US Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Maria Robinson

Director of DOE's Grid Deployment Office

David Tucker

Research Scientist

Past deals in Midwestern US

Michigan State University

Grant in 2025
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a comprehensive educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs across various fields, including business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. Its academic structure comprises several colleges, including the Eli Broad College of Business and the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, among others. In addition to its educational mission, Michigan State University manages an endowment fund with $200 million in assets, employing alternative investment strategies such as buyouts, hedge funds, and venture capital. The endowment aims for a net internal rate of return of 10%, with allocations of up to 11% of total assets dedicated to alternative investments. This fund has been operational since 1988, highlighting the university's commitment to financial stewardship in support of its educational objectives.

Niron Magnetics

Debt Financing in 2025
Niron Magnetics, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based company founded in 2013, specializing in the development and manufacturing of permanent magnets made from advanced iron nitride materials. These innovative magnets are designed for various industrial applications, including motors and generators, where they offer enhanced performance and efficiency. Niron's iron nitride magnets feature high magnetization and greater magnetic flux density compared to traditional ferrite and NdFeB-based magnets, enabling manufacturers in sectors such as automotive and computing to reduce size and weight without sacrificing power or torque. Additionally, Niron Magnetics collaborates with government entities and investors to promote national security initiatives through their cutting-edge technology.

Michigan Potash Company

Debt Financing in 2025
Founded in 2011, Michigan Potash Company is a U.S.-based producer and supplier of potash and salt. It offers white muriate of potash for various applications such as fertilizer, feed, industrial processes, purified acid, metal finishing, and food-grade salts for water softening and de-icing.

DTE Energy

Post in 2025
DTE Energy is a major provider of gas and electric utility services in Michigan, serving approximately 2.3 million customers through its DTE Electric division and 1.3 million customers via DTE Gas. The company operates two regulated utilities that account for a significant portion of its earnings. In addition to its utility services, DTE Energy is involved in nonutility ventures, including energy marketing and trading, renewable natural gas facilities, and on-site industrial energy projects. The company is committed to fostering community development and supports various initiatives through the DTE Energy Foundation, which focuses on arts, education, and environmental needs, among others.

StarPlus Energy

Debt Financing in 2024
StarPlus Energy is a manufacturer based in Kokomo, Indiana, specializing in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. The company is focused on revolutionizing the electric vehicle battery manufacturing process, aiming to enhance efficiency and performance in the industry. Through its innovative approaches, StarPlus Energy is positioned to play a significant role in the growing market for electric vehicle batteries, contributing to the transition towards sustainable transportation solutions.

FirstEnergy

Grant in 2024
FirstEnergy Corporation, established in 1996 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a diversified energy company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The company operates through regulated distribution and transmission segments, owning and managing a vast network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems. These include coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, and solar facilities, as well as 24,486 circuit miles of transmission lines and 269,691 miles of distribution lines, with a total installed transformer capacity of approximately 156,115,196 kilovolt-amperes. In addition to its core operations, FirstEnergy also provides energy-related products and services to retail and wholesale customers, contributing to the strengthening of local communities through its foundation's support of nonprofit organizations.

ArcelorMittal USA

Grant in 2024
ArcelorMittal USA LLC is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products and mining materials, primarily serving North American markets. The company produces various flat products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, steel plates, coated products, and tin sheets, as well as long products such as railroad rails and ingots. Additionally, it offers welded products, carbon and alloy tubular products, and engages in the production of iron ore and metallurgical coal. ArcelorMittal USA serves diverse sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. It operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., having undergone a name change from ArcelorMittal USA Inc. in December 2010.

Caterpillar

Grant in 2024
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, markets and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines, and provides related financial products and insurance services. The company operates through segments including Construction Industries, Resource Industries, Energy & Transportation, and Financial Products, with an All Other segment handling parts, logistics and digital services. Construction Industries covers equipment for paving, earthmoving and site preparation; Resource Industries offers mining and heavy equipment with autonomous and solutions tools; Energy & Transportation includes power generation, marine and rail products and related services. A global dealer network supports sales and service worldwide. Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Caterpillar is a leading global manufacturer with a large installed base of machines and engines and ongoing investments in research, development and technology.

General Motors

Grant in 2024
General Motors is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. It designs, manufactures, and sells cars and trucks in regions including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, offering a broad lineup of sedans, crossovers, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, and hybrids, along with parts, accessories, and in-vehicle safety and information services. The company provides used vehicles and distributes its products through a network of dealers and distributors. It operates through North America, International, and Financing segments and maintains a broad brand portfolio, supported by GM Financial for customer financing. General Motors has a history of major restructuring following the 2009 bankruptcy and government involvement, including a 2010 initial public offering, and continues to pursue mobility and propulsion technology development. Headquartered in Detroit, GM is among the world’s largest automakers by vehicle unit sales.

The University of Akron

Grant in 2024
The University of Akron is a comprehensive public university that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to achieve academic, professional, and personal success through inclusive higher education.

SHINE

Grant in 2024
SHINE develops and deploys fusion-based technology to produce medical isotopes and neutron sources. Its processes generate molybdenum-99, a precursor to technetium-99m used in diagnostic imaging, and lutetium-177 for diagnostic and therapeutic use, along with iodine-131 and iodine-125 for thyroid treatment and brachytherapy, and xenon-133 for lung and brain imaging. The company’s systems also provide neutron sources for industrial imaging, radiation-effects testing, and fusion materials research. In addition to medical isotopes, SHINE aims to recycle nuclear waste and advance fusion power as a source of clean energy. The business serves health care and industrial customers worldwide. SHINE is based in Janesville, Wisconsin, with an office in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

Ohio University

Grant in 2024
Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, is a comprehensive institution offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including Biological Sciences, Creative Writing, and Health Services Administration. Established in 1804, it aims to provide students with the necessary academic support through resources such as tutoring, writing assistance, and computer labs, fostering a conducive learning environment. The university also emphasizes student life, featuring vibrant arts programs and various extracurricular activities. Additionally, the Ohio University Innovation Center, established in 1983, supports entrepreneurs by transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. By providing access to a network of industry experts and essential resources, the Innovation Center enhances business stability and visibility, thereby contributing to local economic growth. Through these initiatives, Ohio University strives to equip students and entrepreneurs alike with the tools needed for academic and professional success.

NanoGraf

Grant in 2024
NanoGraf Corporation is a materials science company based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on the development and commercialization of advanced materials for the energy storage market. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in silicon-graphene electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. NanoGraf has created a high energy density silicon-based anode material that presents a promising alternative to traditional graphitic-based anodes. This innovative technology has applications across various sectors, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. The company's materials are designed to enhance battery capacity and reduce charging times, enabling the production of lithium-ion batteries through a cost-effective, chemistry-based manufacturing process.

NETenergy

Grant in 2024
NETenergy is a thermal energy storage company based in Chicago, IL, specializing in innovative technology that aims to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The company's core product, a thermal battery, is designed to store cold energy during off-peak hours. This stored energy can then be used to cool buildings during peak hours when energy costs are elevated. By utilizing this technology, building owners can achieve significant savings on their energy bills while also contributing to lower carbon emissions.

Purdue University

Grant in 2024
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Grant in 2024
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a comprehensive land-grant university offering over 600 undergraduate and graduate majors across a wide range of disciplines.

Gas Technology Institute

Grant in 2024
Gas Technology Institute is a research, development, and training organization addressing energy and environmental challenges to enable a secure, abundant, and affordable energy future. The company provides economic value to the natural gas industry and energy markets by developing technology-based solutions for industry, government, and consumers. Its research initiatives address issues impacting the natural gas and energy markets across the industry’s value chain—supply, delivery, and end use. GTI offers an integrated systems perspective to expand the supply of affordable energy, ensure a safe and reliable energy delivery infrastructure, and promote the efficient use of energy resources. GTI is based in Des Plaines, Illinois, founded in 1941 as a non-profit corporation.

Case Western Reserve University

Grant in 2024
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.

Eden Park Illumination

Grant in 2024
Eden Park Illumination, Inc., established in 2007 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, specializes in the research, development, manufacture, and commercialization of innovative lighting systems. The company is renowned for its patented thin UV lamps operating at 222nm, designed to safely disinfect air and surfaces, mitigating threats from pathogens like Covid-19. Their products are used in various applications such as retail display, architectural surfaces, under-cabinet lighting, and interior spaces. Eden Park Illumination's team comprises business and technology experts who collaborate to create safer indoor environments using cutting-edge lighting technology.

Triton Systems

Grant in 2024
Triton Systems, Inc. is an advanced materials, coatings, and systems engineering product development firm located near Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1992, the company combines U.S. government funding with private investments to bring innovative ideas to market. Triton operates multiple facilities, including a research and development and manufacturing site in Fargo, North Dakota, a life science group in Berkeley, California, and a manufacturing location in Domat-EMS, Switzerland. The firm focuses on developing and commercializing technologies across various sectors, including medical devices, human health, energy, defense, and robotics. Triton's product offerings include electronic enclosures, composite airdrop platforms, fiber-reinforced aluminum composites, sensors, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and pre-concentrators. The company emphasizes in-house incubation and external partnerships to address complex challenges in acoustics, artificial intelligence, materials design, and human systems.

Allete

Grant in 2024
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota, incorporated in 1906. It operates through two primary segments: Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy. The Regulated Operations segment includes Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power Company, which provide electric, natural gas, and water services to a significant number of customers in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Additionally, this segment encompasses an investment in American Transmission Company, a utility that maintains electric transmission infrastructure across parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on the development, acquisition, and operation of clean and renewable energy projects, operating around 660 megawatts of wind energy generation. The company is also involved in coal mining operations in North Dakota and real estate investments in Florida, while owning and operating multiple substations with substantial capacity.

Generac Power Systems

Grant in 2024
Generac Power Systems designs and manufactures power generation equipment for residential, commercial, and industrial markets. It offers standby and portable generators, automatic transfer switches, and related accessories, including home energy storage with PWRcell, and power products such as lighting and outdoor power equipment. The company provides installation, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and service support, and sells its products through retailers, service centers, and dealers in the United States, Canada, and internationally via online stores. Generac serves professionals and organizations across industries such as healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, education, and retail.

Harley-Davidson

Grant in 2024
Harley-Davidson manufactures and sells heavyweight motorcycles across custom, cruising, touring, and adventure segments. It offers motorcycle parts, accessories, and related services. The company also provides financing options, insurance products, and protection plans through its captive finance arm.

General Motors

Grant in 2024
General Motors is a multinational automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. It designs, manufactures, and sells cars and trucks in regions including the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, offering a broad lineup of sedans, crossovers, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, and hybrids, along with parts, accessories, and in-vehicle safety and information services. The company provides used vehicles and distributes its products through a network of dealers and distributors. It operates through North America, International, and Financing segments and maintains a broad brand portfolio, supported by GM Financial for customer financing. General Motors has a history of major restructuring following the 2009 bankruptcy and government involvement, including a 2010 initial public offering, and continues to pursue mobility and propulsion technology development. Headquartered in Detroit, GM is among the world’s largest automakers by vehicle unit sales.

Valence Surface Technologies

Grant in 2024
Valence Surface Technologies, LLC is an independent metal finishing company that specializes in serving the aviation, defense, and space industries. Established in 1957 and headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, the company operates multiple facilities across critical aerospace manufacturing hubs, including locations in California, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Valence provides a comprehensive suite of services, including aerospace metal finishing, chemical processing (such as anodizing and chemical film coating), plating, painting and spray coating, shot peening, and non-destructive testing. The company is particularly focused on mission-critical components, ensuring stringent quality standards are met for flight-critical parts. Valence's extensive expertise and broad range of capabilities enable it to handle a variety of components, from large structural parts to intricate engine and electronic components, making it a key player in the aerospace and defense sectors.

TH Foods

Grant in 2024
TH Foods, Inc., established in 1984 and headquartered in Loves Park, Illinois, is a global snack food producer. It specializes in a wide array of products, including snack crisps, sesame sticks, corn sticks, baked wheat crackers, rice-based snacks, nuts, dried fruits, and confections. The company is renowned for its commitment to customer service and the quality of its products. As of 2020, TH Foods operates as a subsidiary of Kameda Seika Co., Ltd.

Purdue University

Grant in 2024
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Avium

Grant in 2024
Avium develops fuels and chemicals from CO2, water, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lawrence, Kansas.

BRITE Energy Innovators

Grant in 2024
BRITE Energy Innovators is an incubator located in Warren, Ohio, dedicated to supporting energy technology startups. Established in 2010, BRITE provides crucial resources, guidance, and connections to help these companies develop their products and bring them to market. With a strong emphasis on energy technologies, BRITE offers advanced materials, electronics, efficiency, and control systems as part of its comprehensive support. The organization features well-equipped laboratories for testing and developing energy storage and IoT solutions, making it accessible for startups and businesses of all sizes. Additionally, BRITE hosts coworking memberships and event spaces to foster collaboration and innovation. Since its inception, BRITE has assisted over 200 startups and has played a significant role in helping them secure in excess of $60 million in funding.

Iowa State University

Grant in 2024
Iowa State University, founded in 1858 and located in Ames, Iowa, is recognized as a leading public research university with a strong focus on student engagement. It offers a diverse array of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as accounting, agriculture, architecture, and business administration. With a vibrant campus life, Iowa State boasts more than 800 student organizations, fostering leadership and personal growth among its culturally diverse student body of over 31,000 individuals from all 50 states and over 110 countries. The university's commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment empowers students to explore their passions and achieve their potential.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Grant in 2024
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.

Cleveland Cliffs

Grant in 2024
Cleveland-Cliffs is a Cleveland, Ohio-based company specializing in the mining and processing of iron ore and coal, while also being a prominent producer of flat-rolled steel products in North America. The company operates through various segments, primarily focused on steelmaking, and is vertically integrated, managing the entire supply chain from raw materials to finished steel products. Its operations are organized by product type and geographic location, including U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, and North American Coal. Cleveland-Cliffs serves a diverse range of markets with a comprehensive portfolio of offerings, operating primarily in the United States, Canada, and select international locations.

O-I Glass

Grant in 2024
O-I Glass, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of glass containers, specializing in products for the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, the company produces a diverse range of glass packaging for alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, food items, and pharmaceuticals. O-I Glass operates primarily in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, with approximately 70% of its revenue generated from international markets. The company offers glass containers in various sizes, shapes, and colors, and markets its products directly to customers through long-term supply agreements and distributors. O-I Glass aims to maintain and expand its strong positions in key markets, including Europe, North America, and Brazil.

ArcelorMittal USA

Grant in 2024
ArcelorMittal USA LLC is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products and mining materials, primarily serving North American markets. The company produces various flat products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, steel plates, coated products, and tin sheets, as well as long products such as railroad rails and ingots. Additionally, it offers welded products, carbon and alloy tubular products, and engages in the production of iron ore and metallurgical coal. ArcelorMittal USA serves diverse sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. It operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., having undergone a name change from ArcelorMittal USA Inc. in December 2010.

Kansas State University

Grant in 2024
Kansas State University is to encourage outstanding teaching, research, and service that creates highly educated and talented citizens vital to developing Kansas, the country, and the global community.

Iowa State University

Grant in 2024
Iowa State University, founded in 1858 and located in Ames, Iowa, is recognized as a leading public research university with a strong focus on student engagement. It offers a diverse array of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as accounting, agriculture, architecture, and business administration. With a vibrant campus life, Iowa State boasts more than 800 student organizations, fostering leadership and personal growth among its culturally diverse student body of over 31,000 individuals from all 50 states and over 110 countries. The university's commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment empowers students to explore their passions and achieve their potential.

Gas Technology Institute

Grant in 2024
Gas Technology Institute is a research, development, and training organization addressing energy and environmental challenges to enable a secure, abundant, and affordable energy future. The company provides economic value to the natural gas industry and energy markets by developing technology-based solutions for industry, government, and consumers. Its research initiatives address issues impacting the natural gas and energy markets across the industry’s value chain—supply, delivery, and end use. GTI offers an integrated systems perspective to expand the supply of affordable energy, ensure a safe and reliable energy delivery infrastructure, and promote the efficient use of energy resources. GTI is based in Des Plaines, Illinois, founded in 1941 as a non-profit corporation.

VRC Metal Systems

Grant in 2024
VRC Metal Systems, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, specializes in the manufacture of advanced metal working equipment and automation systems. Its core product, the VRC Gen III, is a high-pressure cold spray system that accelerates metal powders to supersonic speeds for applications such as part repair, advanced coatings, and additive manufacturing. The company also offers automated additive and subtractive systems, portable dust collectors, spray coating systems, consumables, and related services like integrated installations and on-site support.

Triton Systems

Grant in 2024
Triton Systems, Inc. is an advanced materials, coatings, and systems engineering product development firm located near Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1992, the company combines U.S. government funding with private investments to bring innovative ideas to market. Triton operates multiple facilities, including a research and development and manufacturing site in Fargo, North Dakota, a life science group in Berkeley, California, and a manufacturing location in Domat-EMS, Switzerland. The firm focuses on developing and commercializing technologies across various sectors, including medical devices, human health, energy, defense, and robotics. Triton's product offerings include electronic enclosures, composite airdrop platforms, fiber-reinforced aluminum composites, sensors, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and pre-concentrators. The company emphasizes in-house incubation and external partnerships to address complex challenges in acoustics, artificial intelligence, materials design, and human systems.

University of Detroit Mercy

Grant in 2023
Formerly separate institutions, the University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit merged in 1990. The result of this consolidation was the University of Detroit Mercy, a comprehensive university with a diverse student body, personalized instruction, and extensive academics. The University of Detroit Mercy consists of these schools: * School of Architecture * College of Business Administration * School of Dentistry * College of Engineering and Science * College of Health Professions (including the McAuley School of Nursing) * School of Law * College of Liberal Arts & Education About 100 programs of study are available, including several top-tier graduate programs. Individualized instruction is a priority at the University of Detroit Mercy, and the school keeps its student-to-faculty ratio low with an average class size of 20. Several financial aid sources are available, including government programs like the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and federal work-study. The university also offers several renewable merit scholarships. Many of these are based on your academic achievements, and some take activities, interests and goals into consideration. All incoming freshmen are automatically considered for these awards.

LuxWall

Grant in 2023
LuxWall is a building materials company that designs and manufactures vacuum-insulated glass, a transparent insulation material that reduces heating and cooling losses and improves building energy efficiency. Its vacuum-insulated glass supports energy standards for commercial and residential buildings and uses technology aimed at enabling greater thermal performance. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, LuxWall seeks to advance sustainable construction and has indicated a potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year, highlighting its environmental impact.

Evansville Energy Nucleus

Grant in 2023
Evansville Energy Nucleus is a collaborative project between Evansville-based not-for-profit Circular Venture Lab and the University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation and Change that provides resources specifically for manufacturers of clean energy components and systems.

Minnesota Power

Grant in 2023
Minnesota Power is an energy distribution company.

Consumers Energy Company

Grant in 2023
Consumers Energy Company is a Michigan-based electric and natural gas utility serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the Lower Peninsula. It delivers electricity and natural gas to about 6.7 million residents in 68 counties. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, it operates through Electric Utility and Gas Utility segments and also includes NorthStar Clean Energy as a non-utility investments unit. It is a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation.

Allete

Grant in 2023
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota, incorporated in 1906. It operates through two primary segments: Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy. The Regulated Operations segment includes Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power Company, which provide electric, natural gas, and water services to a significant number of customers in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Additionally, this segment encompasses an investment in American Transmission Company, a utility that maintains electric transmission infrastructure across parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on the development, acquisition, and operation of clean and renewable energy projects, operating around 660 megawatts of wind energy generation. The company is also involved in coal mining operations in North Dakota and real estate investments in Florida, while owning and operating multiple substations with substantial capacity.

Xcel Energy

Grant in 2023
Xcel Energy is a leading electric and natural gas utility company serving approximately 6 million customers across eight states. It generates power through diverse sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions and aims to supply more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Oliver Winery

Grant in 2023
Oliver Winery is an employee-owned winery located in Bloomington, Indiana, known for producing a diverse range of wines. The company specializes in crafting low alcohol by volume (ABV) wines, including red, white, and fruit wines, as well as ciders and meads. By offering a wide selection of classic varietal wines and refreshing apple ciders, Oliver Winery caters to a variety of consumer preferences while maintaining affordability. Its commitment to quality fruit sourcing and innovative production methods has positioned the winery as a notable player in the industry.

Argonne National Laboratory

Grant in 2023
Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where “dream teams” of world-class researchers work alongside experts from industry, academia and other government laboratories to address vital national challenges in clean energy, environment, technology and national security. Through collaborations with researchers here at Argonne and around the world, they strive to discover new ways to develop energy innovations through science, create novel materials molecule-by-molecule, and gain a deeper understanding of their planet, their climate and the cosmos. Surrounded by the highest concentration of top-tier research organizations in the world, Argonne leverages its Chicago-area location to lead discovery and to power innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from high-energy physics and materials science to structural biology and advanced computer science. Embracing the nation’s greatest challenges, Argonne’s world-renowned scientists and engineers conduct pioneering research that advances America’s scientific excellence and leadership and helps pave the way to a secure nation with a plentiful supply of safe, sustainable energy, a healthy environment, and a competitive economy. They pursue big, ambitious ideas that redefine what is possible. Their pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries pushes the boundaries of fundamental science, applied science and engineering to solve complex challenges and develop useful technologies that can transform the marketplace and change the world. A center for world-class discovery and scientific excellence, their diverse and dynamic research agenda spans 15 scientific divisions, 14 centers, and six national user facilities. This rich scientific environment provides their researchers – and those who visit us from all corners of the globe – with an extraordinary range of cutting-edge facilities and scientific tools that support in-depth research, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve their nation’s competitiveness and quality of life. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science

Xcel Energy

Grant in 2023
Xcel Energy is a leading electric and natural gas utility company serving approximately 6 million customers across eight states. It generates power through diverse sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions and aims to supply more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Purdue University

Grant in 2023
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Iowa State University

Grant in 2023
Iowa State University, founded in 1858 and located in Ames, Iowa, is recognized as a leading public research university with a strong focus on student engagement. It offers a diverse array of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as accounting, agriculture, architecture, and business administration. With a vibrant campus life, Iowa State boasts more than 800 student organizations, fostering leadership and personal growth among its culturally diverse student body of over 31,000 individuals from all 50 states and over 110 countries. The university's commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment empowers students to explore their passions and achieve their potential.

North Dakota University

Grant in 2023
The University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is recognized as one of the top 100 doctoral research universities in the United States. Established in 1883, UND offers a diverse array of over 300 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including the prestigious School of Aerospace Sciences. The university focuses on academic excellence and integrity, providing students with numerous opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. With a vibrant campus life, students can engage in more than 200 clubs and organizations, participate in events such as career fairs and international food festivals, and contribute to various philanthropic activities. Admissions require prospective students to submit applications along with official transcripts and standardized test scores, with favorable tuition rates for North Dakota residents. The university also offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, encouraging students to pursue their educational goals while benefiting from a supportive academic environment.

Michigan State University

Grant in 2023
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a comprehensive educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs across various fields, including business, humanities, science and technology, and public affairs. Its academic structure comprises several colleges, including the Eli Broad College of Business and the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, among others. In addition to its educational mission, Michigan State University manages an endowment fund with $200 million in assets, employing alternative investment strategies such as buyouts, hedge funds, and venture capital. The endowment aims for a net internal rate of return of 10%, with allocations of up to 11% of total assets dedicated to alternative investments. This fund has been operational since 1988, highlighting the university's commitment to financial stewardship in support of its educational objectives.

Illinois Green Alliance

Grant in 2023
Illinois Green Alliance is to advance communities and structures that provide people with greener, brighter, healthier places to live, work, and study.

Copeland

Grant in 2023
Copeland designs and manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its offerings include compressors, condensing units, hydrofluorocarbon products, and scroll compressors, serving various sectors such as heat pumps, refrigeration, and air conditioning. The company operates globally, providing services like system design, testing, distribution, education, energy management, and on-site monitoring.

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.

Ford Motor Company

Debt Financing in 2023
Ford Motor Company is a prominent automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Michigan, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The company produces a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and tractors, and sells them through dealerships for both retail and fleet customers, including government and rental agencies. In addition to manufacturing, Ford offers various automotive financing products through its subsidiary, Ford Motor Credit Company. These financial services include retail installment sale contracts, direct financing leases for new vehicles, and wholesale loans to dealerships for inventory purchases and facility improvements. Ford also provides insurance products, including coverage for vehicles in transit and extended service contracts. The company is committed to environmental sustainability and has initiated efforts in alternative fuel technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Automation Alley

Grant in 2023
Automation Alley is a leading nonprofit organization based in Troy, Michigan, dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in the technology and manufacturing sectors. Established in 1999, it connects industry, academia, and government to drive Southeast Michigan's economy forward by providing resources, funding, and actionable intelligence tailored for the digital age.

Bluestem Biosciences

Grant in 2023
Bluestem Biosciences, Inc. focuses on advancing synthetic biology to enhance industrial applications in the Midwest. The company has developed a digital biology platform aimed at creating biological solutions tailored for strategic opportunities in agriculture and infrastructure. This platform supports the discovery and development of biomanufacturing processes, emphasizing the sustainable production of chemicals and materials. By leveraging proprietary biology designed for anaerobic fermentation conditions, Bluestem enables clients to utilize programmable biology for the efficient manufacturing of commodity chemicals.

Tech4Imaging

Grant in 2023
Tech4Imaging specializes in developing non-invasive imaging technology for commercial and industrial use. It focuses on creating instrumentation that optimizes and automates processes, even in extreme conditions where standard methods fail. The company's proprietary Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) technology enables it to deliver advanced sensing solutions, backed by over 15 patents and numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Avium

Grant in 2023
Avium develops fuels and chemicals from CO2, water, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lawrence, Kansas.

Celadyne

Grant in 2023
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.

Triton Systems

Grant in 2023
Triton Systems, Inc. is an advanced materials, coatings, and systems engineering product development firm located near Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1992, the company combines U.S. government funding with private investments to bring innovative ideas to market. Triton operates multiple facilities, including a research and development and manufacturing site in Fargo, North Dakota, a life science group in Berkeley, California, and a manufacturing location in Domat-EMS, Switzerland. The firm focuses on developing and commercializing technologies across various sectors, including medical devices, human health, energy, defense, and robotics. Triton's product offerings include electronic enclosures, composite airdrop platforms, fiber-reinforced aluminum composites, sensors, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and pre-concentrators. The company emphasizes in-house incubation and external partnerships to address complex challenges in acoustics, artificial intelligence, materials design, and human systems.

University of Illinois Chicago

Grant in 2023
A major research university in the heart of one of the world's greatest cities, UIC provides a world-class education for its students. We are committed to creating and disseminating new knowledge as a university of growing national and international stature. The largest university in the Chicago area, UIC has 27,580 students, 15 colleges-including the nation's largest medical school-and annual research expenditures exceeding $335 million. UIC operates the state's major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois' physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other health-care professionals. A truly global institution, more than a third of UIC students speak English as a second language. UIC's student body-approximately 61 percent undergraduate and 39 percent graduate and professional-is recognized as one of the nation's most diverse. We consider this one of our greatest strengths.

Toledo Solar

Grant in 2023
Toledo Solar, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Perrysburg, Ohio, specializing in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin cell solar panels. Established in 2019, the company markets its products for a range of applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-grade power generation. Toledo Solar aims to support energy independence and sustainability by offering innovative solutions such as rooftop systems, semi-transparent solar windows, skylights, sunroofs, greenhouses, and farm canopies. The company collaborates with regional partners across the United States to supply not only solar panels but also inverters, racking, and energy storage solutions, thereby helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs.

Sivananthan Laboratories

Grant in 2023
Established in 2009 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, Sivananthan Laboratories is a high-tech business incubator dedicated to fostering economic growth by supporting cutting-edge research and development. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by promoting scientific collaboration among these sectors.

Lincolnway Energy

Grant in 2023
Lincolnway Energy is a dry mill ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa, that converts corn into fuel-grade ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and carbon dioxide. The facility produces ethanol for refiners, blenders, and wholesale gasoline marketers, and supplies distillers grains to livestock producers such as swine, poultry, dairy, and beef operations. It also generates corn oil, used in biodiesel operations and as an energy component. Founded in 2004 and based in Nevada, Iowa, the company focuses on renewable energy production for domestic energy needs.

Green Plains

Grant in 2023
Green Plains is a vertically integrated ethanol producer based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company operates about 17 ethanol plants across the United States with a production capacity around 1.5 billion gallons per year and runs an independent third-party ethanol marketing business, Green Plains Trade. Its activities include producing ethanol and byproducts such as distillers grains, Ultra-High Protein, and renewable corn oil; grain handling and storage; and merchant trading for ethanol, distillers grains, renewable oils, natural gas, and other commodities.

Niron Magnetics

Grant in 2022
Niron Magnetics, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based company founded in 2013, specializing in the development and manufacturing of permanent magnets made from advanced iron nitride materials. These innovative magnets are designed for various industrial applications, including motors and generators, where they offer enhanced performance and efficiency. Niron's iron nitride magnets feature high magnetization and greater magnetic flux density compared to traditional ferrite and NdFeB-based magnets, enabling manufacturers in sectors such as automotive and computing to reduce size and weight without sacrificing power or torque. Additionally, Niron Magnetics collaborates with government entities and investors to promote national security initiatives through their cutting-edge technology.

Michigan Technological University

Grant in 2022
Michigan Technological University, founded in 1885 and located in the northern part of Michigan, is a non-profit educational institution known for its strong emphasis on engineering and technology. While its primary focus lies in science, engineering, and computing, Michigan Tech also offers a diverse range of academic programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, environmental science, and forestry. The university provides ample financial aid options, participating in government programs and offering various scholarships, including the Department of Defense's SMART Scholarship, which covers tuition and expenses for exceptional science students. Michigan Tech has a vibrant student life, particularly noted for winter sports and the annual Winter Carnival, which showcases impressive snow sculptures and outdoor activities. Admissions require standardized test scores and high school transcripts, with some programs having additional criteria.

Fermilab

Grant in 2022
Fermilab is an American particle physics and accelerator laboratory dedicated to exploring high-energy physics. It leads the world in neutrino science with particle accelerators, leads the nation in the development of particle colliders and their use for scientific discovery, and advances particle physics through measurements of the cosmos. The laboratory’s 1,750 employees include scientists and engineers from all around the world. It collaborates with more than 20 countries on physics experiments based in the United States and elsewhere. Fermilab's 6,800-acre site is located in Batavia, Illinois, and is managed by the Fermi Research Alliance, a partnership of the University of Chicago and Universities Research Association, a consortium of 86 research universities, for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. Fermilab builds and operates world-leading accelerator and detector facilities, performs pioneering research with national and global partners, and develops new technologies for science that support U.S. industrial competitiveness. Fermilab was founded in 1968.

Argonne National Laboratory

Grant in 2022
Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where “dream teams” of world-class researchers work alongside experts from industry, academia and other government laboratories to address vital national challenges in clean energy, environment, technology and national security. Through collaborations with researchers here at Argonne and around the world, they strive to discover new ways to develop energy innovations through science, create novel materials molecule-by-molecule, and gain a deeper understanding of their planet, their climate and the cosmos. Surrounded by the highest concentration of top-tier research organizations in the world, Argonne leverages its Chicago-area location to lead discovery and to power innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from high-energy physics and materials science to structural biology and advanced computer science. Embracing the nation’s greatest challenges, Argonne’s world-renowned scientists and engineers conduct pioneering research that advances America’s scientific excellence and leadership and helps pave the way to a secure nation with a plentiful supply of safe, sustainable energy, a healthy environment, and a competitive economy. They pursue big, ambitious ideas that redefine what is possible. Their pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries pushes the boundaries of fundamental science, applied science and engineering to solve complex challenges and develop useful technologies that can transform the marketplace and change the world. A center for world-class discovery and scientific excellence, their diverse and dynamic research agenda spans 15 scientific divisions, 14 centers, and six national user facilities. This rich scientific environment provides their researchers – and those who visit us from all corners of the globe – with an extraordinary range of cutting-edge facilities and scientific tools that support in-depth research, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve their nation’s competitiveness and quality of life. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science

Purdue University

Grant in 2022
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

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.

Case Western Reserve University

Grant in 2022
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.

Ames Laboratory

Grant in 2022
The Ames Laboratory is a government-owned, contractor-operated national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), operated by and located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. For over 65 years, the Ames Laboratory has successfully partnered with Iowa State University, and is unique among the DOE laboratories in that it is physically located on the campus of a major research university. Many of the scientists and administrators at the Laboratory also hold faculty positions at the University and the Laboratory has access to both undergraduate and graduate student talent. Approximately 745 people are involved with the Laboratory either as full- or part-time employees or as Laboratory associates. Key areas of expertise are materials design, synthesis and processing; analytical instrumentation design and development; materials characterization; catalysis; computational chemistry; condensed matter theory; and computational materials science and materials theory. The Ames Laboratory leads the Critical Materials Institute, a DOE Energy Innovation Hub funded at up to $120 million over five years. The Critical Materials Institute brings together leading researchers from other DOE national laboratories, academia and industry to develop solutions to domestic shortages of rare-earth materials and other materials critical to U.S. energy security. The Ames Laboratory broke ground in June 2014 for a new, state-of-the-art Sensitive Instrument Facility, which will house next generation electron microscopy equipment for characterization of materials at the atomic scale. The Ames Laboratory's Materials Preparation Center prepares, purifies, fabricates and characterizes materials in support of R&D programs throughout the world. The Ames Laboratory is the U.S. home to 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Dan Shechtman and is intensely engaged with the international scientific community, including hosting a large number of international visitors each year.

Purdue University

Grant in 2022
Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Iowa State University

Grant in 2022
Iowa State University, founded in 1858 and located in Ames, Iowa, is recognized as a leading public research university with a strong focus on student engagement. It offers a diverse array of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as accounting, agriculture, architecture, and business administration. With a vibrant campus life, Iowa State boasts more than 800 student organizations, fostering leadership and personal growth among its culturally diverse student body of over 31,000 individuals from all 50 states and over 110 countries. The university's commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment empowers students to explore their passions and achieve their potential.

University of Illinois Chicago

Grant in 2022
A major research university in the heart of one of the world's greatest cities, UIC provides a world-class education for its students. We are committed to creating and disseminating new knowledge as a university of growing national and international stature. The largest university in the Chicago area, UIC has 27,580 students, 15 colleges-including the nation's largest medical school-and annual research expenditures exceeding $335 million. UIC operates the state's major public medical center and serves as the principal educator of Illinois' physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other health-care professionals. A truly global institution, more than a third of UIC students speak English as a second language. UIC's student body-approximately 61 percent undergraduate and 39 percent graduate and professional-is recognized as one of the nation's most diverse. We consider this one of our greatest strengths.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Grant in 2022
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.

Scanalytics

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2012, Scanalytics specializes in measuring customer movement patterns within physical spaces such as retail stores and events. Utilizing proprietary IoT sensors, the company collects and analyzes data on consumer behavior to optimize space utilization, marketing campaigns, and workforce scheduling.

Gross-Wen Technologies

Grant in 2021
Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Slater, Iowa, that focuses on innovative solutions for wastewater treatment. Founded in 2013, the company has developed the Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB) system, which effectively removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants from municipal and industrial wastewater. This sustainable technology not only treats wastewater but also produces algae biomass that can be repurposed as fertilizer or bioplastics. By offering an economical and eco-friendly approach to water treatment, Gross-Wen Technologies aims to assist municipalities and industries in managing water quality while promoting environmental sustainability.

mHUB

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
mHUB is an independent innovation center located in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in hardtech and manufacturing. Incorporated in 2013, mHUB focuses on the development and manufacturing of physical products, including robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technologies, medical devices, smart buildings, and unmanned vehicles. It serves as a collaborative space for startups and small businesses, fostering a community of over 428 active members, including product designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2017, mHUB has facilitated the creation of more than 1,256 products, generated over $1.1 billion in revenue, and supported the hiring of more than 4,153 employees. The center provides essential resources such as funding, co-working space, and industry expertise, enabling innovators to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses and advance the manufacturing sector.

SAFI-Tech

Grant in 2020
SAFI-Tech is a technology company developing no-heat soldering solutions for electronics manufacturing. Its core technology uses supercooled liquid metal particles to form interconnects and conductive traces without applying heat. These particles carry liquid metal solder in a metastable state and can be released to rapidly solidify, enabling thermal-free or reduced-heat bonding. The technology supports high-density, flexible, and thinner electronics and broad substrate compatibility. SAFI-Tech markets Liquital 62, a patented liquid metal ink, and targets applications in printed and flexible electronics. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Ames, Iowa.

Jolt Energy

Grant in 2019
Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, LLC, founded in 2015 and based in West Michigan, specializes in developing innovative compounds for lithium-ion batteries. The company focuses on creating organic electrochemical additives that enhance battery performance by increasing capacity, preventing overcharging, and simplifying electronic control systems. These advancements allow battery manufacturers to improve the safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of their products. Additionally, Jolt is working on all-organic nonaqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) designed for large-scale energy storage, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery technologies. With a commitment to sustainability, Jolt Energy aims to revolutionize the energy storage sector.

Xylome

Grant in 2018
Xylome offers solutions that enable first generation biofuel manufacturers to use second generation technology solutions in their manufacturing process. It offers them with advisory, implementation, and support services. Xylome develops a range of non-conventional yeasts and yeast technology solutions for experimental assessments. Xylome was founded by Thomas W Jeffries in 2007. It is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

mHUB

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
mHUB is an independent innovation center located in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in hardtech and manufacturing. Incorporated in 2013, mHUB focuses on the development and manufacturing of physical products, including robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technologies, medical devices, smart buildings, and unmanned vehicles. It serves as a collaborative space for startups and small businesses, fostering a community of over 428 active members, including product designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2017, mHUB has facilitated the creation of more than 1,256 products, generated over $1.1 billion in revenue, and supported the hiring of more than 4,153 employees. The center provides essential resources such as funding, co-working space, and industry expertise, enabling innovators to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses and advance the manufacturing sector.

SHINE

Series B in 2018
SHINE develops and deploys fusion-based technology to produce medical isotopes and neutron sources. Its processes generate molybdenum-99, a precursor to technetium-99m used in diagnostic imaging, and lutetium-177 for diagnostic and therapeutic use, along with iodine-131 and iodine-125 for thyroid treatment and brachytherapy, and xenon-133 for lung and brain imaging. The company’s systems also provide neutron sources for industrial imaging, radiation-effects testing, and fusion materials research. In addition to medical isotopes, SHINE aims to recycle nuclear waste and advance fusion power as a source of clean energy. The business serves health care and industrial customers worldwide. SHINE is based in Janesville, Wisconsin, with an office in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

Washington University in St. Louis

Grant in 2017
Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis is a medium-sized, independent university dedicated to challenging its faculty and students to pursue new knowledge and understanding in an ever-changing world. It promotes higher education and rigorous research as fundamental to an open, vibrant society.

Scanalytics

Grant in 2017
Founded in 2012, Scanalytics specializes in measuring customer movement patterns within physical spaces such as retail stores and events. Utilizing proprietary IoT sensors, the company collects and analyzes data on consumer behavior to optimize space utilization, marketing campaigns, and workforce scheduling.

Argonne National Laboratory

Grant in 2017
Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where “dream teams” of world-class researchers work alongside experts from industry, academia and other government laboratories to address vital national challenges in clean energy, environment, technology and national security. Through collaborations with researchers here at Argonne and around the world, they strive to discover new ways to develop energy innovations through science, create novel materials molecule-by-molecule, and gain a deeper understanding of their planet, their climate and the cosmos. Surrounded by the highest concentration of top-tier research organizations in the world, Argonne leverages its Chicago-area location to lead discovery and to power innovation in a wide range of core scientific capabilities, from high-energy physics and materials science to structural biology and advanced computer science. Embracing the nation’s greatest challenges, Argonne’s world-renowned scientists and engineers conduct pioneering research that advances America’s scientific excellence and leadership and helps pave the way to a secure nation with a plentiful supply of safe, sustainable energy, a healthy environment, and a competitive economy. They pursue big, ambitious ideas that redefine what is possible. Their pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries pushes the boundaries of fundamental science, applied science and engineering to solve complex challenges and develop useful technologies that can transform the marketplace and change the world. A center for world-class discovery and scientific excellence, their diverse and dynamic research agenda spans 15 scientific divisions, 14 centers, and six national user facilities. This rich scientific environment provides their researchers – and those who visit us from all corners of the globe – with an extraordinary range of cutting-edge facilities and scientific tools that support in-depth research, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve their nation’s competitiveness and quality of life. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Grant in 2017
Danforth Technology Company (DTC) is a venture builder based in St. Louis, Missouri, and operates as a subsidiary of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Its primary role is to facilitate the early-stage development of startup companies that leverage technologies developed by the Center's scientists. DTC focuses on moving scientific discoveries into the marketplace more efficiently by providing intellectual property development, licensing, and entrepreneurship support. The company also offers seed funding and early management assistance to promising startups, enhancing the potential for innovation in plant science and contributing to broader societal goals such as improving human health and environmental sustainability.

Echogen Power Systems

Grant in 2017
Echogen Power Systems, LLC is a developer of innovative heat-to-power generation systems that efficiently capture and convert waste heat into usable electricity. Founded in 2007 and based in Akron, Ohio, the company specializes in solutions for various applications, including gas turbines, industrial waste heat recovery, solar thermal, geothermal, and hybrid alternatives to internal combustion engines. Echogen's technology utilizes a carbon dioxide heat pump cycle to create emission-free renewable electricity, enabling clients to monetize their otherwise wasted heat and improve their energy returns. The company caters to businesses that produce heat as a byproduct of their processes, providing scalable and cost-effective energy solutions.

Accio Energy

Grant in 2015
Accio Energy, Inc. is a company that specializes in alternative energy generation technology, focusing on wind energy systems that produce electricity using wind and charged water mist. Founded in 2007 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Accio Energy has developed Aerovoltaic energy systems that convert wind energy directly into electricity without the need for moving parts, such as traditional wind turbines. This innovation aims to make distributed wind energy systems scalable, reliable, and affordable, combining the low costs associated with large-scale wind energy with the modularity and flexibility akin to solar power. Additionally, the company provides insights and updates on sustainability initiatives within the energy sector.

Ecovia Renewables

Grant in 2015
Founded in 2014, Ecovia Renewables develops bio-based ingredients through a proprietary fermentation process using renewable biomass. Its product portfolio includes EcoSynth platform for biochemicals and biofuels, Ecovia biopolymers for multi-functional applications, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. These products serve the agriculture and personal care sectors.

SolarBridge Technologies

Grant in 2011
SolarBridge Technologies, founded in 2004 and originally known as SmartSpark Energy Systems, specializes in the development of microinverter and monitoring solutions for the solar industry. With a significant research and development facility in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, the company focuses on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of solar power installations. Its product offerings include an energy management system that features microinverters, which convert direct current from photovoltaic modules into alternating current for the grid. Additionally, SolarBridge provides a solar information module that gathers performance data from each microinverter, enabling system owners to analyze energy production and facilitate remote monitoring via the internet. The company's mission is to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for solar installations by improving energy output and simplifying the installation process.

SolarBridge Technologies

Grant in 2011
SolarBridge Technologies, founded in 2004 and originally known as SmartSpark Energy Systems, specializes in the development of microinverter and monitoring solutions for the solar industry. With a significant research and development facility in Champaign, Illinois, and a corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, the company focuses on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of solar power installations. Its product offerings include an energy management system that features microinverters, which convert direct current from photovoltaic modules into alternating current for the grid. Additionally, SolarBridge provides a solar information module that gathers performance data from each microinverter, enabling system owners to analyze energy production and facilitate remote monitoring via the internet. The company's mission is to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for solar installations by improving energy output and simplifying the installation process.

Elevance Renewable Sciences

Grant in 2009
Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. specializes in producing and distributing specialty chemicals derived from natural plant oils through a process known as oil metathesis. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, the company develops a diverse range of products, including cleaning ingredients, coating materials, personal care components, and chemical intermediates for various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. Elevance's offerings cater to applications in detergents, coatings, and engineered polymers, among others. In addition to its product lines, the company provides manufacturing consulting, engineering, and technical consulting services focused on bio-based feedstocks and intermediates. By transforming renewable oils into high-performance specialty products, Elevance is positioned to address consumer demand in a growing market.

Whirlpool

Grant in 2009
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, established in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The company operates through four geographical segments: North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Its primary product offerings include refrigerators, freezers, laundry appliances, cooking appliances, dishwashers, and various small domestic appliances, as well as hermetic compressors for refrigeration systems. Whirlpool markets its products under a diverse range of brand names, including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Amana, among others. The company distributes its products to retailers, distributors, builders, and directly to consumers, ensuring a broad reach in the home appliance market across multiple regions.
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