 2020
Blue Cranium develops cutting-edge technology solutions for the commercial, medical, transportation, space, and defense industries. Comsat Architects has been established as a trade name by Blue Cranium LLC.

Advent Diamond

Grant in 2020
Advent Diamond specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor materials and components tailored for applications in telecommunications, power, quantum technologies, and sophisticated sensors. The company focuses on producing semiconducting diamond components by utilizing cleanroom processing, lithography, and surface modification techniques. In addition to its core offerings, Advent Diamond is engaged in creating innovative radiation detectors designed for the defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. Through its cutting-edge technology and expertise, the company aims to support various industries by enhancing their capabilities and fostering innovation.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2020
Swift Coat, Inc. is an Arizona-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing nanoparticle-coating solutions. Incorporated in 2016 and located in Peoria, Arizona, Swift Coat offers innovative coating materials capable of covering a wide range of surfaces, including those that are hard, soft, smooth, rough, flat, and irregularly shaped. The company's technology enables efficient application through aerosol cans, allowing for rapid coating of large areas while maintaining precise thickness tolerances. Swift Coat serves various markets, including solar energy, military applications, consumer products, industrial sectors, glazing, filtration, displays, and sensors.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2020
ANAFLASH Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specializes in developing energy-efficient AI solutions for edge devices. The company's core product is a test chip demonstrating analog neurocomputing within logic-compatible embedded flash memory, enabling cost-effective processing in devices not connected to the cloud. ANAFLASH's solutions are designed to operate in standard CMOS processes, making them accessible and power-efficient for a wide range of applications. The company is backed by funding from the NSF, DoD, and NASA.

Orbit Fab

Grant in 2020
Orbit Fab, Inc. is a company focused on developing orbital propellant depots to support satellite servicing and expand the operational capabilities of space assets. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides various products, including the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) for on-orbit refueling and docking, as well as prototypes of rigid and flexible tankers for the International Space Station (ISS). By creating the necessary infrastructure for in-space fuel supply, Orbit Fab aims to foster a growing market for satellite maintenance and new industries such as space tourism, manufacturing, and mining. Their technology enhances the flexibility and operational lifespan of satellites, enabling operators to acquire fuel and materials as needed, thus transforming the way satellites are serviced in orbit.

Lucida Research

Grant in 2020
Lucida Research provides research and development in optical gun sights. Their research and development conducted under this project will enhance scientific and technological understanding of optical beam steering and optical guidance techniques applicable to broad fields of science and engineering, such as astronomy, missile tracking, remote sensing, and self-driving cars.

Unknot.id

Grant in 2019
Unknot.id is a developer of a pioneering contextual behavioral intelligence platform that leverages advanced AI algorithms to analyze diverse signals from mobile sensors and other data sources. The platform is designed to create a comprehensive and secure view of human contexts, addressing real-time situational awareness challenges across various sectors, including hospitality, property management, law enforcement, military and defense, and healthcare. By utilizing privacy-preserving machine learning and smartphone technology, Unknot.id offers solutions for fraud detection and effective tracking in environments with limited GPS capabilities, all without the need for infrastructure deployment. This technology ensures secure authorization and privacy preservation for its clients, enabling new capabilities in both digital and physical contexts.

Frost Defense

Grant in 2019
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.

Mstatt

Grant in 2019
Mstatt develops photonic technologies for the healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and defense industries. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ludlum Measurements

Grant in 2019
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of radiation detection instruments and technologies that ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. Founded in 1962 by Don Ludlum, the company provides a diverse array of equipment used for various applications, including routine monitoring of personnel and materials, border security, and emergency response scenarios. In addition to its primary products, Ludlum Measurements also offers servicing for radiation detection instruments made by other manufacturers, along with training courses for instrument repair and calibration. This enables customers to maintain affordable, reliable, and durable equipment tailored to their specific needs.

Recon-RF

Grant in 2019
Recon RF specializes in the design and manufacture of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and transmit/receive (T/R) cells, which are essential for creating integrated microwave assemblies and modules operating from DC to over 140 GHz. The company is known for its advanced GaN solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) design capabilities, allowing for the development of custom ultra-high-efficiency SSPAs in various configurations, including MMIC and Hybrid-MIC forms. Additionally, Recon RF utilizes parallel computing techniques to optimize on-chip component values with electromagnetic (EM) accuracy, facilitating the exploration of design alternatives and the verification of large-scale system performance. This innovative approach enhances product development and amplifier efficiency for their clients.

Coreless Technologies

Grant in 2019
Coreless Technologies specializes in the design and manufacture of hollow metal nanoparticles, focusing on enhancing the performance of nano-enabled devices. The company has developed a continuous flow process for large-scale production of these nanoparticles, allowing for precise control over their size, shape, and optical properties. This innovation is particularly beneficial for military applications in potentially contaminated zones, as well as for addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas with limited access. Additionally, Coreless Technologies aims to support agricultural practices by providing solutions for the detection of plant-based diseases.

PrintFoam

Grant in 2019
PrintFoam specializes in 3D printing services that utilize foamed materials to create lighter and more cost-effective components. By employing advanced materials formulation and manufacturing techniques, the company produces innovative foam products that can be tailored to meet specific requirements across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and construction. Their technology allows for adjustments in foam porosity and matrix properties, resulting in enhanced compressive strength and reduced material expenses. This combination of benefits positions PrintFoam as a valuable partner for businesses seeking efficient and effective additive manufacturing solutions.

Airgility

Grant in 2019
Airgility specializes in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial systems, focusing on advanced drone technology. Their product lineup includes the DS-1 Minotaur and solutions for counter-drone operations and perimeter defense. These artificially intelligent drones are capable of operating in confined spaces where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, allowing clients to obtain real-time information. This capability enhances decision-making during critical situations, such as disaster response or various inspection and assessment tasks. Airgility addresses customer inquiries through multiple channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

Armaments Research Company

Grant in 2019
Armaments Research Company specializes in developing advanced firearm accessories and analytics tailored for professional security forces globally. The company offers a self-aware system that includes embedded IoT sensors integrated into firearm grips, which monitor usage in real-time. These intelligent sensors, powered by artificial intelligence, deliver critical analytics and insights through mobile applications and cloud-based platforms. By providing instant notifications, Armaments Research aims to enhance the safety of national defense, law enforcement, and private security personnel, ultimately contributing to the protection of lives in various security contexts.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2019
Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on the recycling and re-mining of mining tailings and hazardous by-products, such as Bauxite Residue, to produce essential metal products. Founded in 2019, the company aims to extract strategic materials critical to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and electronics. By treating mining and refining waste as new ore, Phoenix Tailings provides an innovative solution to eliminate hazardous environmental waste while creating primary metals sustainably and economically. This approach not only addresses the demand for metals in multiple sectors but also promotes environmentally friendly practices by offering carbon-free alternatives.

Labsys

Grant in 2019
Labsys, founded in 2011 and headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, specializes in microelectronics and microfabrication technology. The company collaborates with government agencies, industrial entities, and academic institutions to develop advanced solutions. Its technology is designed for applications such as controlling toxic and explosive gas detectors, as well as for quality control in various sectors. Labsys provides non-destructive evaluation methods to assess the structural integrity of aircraft, integrates microfluidic systems for bio-analysis, and creates bio-mimetic self-adhesives. These innovations enable industries, particularly in aviation, to implement sensors, circuits, and algorithms that identify breaks and corrosion in airframes.

Gigajot Technology

Grant in 2019
Gigajot Technology Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based company founded in 2017 by Dr. Saleh Masoodian and Dr. Jiaju Ma. The company specializes in the development of quanta image sensors (QIS) that utilize high-speed single-photon detection to enhance image capture capabilities for both consumers and professionals. Gigajot Technology offers image processing services across various sectors, including scientific imaging, medical imaging, space imaging, security and defense, low-light photography and videography, computational imaging, automotive sensing, and 3D sensing. By focusing on advanced imaging technologies, Gigajot aims to create innovative solutions that address diverse imaging needs.

Steel City Optronics

Grant in 2019
Public safety is one of the largest concerns faced by governments and security agencies as public and private places become targets for attacks. The detection and mitigation of potential threats in real time are essential to security and public safety. Steel City Optronics has developed a new camera that detects concealed weapons and explosives from almost any distance, on subjects in motion — before they become dangerous to people and property. This fast and thorough security screening of moving objects is a crucial ability in today’s rapidly globalizing, fast-paced world. Metal detectors and security checkpoints are no longer sufficient to ensure public safety. Too often, dangerous threats are simply not detected by these traditional safety precautions, leaving people and property at risk. Since many recent threats have targeted public access areas ahead of the security checkpoints, a better security solution is clearly necessary. Explosives and weapons that people are carrying, while in motion, currently go largely undetected in real-world situations. Steel City Optronics addresses these, and other, issues with our state-of-the-art millimeter wave security camera. In addition to security monitoring for public safety, our cameras can see through common obscurants like smoke, fog, dust, and rain, making them ideal for situational awareness, object avoidance, and navigation.

Guardion

Grant in 2019
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2019
ANAFLASH Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specializes in developing energy-efficient AI solutions for edge devices. The company's core product is a test chip demonstrating analog neurocomputing within logic-compatible embedded flash memory, enabling cost-effective processing in devices not connected to the cloud. ANAFLASH's solutions are designed to operate in standard CMOS processes, making them accessible and power-efficient for a wide range of applications. The company is backed by funding from the NSF, DoD, and NASA.

PC Krause and Associates

Grant in 2018
PC Krause and Associates (PCKA) was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1983. After the successful completion of several small task-ordered contracts with government agencies and Midwest utilities, PCKA was starting to become recognized as an up-and-coming consulting company with highly-talented engineers. It is a high-tech company with a concentration of high-level expertise in the dynamics of electromechanical systems with particular emphasis on power-electronic-based systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. The company has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and control techniques.

South 8 Technologies

Grant in 2018
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer based in San Diego, California, specializing in advanced lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors that utilize a unique liquefied gas electrolyte known as LiGas®. Founded in 2015, the company addresses key issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly their susceptibility to fire and performance limitations in extreme temperatures. LiGas technology enhances energy density and safety, allowing batteries to operate effectively within a temperature range of -60 to 60 °C. This innovation serves a diverse array of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and defense industries, by providing improved performance and reduced flammability compared to conventional materials. South 8 has developed its first battery cell, the Arctic™ LiGas 18650, and is actively working on additional battery chemistries. The company holds 23 patents across multiple jurisdictions, with a customer base that includes cell manufacturers and end-users, supported by various investors in the technology and automotive sectors.

Micro-LAM

Grant in 2018
Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools. The company's flagship product is the Micro-LAM Optimus T+1, a hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system designed for ultra-precision machining of advanced engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, metals, and other materials. In addition to its cutting tools, Micro-LAM offers feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation and support services. These services include manufacturing setup evaluations, laser absorption tests, hardness reduction tests, sample machining, and value proposition analyses. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including optics, aerospace, defense and armor, semiconductor, and automotive.

Lux Semiconductors

Grant in 2018
Lux Semiconductors specializes in the development of crystalline thin-film semiconductors aimed at enhancing the integration of semiconductor chips. The company utilizes a proprietary system-on-foil platform that supports heterogeneous integration, allowing for the incorporation of silicon circuitry onto a patterned flexible silicon substrate. This innovative approach enables the production of densely integrated, durable, lightweight, and flexible devices. Lux Semiconductors' technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, medical, and consumer internet-of-things electronics, facilitating the fabrication of advanced electronic components that address current industry challenges.

Armaments Research Company

Grant in 2018
Armaments Research Company specializes in developing advanced firearm accessories and analytics tailored for professional security forces globally. The company offers a self-aware system that includes embedded IoT sensors integrated into firearm grips, which monitor usage in real-time. These intelligent sensors, powered by artificial intelligence, deliver critical analytics and insights through mobile applications and cloud-based platforms. By providing instant notifications, Armaments Research aims to enhance the safety of national defense, law enforcement, and private security personnel, ultimately contributing to the protection of lives in various security contexts.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2018
Swift Coat, Inc. is an Arizona-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing nanoparticle-coating solutions. Incorporated in 2016 and located in Peoria, Arizona, Swift Coat offers innovative coating materials capable of covering a wide range of surfaces, including those that are hard, soft, smooth, rough, flat, and irregularly shaped. The company's technology enables efficient application through aerosol cans, allowing for rapid coating of large areas while maintaining precise thickness tolerances. Swift Coat serves various markets, including solar energy, military applications, consumer products, industrial sectors, glazing, filtration, displays, and sensors.

SHINE Technologies

Series B in 2018
SHINE Technologies, LLC is a medical technology company that specializes in the production and supply of medical tracers and cancer treatment elements. It primarily manufactures and distributes molybdenum-99 (moly-99), a key isotope used in the diagnosis and staging of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Additionally, SHINE offers iodine-131 and iodine-125 for treating thyroid cancer and other abnormal thyroid conditions, as well as for diagnosing liver function, kidney blood flow, and urinary tract obstruction. The company also provides xenon-133 for evaluating lung function and blood flow, particularly in the brain. SHINE's products are used extensively in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, with an additional office in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Lunewave

Grant in 2018
Lunewave Inc. is a manufacturer based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, and specialized research. Lunewave develops advanced, three-dimensional printed Luneburg lens antennas and radar systems tailored for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drone technology. Its products feature custom-made antennas available in various sizes and operating frequencies, designed to meet specific customer needs. The sensors are characterized by their compact, robust design, offering high resolution, all-directional fields of view, and long detection ranges.

Advent Diamond

Grant in 2018
Advent Diamond specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor materials and components tailored for applications in telecommunications, power, quantum technologies, and sophisticated sensors. The company focuses on producing semiconducting diamond components by utilizing cleanroom processing, lithography, and surface modification techniques. In addition to its core offerings, Advent Diamond is engaged in creating innovative radiation detectors designed for the defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. Through its cutting-edge technology and expertise, the company aims to support various industries by enhancing their capabilities and fostering innovation.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2018
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2018
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

DeepBits

Grant in 2017
DeepBits is a technology company specializing in cybersecurity solutions. It organizes and indexes the world's binary code to swiftly identify vulnerabilities and malware in various devices, including computers, mobile phones, and IoT devices. Backed by extensive research funded by the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense, DeepBits' AI-driven tools generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), detect vulnerabilities, and ensure software supply chain security compliance. The company's platform disassembles and analyzes binary files to accurately pinpoint threats, enabling businesses to mitigate risks and reduce cybersecurity expenditure.

Gigajot Technology

Grant in 2017
Gigajot Technology Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based company founded in 2017 by Dr. Saleh Masoodian and Dr. Jiaju Ma. The company specializes in the development of quanta image sensors (QIS) that utilize high-speed single-photon detection to enhance image capture capabilities for both consumers and professionals. Gigajot Technology offers image processing services across various sectors, including scientific imaging, medical imaging, space imaging, security and defense, low-light photography and videography, computational imaging, automotive sensing, and 3D sensing. By focusing on advanced imaging technologies, Gigajot aims to create innovative solutions that address diverse imaging needs.

Guardion

Grant in 2017
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

South 8 Technologies

Grant in 2017
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer based in San Diego, California, specializing in advanced lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors that utilize a unique liquefied gas electrolyte known as LiGas®. Founded in 2015, the company addresses key issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly their susceptibility to fire and performance limitations in extreme temperatures. LiGas technology enhances energy density and safety, allowing batteries to operate effectively within a temperature range of -60 to 60 °C. This innovation serves a diverse array of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and defense industries, by providing improved performance and reduced flammability compared to conventional materials. South 8 has developed its first battery cell, the Arctic™ LiGas 18650, and is actively working on additional battery chemistries. The company holds 23 patents across multiple jurisdictions, with a customer base that includes cell manufacturers and end-users, supported by various investors in the technology and automotive sectors.

Steel City Optronics

Grant in 2017
Public safety is one of the largest concerns faced by governments and security agencies as public and private places become targets for attacks. The detection and mitigation of potential threats in real time are essential to security and public safety. Steel City Optronics has developed a new camera that detects concealed weapons and explosives from almost any distance, on subjects in motion — before they become dangerous to people and property. This fast and thorough security screening of moving objects is a crucial ability in today’s rapidly globalizing, fast-paced world. Metal detectors and security checkpoints are no longer sufficient to ensure public safety. Too often, dangerous threats are simply not detected by these traditional safety precautions, leaving people and property at risk. Since many recent threats have targeted public access areas ahead of the security checkpoints, a better security solution is clearly necessary. Explosives and weapons that people are carrying, while in motion, currently go largely undetected in real-world situations. Steel City Optronics addresses these, and other, issues with our state-of-the-art millimeter wave security camera. In addition to security monitoring for public safety, our cameras can see through common obscurants like smoke, fog, dust, and rain, making them ideal for situational awareness, object avoidance, and navigation.

TangiTek

Grant in 2017
TangiTek develops carbon fiber composites for use in aerospace, electronics, defense, communications, and consumer products. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Guardion

Grant in 2017
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2016
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.

Lunewave

Grant in 2016
Lunewave Inc. is a manufacturer based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, and specialized research. Lunewave develops advanced, three-dimensional printed Luneburg lens antennas and radar systems tailored for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drone technology. Its products feature custom-made antennas available in various sizes and operating frequencies, designed to meet specific customer needs. The sensors are characterized by their compact, robust design, offering high resolution, all-directional fields of view, and long detection ranges.

Infinium Metals

Grant in 2016
Infinium Metals, based in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced metallurgical processes for producing lightweight and magnetic materials. The company manufactures essential metals including magnesium, titanium, tantalum, neodymium, dysprosium, and solar-grade silicon using innovative techniques such as solid oxide membrane electrolysis. This low-energy process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact. Infinium Metals provides magnesium for fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft components, neodymium for magnets used in wind turbines and hybrid vehicles, and elements for high power-to-weight generators. Additionally, the company offers recycling solutions for magnesium and rare earth elements. Infinium serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer technology, defense, energy, and mass transit. Originally founded in 2008 as Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded in 2013 to reflect its broader focus on clean metals.

Influit Energy

Grant in 2016
Influit Energy develops novel, nanotechnology-based functional liquids, or nanofluids, that enable solutions for energy challenges, including low-viscosity liquids that transport and store electric and thermal energy. Influit developed a rechargeable liquid energy storage format for basing and defense capability. Influit is also working with DARPA to develop a rechargeable liquid energy storage format to address basing and defense capability needs. Mobile flow battery pods that can be connected to and accumulate energy from distributed or centralized intermittent renewable energy sources enable the closed-cycle energy storage ecosystem. Influit Energy focuses on material science, electrochemistry, system integration, and product development.

PC Krause and Associates

Grant in 2016
PC Krause and Associates (PCKA) was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1983. After the successful completion of several small task-ordered contracts with government agencies and Midwest utilities, PCKA was starting to become recognized as an up-and-coming consulting company with highly-talented engineers. It is a high-tech company with a concentration of high-level expertise in the dynamics of electromechanical systems with particular emphasis on power-electronic-based systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. The company has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and control techniques.

BTI Targetry

Grant in 2016
BTI Targetry specializes in the development and deployment of high-performance targets for radionuclide production. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

Endectra

Grant in 2016
Endectra, established in 2014 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing distributed sensor networks. These networks are designed to serve diverse sectors, including defense, medicine, and industry. The company's innovative technology includes biophotonic probes for non-invasive, real-time physiological measurements, plug-load power meters for enterprise energy management, spectrometers for manufacturing, and low-cost, ultralight vapor sensors for defense applications. Endectra's solutions enable clients to integrate novel sensor technologies, enhancing efficiency and performance in their respective fields.

TPhotonics

Grant in 2016
TPhotonics, founded in 2012 in Southern Arizona, is a company that focuses on developing advanced laser solutions utilizing its patented T-cavity technology. As a spin-off from the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, TPhotonics specializes in vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers. These lasers are capable of producing spectrally tunable light across multiple wavelengths, spanning from the ultraviolet to the far infrared regions of the spectrum. This versatility allows TPhotonics to cater to various sectors, including medical, commercial, and military applications, while also supporting scientific research and multi-disciplinary education in exploring new wavelengths and their potential uses.

R-DEX Systems

Grant in 2016
R-DEX Systems, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, specializes in developing information products derived from airborne and satellite imagery for defense and commercial uses. The company focuses on creating AI, robotics, automation, and sensor solutions tailored for mission-critical systems. R-DEX Systems produces advanced 2D and 3D machine vision inspection and robotics solutions that cater to a diverse array of applications in robotics, industrial automation, and automated inspection. Their innovations support the defense sector in the development and deployment of reliable and adaptable AI technologies.

Detroit Materials

Grant in 2016
Detroit Materials is an advanced materials firm focused on the commercialization of ultrahigh performance structural materials. It has a portfolio of customizable high-strength low-alloy structural ferrous materials for demanding applications in the defense, off-highway, tooling, and transportation industries. Detroit Materials’ materials provide cost and performance advantages over current high alloy materials. Its combination of material chemistry and manufacturing process creates steel with an average 40% lower material cost and similar properties to exotic alloys such as boron, nickel, and cobalt steels. Detroit Materials is headquartered in Michigan, U.S.

Tarsier Optics

Grant in 2016
Tarsier Optics specializes in advanced imaging technology, focusing on the development of quantum cameras that deliver high-resolution, noise-free images. The company's innovative image processing technique allows for effective long-range imaging, making it particularly suitable for military applications, including vehicles, aircraft, and drones. By utilizing lightweight lenses, Tarsier Optics enhances the clarity and quality of images, helping clients achieve a strategic advantage in various operational scenarios. This capability addresses challenges such as distortion from heat haze turbulence, ensuring that users obtain reliable and precise imagery in demanding environments.

Tetramer Technologies

Grant in 2016
Tetramer is a material science company committed to developing market-driven materials and bringing them from the lab to the market or battlefield. It serves as a research partner as well as a supplier of proprietary custom materials due to its extensive analytical and manufacturing capabilities. They also offer analytical services to assist manufacturers in resolving material-related issues.

American Manufacturing

Grant in 2016
American Manufacturing specializes in the volume production of standard steel containers for chrysler, ford, general motors, and their suppliers. They build standard and custom steel containers that are used to move parts through the manufacturing and assembly processes. The company fabricates and assembles a broad range of products, including military vehicle brackets, after-market towing products, cargo carrying devices, stamped and fabricated production parts, and machined weldments.

Autonomic Materials

Grant in 2015
Autonomic Materials, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of self-healing solutions for the coatings industry. The company produces microencapsulated additives that include both dual and single capsule systems, which utilize various chemical processes to repair coating damage at the micron level. These products provide corrosion protection and are applicable to a wide range of substrates, including metals, wood, concrete, plastics, and composites. Autonomic Materials' solutions are utilized in diverse sectors such as alternative energy, industrial maintenance, military equipment, infrastructure, and consumer paints. Founded in 2005 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company focuses on enhancing the performance and longevity of materials by enabling them to respond to damage autonomously, thus reducing the need for manual detection and intervention.

Air Squared

Grant in 2015
Air Squared specializes in the design and manufacture of oil-free scroll compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, primarily serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in various demanding industries. Founded in 1991, the company has established itself as a leader in oil-free scroll technology, offering the most extensive range of compressor models in the market. Its products cater to diverse sectors, including aerospace, fuel cell power generation, military, and medical applications, providing reliable and efficient solutions for positive displacement needs. Air Squared's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a trusted partner for OEMs seeking advanced fluid handling solutions.

BTI Targetry

Grant in 2015
BTI Targetry specializes in the development and deployment of high-performance targets for radionuclide production. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

SHINE Technologies

Grant in 2015
SHINE Technologies, LLC is a medical technology company that specializes in the production and supply of medical tracers and cancer treatment elements. It primarily manufactures and distributes molybdenum-99 (moly-99), a key isotope used in the diagnosis and staging of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Additionally, SHINE offers iodine-131 and iodine-125 for treating thyroid cancer and other abnormal thyroid conditions, as well as for diagnosing liver function, kidney blood flow, and urinary tract obstruction. The company also provides xenon-133 for evaluating lung function and blood flow, particularly in the brain. SHINE's products are used extensively in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, with an additional office in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2015
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

Akron Ascent Innovations

Grant in 2015
Akron Ascent Innovations specializes in developing fiber-based dry adhesive products that offer lasting adhesion across various applications. Their innovative dry adhesive is crafted from solid, sub-micron diameter fibers, allowing it to engage with microscopic surface contours effectively. This technology facilitates secure attachment for a wide range of items, including sheets, films, pictures, and packaging. By focusing on practical solutions to everyday challenges, the company aims to enhance user experiences in sectors such as consumer goods, medical devices, and defense. Akron Ascent Innovations is committed to creating materials that perform exceptionally well, contributing to improvements in both functionality and quality of life.

Endectra

Grant in 2014
Endectra, established in 2014 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing distributed sensor networks. These networks are designed to serve diverse sectors, including defense, medicine, and industry. The company's innovative technology includes biophotonic probes for non-invasive, real-time physiological measurements, plug-load power meters for enterprise energy management, spectrometers for manufacturing, and low-cost, ultralight vapor sensors for defense applications. Endectra's solutions enable clients to integrate novel sensor technologies, enhancing efficiency and performance in their respective fields.

Tetramer Technologies

Grant in 2014
Tetramer is a material science company committed to developing market-driven materials and bringing them from the lab to the market or battlefield. It serves as a research partner as well as a supplier of proprietary custom materials due to its extensive analytical and manufacturing capabilities. They also offer analytical services to assist manufacturers in resolving material-related issues.

InView

Grant in 2014
InView Technology Corporation, established in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializes in the development and manufacturing of compressive sensing-based imaging and hyperspectral imaging products. The company's offerings include CompressView software for data management, SWIR cameras, and controllable spatial light modulator systems. Its applications span various sectors such as microscopy and life sciences, military and surveillance, maritime, and industrial process control. InView's technology enables affordable and high-performance imaging solutions, making it a significant player in the imaging industry.

Silverside Detectors

Grant in 2014
Silverside Detectors is a technology company that develops nuclear radiation detection technologies to protect cities and citizens from nuclear terrorism. It designs and develops adaptable radiation detectors. These detectors can be installed in urban and transit infrastructure for nuclear detection. The company develops inexpensive thermal neutron detectors that can be a building block for large-area networked scanning and other future solutions for nuclear threat reduction.

AIMdyn

Grant in 2014
AIMdyn is to enable development of powerful forecasting technologies for broad use in industry. Amongst its customers and collaborators are large corporations such as BAE, United Technologies, Boeing and Ford as well as preeminent national research agencies such as DARPA and NIH.

EGW Technologies

Grant in 2014
EGW Technologies offers technology development and product design in industries including medical devices, laboratory equipment, avionics, defense, robotics, consumer electronics, sports equipment, transportation, industrial controls, and lighting.

Detroit Materials

Grant in 2014
Detroit Materials is an advanced materials firm focused on the commercialization of ultrahigh performance structural materials. It has a portfolio of customizable high-strength low-alloy structural ferrous materials for demanding applications in the defense, off-highway, tooling, and transportation industries. Detroit Materials’ materials provide cost and performance advantages over current high alloy materials. Its combination of material chemistry and manufacturing process creates steel with an average 40% lower material cost and similar properties to exotic alloys such as boron, nickel, and cobalt steels. Detroit Materials is headquartered in Michigan, U.S.

REL

Grant in 2014
REL, INC is a technology company with focus areas in material process development. REL develops advanced materials for high performance products, including lightweight brakes, insulation for NASA, armor and conformable natural gas tanks. Critical to the successful scale-up of material technology is the scale-up of process technology. REL develops it all in-house, the material and the process. This process equipment expertise leads to custom engineered equipment for casting, automation, test equipment and non-destructive testing.

Empire Robotics

Grant in 2014
Empire Robotics, Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in advanced robotic technology, particularly flexible end-effectors that utilize the jamming phase transition of granular materials. The company's team comprises experts in soft robotics, materials science, and automation engineering, allowing them to serve a variety of sectors, including agile manufacturing, collaborative robotics, prosthetics, and mobile military applications. Empire Robotics develops products that facilitate secure grasping and manipulation of diverse objects, utilizing simple and cost-effective tools, thus enhancing efficiency across multiple technological fields.

Vaporsens

Grant in 2014
Vaporsens develops advanced chemical sensors designed for law enforcement, military, and public safety applications. The company is focused on creating a detector that can effectively identify explosives and narcotics, utilizing a patent-pending sensor that boasts enhanced sensitivity and selectivity compared to existing technologies. Vaporsens is also pursuing several additional patents for next-generation sensors intended for various detection methods, including handheld, ambient, and checkpoint use. By prioritizing innovation in sensor technology, Vaporsens aims to improve the capabilities of safety officials in their efforts to combat threats.

TRX Systems

Grant in 2014
TRX Systems, Inc. specializes in developing indoor location solutions that provide accurate tracking and mapping in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such as indoors, underground, and in dense urban areas. The company's flagship product, the NEON system, integrates advanced sensor fusion, time-of-flight ranging, and mapping algorithms to deliver precise real-time location data. Key offerings include the NEON Tracking Unit, a wearable sensor accessory, and the NEON Personnel Tracker, which enables users to be tracked both indoors and outdoors for applications in industrial, security, public safety, and defense sectors. Additionally, TRX provides NEON Signal Mapper for real-time 3D indoor mapping and other application programming interface solutions. The company's technology is embedded in various devices like mobile phones and radios, enhancing situational awareness and command effectiveness. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland, TRX Systems markets its products through online channels.

Air Squared

Grant in 2013
Air Squared specializes in the design and manufacture of oil-free scroll compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, primarily serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in various demanding industries. Founded in 1991, the company has established itself as a leader in oil-free scroll technology, offering the most extensive range of compressor models in the market. Its products cater to diverse sectors, including aerospace, fuel cell power generation, military, and medical applications, providing reliable and efficient solutions for positive displacement needs. Air Squared's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a trusted partner for OEMs seeking advanced fluid handling solutions.

MAVRIC

Grant in 2013
MAVRIC is a cross-campus multidisciplinary collaboration to study Autonomous Vehicles at the University of Michigan. MAVRIC represents a truly multidisciplinary approach to studying Autonomous Vehicles. Members of MAVRIC are from the School of Information, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute. MAVRIC's research has been sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), Toyota Research Institute (TRI), MCity/Mobility Transformation Center.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2013
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

TPhotonics

Grant in 2013
TPhotonics, founded in 2012 in Southern Arizona, is a company that focuses on developing advanced laser solutions utilizing its patented T-cavity technology. As a spin-off from the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, TPhotonics specializes in vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers. These lasers are capable of producing spectrally tunable light across multiple wavelengths, spanning from the ultraviolet to the far infrared regions of the spectrum. This versatility allows TPhotonics to cater to various sectors, including medical, commercial, and military applications, while also supporting scientific research and multi-disciplinary education in exploring new wavelengths and their potential uses.

Charles River Analytics

Grant in 2013
Charles River Analytics, Inc. specializes in developing intelligent systems tailored for government, defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. The company provides a range of products, including cognitive systems, sensor processing, decision management tools, and autonomous robotic platforms designed for information management and command applications. Notable offerings include BNet, a network-building tool; VisionKit, which automates visual tasks through computer vision; and Verideo, a video annotation software. Their technologies incorporate various advanced methodologies such as data mining, expert systems, and neural networks. Additionally, Charles River Analytics offers outsourced software engineering services that focus on computer vision, intelligent agents, and multi-agent system development. Founded in 1983 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company primarily serves the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense, aiming to transform data into actionable insights that facilitate critical assessment and decision-making.

REL

Grant in 2013
REL, INC is a technology company with focus areas in material process development. REL develops advanced materials for high performance products, including lightweight brakes, insulation for NASA, armor and conformable natural gas tanks. Critical to the successful scale-up of material technology is the scale-up of process technology. REL develops it all in-house, the material and the process. This process equipment expertise leads to custom engineered equipment for casting, automation, test equipment and non-destructive testing.

Tetramer Technologies

Grant in 2013
Tetramer is a material science company committed to developing market-driven materials and bringing them from the lab to the market or battlefield. It serves as a research partner as well as a supplier of proprietary custom materials due to its extensive analytical and manufacturing capabilities. They also offer analytical services to assist manufacturers in resolving material-related issues.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.