US Department of Energy

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public.

The University of Pennsylvania, established nearly 250 years ago, is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in over 140 fields, including Actuarial Sciences and Insurance and Risk Management, alongside more than 180 graduate programs such as Anthropology and Chemical Engineering. The Perelman School of Medicine, the oldest medical school in the U.S., is integral to Penn's academic framework, recognized as a leading center for medical research and education. It consistently ranks among the top five research-oriented medical schools in the country. The university fosters community involvement through over 300 volunteer programs and numerous academic service courses, coordinated by organizations like Civic House and the Fox Leadership Program. Admissions to Penn are highly competitive, requiring applicants to submit both a University application and the Common Application, along with standardized test scores. Financial aid is provided based on need, aiming to create comprehensive support packages that minimize student debt.

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Colorado, established in 1982 by Amory Lovins. With a team of approximately 80 full-time staff and an annual operational budget of $16 million, RMI is dedicated to promoting the efficient and restorative use of resources. The institute focuses on transforming global energy use by engaging businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs in adopting market-based solutions that facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and efficiency. By employing rigorous research and analysis, RMI develops innovative insights and collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including government, academia, nonprofits, and the military, to accelerate and scale effective solutions. Its mission is to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future.

NLM Photonics is a semiconductor technology company focused on developing advanced electro-optic modulation technology aimed at enhancing networking, computing, and sensing applications. Originating from over two decades of research at the University of Washington, the company's patented Hybrid Organic Electro-Optic (OEO) Technology facilitates efficient data transfer between electronic components and photonics, which is crucial for applications like fiber optics and LIDAR. This technology addresses the power and bandwidth limitations of existing silicon photonics platforms by enabling low-voltage, low-power integration that can be retrofitted into existing manufacturing processes with minimal disruption. NLM's solutions provide significant improvements in power efficiency and scalable bandwidth, making them attractive to hyperscale data center operators and commercial fabs. The company's growth is supported by strategic partnerships with major industry players, enhancing its position in the rapidly evolving photonics landscape.