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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks

    EnterpriseWorks Graduates News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Tiptek Named 2022 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year by U.S. Department of Energy

    EnterpriseWorks graduate Tiptek was recently named the 2022 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Business of the Year by the US Department of Energy. Tiptek is the leading U.S. manufacturer of high quality nanoprobes for diagnostics and fault-testing of microelectronic devices.  “Since its founding, Tiptek has strived to introduce innovative standard-setting nanoprobes to customers across industry, National Labs, and academia. We are delighted to have these efforts recognized by this prestigious and highly competitive award.”  – Dr. Scott Lockledge, Tiptek CEO According to DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), this award recognizes a U.S. small business that “stimulates U.S. technological innovation and enhances the nation’s return on its DOE SBIR/STTR investment, provides the DOE the benefits of commercial applications derived from DOE funded R&D, and stimulates U.S. economic growth as a result of DOE funded R&D.” Tiptek’s Research Park history: Tiptek was founded by CEO Dr. Scott Lockledge, CTO Professor Joseph Lyding, and CSO Professor Gregory Girolami in 2011. They moved into EnterpriseWorks in the University of Illinois Research Park in May 2013. In 2022, Tiptek accomplished several key milestones that resulted in a strong return on its federal investment: introducing a cutting-edge project, improving production capacity, and stimulating U.S. economic growth by commercializing leading technology-based products domestically and overseas. Now, Tiptek operates primarily out of an office in Savoy, Illinois, but continues to use their lab space in EnterpriseWorks. Their lines of probes and needles are used by industry leaders for scanning probe microscopy, transfer of lamella formed by focused ion beams (FIB), and scanning electron microscope-based nanoprobers used in semiconductor failure analysis. To read the full article, visit the Yahoo Finance website. 

    Tiptek Named 2022 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year by U.S. Department of Energy Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion listed as a leader in TechCrunch

    Natrion CEO Alex Kosyakov was pleasantly surprised to find that his company was recently listed as a startup leader in battery component technology by popular tech news outlet TechCrunch. “I spoke to Haje [the article author] earlier in June and I thought he was just researching the industry more broadly… I had no idea that he would write so much about Natrion, so that was definitely a pleasant surprise when the article came out.” – Alex Kosyakov, Natrion CEO At EnterpriseWorks, Natrion aims to resolve some of the greatest issues that automakers and battery manufacturers face today by pushing the capabilities of battery technologies. With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly more popular and desired within the mass market, their mission is to offer power alternatives for electric vehicles, taking a step closer to cleaner mobility. TechCrunch name-dropped the startup in a summary of the LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge, in which Natrion ranked as one of the top 10 finalists, competing against 116 other startups from 22 countries. Natrion placed at the Challenge with its polyer-ceramic solid-state electrolyte material, called the lithium solid ionic composite, and their impressive demonstration of their high-performing solid-state lithium-metal battery cells. TechCrunch wrote, “If Natrion can scale up its production, which it believes it can, then it could bring about considerable changes to battery technology.” Other than the feature, what truly shocked Kosyakov was that Natrion was featured alongside some of the biggest industry players, including Nissan, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. “What we appreciate most about it is that [the writer] begins the piece with an overview of the larger, more established, and better funded players in our industry before pivoting to talking about us,” elaborated Kosyakov. “Even though we’ve raised 100 times less money than some of the other companies in the space, we’re right there with them. As far as technological process, it’s nice to be acknowledged like that.” Natrion is a team of 18, and expects to scale-up significantly, especially in terms of production and yield optimization. Currently the team is prototyping systems and processes, with the intention of building a pilot production line in 2024. To track Natrion’s progress, contact them HERE. Read TechCrunch’s full article HERE.

    EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion listed as a leader in TechCrunch Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Partnerships & Acquisitions Research Park

    HabiTerre to collaborate on Carbon Breakthrough in Agriculture with Arable and Shell

    EnterpriseWorks startup HabiTerre is playing a critical role in an important collaboration between industry leaders Arable and Shell to create a breakthrough in carbon management. The startup helps financial institutes, public agencies, and individual producers to quantify, manage, and reduce financial risks in the farming-related business. By commercializing technology made on campus, the green initiative aims to make an impact on mitigating the effects of climate change by enhancing carbon monitoring in agriculture. Together, the two companies are pooling university resources to develop technologies that will track and measure the carbon footprint of agricultural production, enabling farmers to reduce their emissions while improving their yields. HabiTerre CEO Nick Reinke says that the company “is proud to support this innovative project, which holds the exciting potential to advance sustainability worldwide.”   The company’s unique ecosystem of metering instruments, cloud-based analytics, and crop models are essential in creating a comprehensive understanding of the overall carbon cycle of agricultural production.  Habiterre’s tools allow Arable and Shell to more accurately measure and analyze the effects of changes to carbon models, such as composting, cover crops, irrigation, and fertilization, to determine how to best reduce emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggests that up to 10 gigatons of CO2 need to be removed from the atmosphere annually in order to reach global emissions reduction targets, up to half of which could be captured by leveraging agriculture. HabiTerre’s technology plays a key role in this approach, enabling Arable and Shell to pursue their ambitious carbon reduction initiative and foster the unlocking of potential benefits across the global agricultural industry.  Read the full article on the Arable website. 

    HabiTerre to collaborate on Carbon Breakthrough in Agriculture with Arable and Shell Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Natrion Named a Finalist in the 2022 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge

    EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion has been named a finalist in the LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge 2022 for its work in developing and scaling up solid state lithium metal battery technology.  Natrion, a clean energy technology startup, impressed the judging panel with its developments in solid state lithium metal battery technology, leading to it being selected as a finalist. Natrion is one of 11 finalists from around the world competing for the challenge.  “We’re deeply grateful and honored to advance and get recognition in this competition,” said Natrion co-founder and CEO Alex Kosyakov. “The opportunities that lie in potentially working together with an industry leader like LGES are boundless. This is something that can really accelerate Natrion’s path to commercialization.”  The Battery Challenge 2022, which is part of LG’s larger effort to develop next-generation energy storage solutions, aims to recognize pioneering technologies related to battery recycling, manufacturing, and energy storage.   Winners of the challenge will be eligible to receive up to $1 million in funding and research contracts. 

    Natrion Named a Finalist in the 2022 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    Cynthia Faullin Rejoins EnterpriseWorks as Associate Director of Operations

    The Research Park is thrilled to announce that Cynthia Faullin, who brings 10 years of intensive experience with deep-tech startups and entrepreneurs, will return to EnterpriseWorks as the Associate Director for Operations starting June 20. Faullin will serve as the primary touchpoint for EnterpriseWorks tenants and affiliated entrepreneurs, ensuring that the facility meets the needs of its entrepreneurs and startups, both physical and programmatic. She will be responsible for overseeing leasing and property management for the building and its grounds. For the past two years Faullin was the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois-Chicago. There, she oversaw the Technology Innovation Lab which provides laboratory and office space to UIC early-stage startups as well as programming and consulting for entrepreneurs who are commercializing research-based technologies. Faullin first joined EnterpriseWorks in 2014, developing extensive knowledge of the complexity of academic tech entrepreneurship. She was well known for her customer-centric, engaging approach to accomplished CEOs and the entrepreneurial curious alike. Prior to her first stint at EnterpriseWorks, Cynthia spent 10 years in commercial real estate where she was part of a team that specialized in mixed-use development in downtown Champaign. She previously worked on the UIUC campus in undergraduate academic affairs and later career services. Cynthia is a proud Canadian, and has Bachelor degrees in English Literature and Women’s Studies from Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario.

    Cynthia Faullin Rejoins EnterpriseWorks as Associate Director of Operations Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Cozad New Venture Challenge Teams Win Get Started Prizes, Affiliate Membership from EnterpriseWorks

    EnterpriseWorks and Research Park awarded prizes valued at $30,000 to 10 teams who competed in the 2023 Cozad New Venture Challenge. CNVC kicked off in early February with over 100 competing teams representing 11 colleges. The teams attended 4 workshops on customer discovery, value proposition, financials, and presentation skills, besides optional skills development workshops. Nearly 90 startup teams made it to the Demo Showcase that took place on April 13 at the Illinois Conference Center at Research Park. Congrats to Zite AI, whose office is on the second floor of EnterpriseWorks, for capturing fourth place and winning a $5,000 investment. Zite AI makes small business owners’ dreams come true by helping them select the perfect location to open their business, increasing their revenues, and reducing the risk of failure. The team members represent Grainger College of Engineering (Industrial & Enterprise Systems Engineering). Get Started! Prize: Winners: The Get Started! Prize offers up to $5,000 per team to leverage professional consultants and experts to assist with company legal formation, branding, business strategy, and getting your team launched as a company. Services will be provided by Entrepreneurs-in-Residences on an hourly basis or approved regional professional firms. ClimeCast Enviro ReSeed Solutions Sakura MedTech Zite AI All finalists received Affiliate Membership at EnterpriseWorks. This includes use of co-working space, access to conference rooms, common areas, support services, and entrepreneur assistance. Enviro Sakura MedTech Zite AI Beacon Hatch Integrated Dynamics Top Tier CNVC is a campus-wide program that provides mentoring to teams through the phases of venture creation, and resources in idea validation, pitching skills, and customer development. The teams pitched their startup ideas to about 105 past Cozad alumni, investors, mentors, faculty, sponsors, and partners of the University of Illinois entrepreneurship ecosystem who served as judges. Past participants of the program include EnterpriseWorks graduates Mesh++, Prenosis, Cast21, Psyonic and Serionix, in addition to EnterpriseWorks startups Natrion and DeepWalk.

    Cozad New Venture Challenge Teams Win Get Started Prizes, Affiliate Membership from EnterpriseWorks Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    Illinois AgTech Accelerator Launches Fifth Cohort with Five Startups

    CHAMPAIGN, Il. – The Illinois AgTech Accelerator kicked off the 2023 gener8tor AgTech cohort on March 20, with Serra Ventures serving as a key partner. The accelerator is investing $100k in five high-growth AgTech and agriculture startups, providing a concierge, white-glove experience to each of them. EnterpriseWorks startup Boston Bioprocess is among the five companies chosen to participate. The others include Milwaukee-based Agricycle; Toronto-based Just Vertical; Brazil-based DigiFarmz Smart Agriculture; and Boston-based RevivBio. At the end of the program, startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a showcase event at Parkland College on June 6. The gener8tor AgTech Accelerator is designed to set a path for startups emerging ag and food technologies succeed by leveraging local, regional and global partnerships with investors, corporations and academic institutions. “We’re excited to partner with gener8tor to help support early-stage AgTech and Agriculture startups in the Midwest,” said Dennis Beard, managing partner at Serra Ventures. “Illinois is home to world-class institutions like the University of Illinois, and we believe this partnership can help grow the next generation of startups in the region.” Other program supporters include Agri-Fab, GEM Realty Capital, University of Illinois Research Park, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and BASF. Startup companies and founders interested in learning more about the Illinois AgTech Accelerator and resources or applying to a future program are encouraged to visit the gener8tor website.

    Illinois AgTech Accelerator Launches Fifth Cohort with Five Startups Read Post »

    Community EnterpriseWorks Events News Research Park

    Puzzle Labs, Research Park Launch “Working in AI” User Group

    EnterpriseWorks startup Puzzle Labs, together with Research Park, is launching a new local meetup group to build community around AI. “Working with AI” is for anyone in the Champaign-Urbana area interested in exploring Artificial Intelligence and its real-world applications. It will meet on the second Friday of each month at EnterpriseWorks in the Research Park. Meetings are free and open to the public. The group aims to provide a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration among individuals and organizations working with AI or looking to get started in this field. Anyone interested in learning more about AI, including students, professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts, are welcome. The group will include those just starting out or have years of experience working with AI. “The primary goal is to foster a community of AI enthusiasts and experts, where we can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects related to AI. We aim to cover a broad range of topics related to AI, including machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and more,” said Brad Miller, COO of Puzzle Labs. The Research Park hosts several technical meetups, including the Champaign-Urbana Data Science User Group, the Champaign Urbana Cloud Computing User Group, and the Champaign-Urbana Blockchain User Group. For the latest speaker lineup and to register for lunch, please check out the Research Park event calendar. Please contact Brad Miller, Ph.D., COO of Puzzle Labs, with any questions at brad@puzzlelabs.ai.

    Puzzle Labs, Research Park Launch “Working in AI” User Group Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Investments News Research Park

    Illinois Ventures Launches Illini Angels Investment Network

    WCIA interviewed Brandon Yates, CEO of EnterpriseWorks startup DeepWalk, said having such a focused source of early-stage capital available for entrepreneurs will be a game-changer. Watch his interview here.  Read the full Illini Angels press release HERE.  Illinois Ventures – the U of I System’s venture capital arm and a tenant at EnterpriseWorks – and a group of leading alumni from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced the formation of Illini Angels on Feb. 27. It will support early-stage companies that have founders or leadership who are connected to the U of I System family – faculty, alumni, or students from any of the three universities, as well as companies that license university technology. That support will include seed funding, advice, and mentorship. The angel network plans to focus on innovative companies that leverage the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s expertise in fields like engineering, computer science, healthcare, ag tech, and energy. “There’s been such pent-up demand for this idea. Illinois entrepreneurs, faculty, and staff are regularly approached by alumni who would like to invest in or engage with our university startups. They know that great opportunities are born there every day,” said Nancy Sullivan, CEO and managing director of Illinois Ventures.

    Illinois Ventures Launches Illini Angels Investment Network Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Features News Research Park

    Serial Entrepreneur Paul Miller Joins EnterpriseWorks Expert EIR Team

    Paul Miller, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of EnterpriseWorks graduate Agrible, has joined the EnterpriseWorks Entrepreneur-in-Residence program. Miller is now available to meet with technology entrepreneurs and startup ventures. A University of Illinois alumnus, Paul was part of the founding team of one of Research Park’s biggest agtech success stories – Agrible, a precision analytics company. Shortly after founding the company, the team moved into EnterpriseWorks and later grew into bigger space in another Research Park building. Post-acquisition, Paul decided to get back in the game by co-founding Flats and Spikes, which allows runners, coaches, and experts to work together using science and technology. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program allows entrepreneurs to seek help from experienced and successful members from the EIR over a variety of topics including business consulting, strategy assistance, marketing and communication help, investor preparedness. This program also hosts a series of events featuring the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Miller’s first workshop, “Living and Breathing an Entrepreneurial Life,” will be on March 23. BIO: Paul S. Miller, PhD, has been creating science-based, intelligent systems since 2005. In 2014, he founded Agrible, Inc building the world’s first predictive analytics system that put critical knowledge into the hands of growers to manage their operations. With Agrible, he and his team launched the largest agriculture sustainability platform enabled by intelligent systems, which has characterized millions of acres of farmland across the US. Agrible was acquired in 2018 by Nutrien Ag Solutions for $63M and was a top 5 global Ag Tech acquisition at the time. Paul co-founded Flats or Spikes in 2020, where he is building a business using conversational, generative intelligent systems fine-tuned with domain experts to create quality of life for everyone. Paul has a background in ML/AI and data science including publications and patents. Has led the development of ag tech platforms, mobile apps, data science, ML/AI systems, infrastructure, and ETL pipelines for science-based products. He also has led design and product development teams to build products using agile, user-focused methodologies. Paul also has a personal love of DIY music and playing drums and guitar.

    Serial Entrepreneur Paul Miller Joins EnterpriseWorks Expert EIR Team Read Post »