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    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Partnerships & Acquisitions Research Park

    Boston Bioprocess Contributing to Establishing the AgTech Corridor as a Biomanufacturing Destination

    iFab Tech Hub partners Boston Bioprocess (BBP) and the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) are scaling fermentation tech and jobs in Central Illinois. Boston Bioprocess, an EnterpriseWorks startup, offers full-suite fermentation and downstream processing services at benchtop and pilot scale. It provides clients with the equipment and expertise they need to improve yield, decrease costs, and access products for commercial testing. BBP oversees process development and finalizes parameters, preparing products to be scaled up at IBRL, said BBP cofounder and CEO Michael Tai. “BBP’s early-stage resources and experimental design expertise coupled with IBRL’s pilot-scale infrastructure helps clients smoothly transition from one end of the spectrum to the other,” Tai added. “We provide our clients with access to a suite of assets, talent, and expertise to navigate their scale-up journey.” Learn more about this partnership by reading the full article on its ACES News page.

    Boston Bioprocess Contributing to Establishing the AgTech Corridor as a Biomanufacturing Destination Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Investments News Research Park

    Illini Angels Announces First Investment to Natrion

    Illini Angels Announces First Investment to Natrion The University of Illinois’ new angel group, Illini Angels, has selected EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion for their first investment. Illini Angels, launched in February 2023, is managed by Research Park’s Illinois Ventures. The angel network supports 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 with seed funding, advice, and mentorship. “Natrion is an exceptionally promising company and Alex is a very impressive founder,” Illinois Ventures Senior Director Tom Parkinson said. Natrion, a solid-state EV battery pioneer, develops components for automotive and battery manufacturers that can be rapidly utilized to deploy safe, high-performance all-solid-state rechargeable batteries. Eliminating liquid-state components, these batteries improve electric vehicle fire safety, driving range, charge time, and overall lifespan. “Solid-state battery technology will be a critical enabler of the energy transition, and Natrion provides a compelling solution in the space, strong early traction with marquee customers and a commercially oriented leadership team with a bold vision for the company’s growth.” said Manas Gosavi, an Illini Angels founding member and venture capital investor with Mubadala Capital. Natrion was founded in 2018 by Alex Kosyakov, a University of Illinois undergraduate engineering student. They have R&D facilities in Champaign, including a semi-automated pouch cell production line for the manufacturing of prototype multi-layer pouch cells as would be used in portable electronics or electric vehicles.

    Illini Angels Announces First Investment to Natrion Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    Farmers Risk is now HarvestIQ

    EnterpriseWorks startup Farmers Risk is now known as HarvestIQ. The company is expanding its software suite to include livestock-centric features that help people navigate the nuanced ownership and marketing structures in livestock production. Additionally, it enhances the user experience by enabling the in-platform execution of Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) trades and USDA insurance positions. HarvestIQ is an early-stage startup focused on helping farmers improve their risk management. It does this by building tools to help farmers more effectively market their grain, buy crop insurance, hedge their crops, and improve their overall revenue decision-making. In a nutshell, HarvestIQ builds tools for farmers to understand, manage, and execute their risk management strategies around turning a crop into cash. Learn more about what HarvestIQ is doing on Business Wire.

    Farmers Risk is now HarvestIQ Read Post »

    Investments Research Park

    Nominations sought for 2024 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and The BRANDT Foundation Prize Honors the Legacy of GB Brandt CHAMPAIGN – Nominations are now being accepted for the fourth Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, recognizing an Illinois farmer for their role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in the ag sector. Established in 2021 to honor the memory of GB Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture, the $10,000 cash prize will be awarded to a nominee who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices, crop growing processes, or product usage. The nomination form is now open. The deadline for submission is February 1, 2024. The prize is a partnership between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and The BRANDT Foundation. The winner will be announced and recognized at the AgTech Innovation Summit, an annual event produced by the University of Illinois Research Park, on March 5, 2024. “GB was an extraordinary person who attacked life with optimism and built a global business from very humble roots,” said Rick Brandt, President of The BRANDT Foundation. “We’re looking to help someone who shares GB’s passion for ag, demonstrates a high level of creativity, and has a vision to change the future.” Examples of possible innovations include (but are not limited to): working to increase the productivity of farmers; creative applications of technology; unique business ventures; and creating new agricultural opportunities, such as novel crops or food production systems. Those eligible for the award include Illinois farmers, growers, and producers or those engaged with Illinois farmers, growers, and producers. Nominees should be connected with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and/or its affiliates, including University of Illinois Extension. A full list of eligibility criteria is available in the nomination form. Eric Miller was the third annual recipient of the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism in March 2023. Miller farms 400 acres in Piatt County, where he works extensively with University of Illinois researchers and has transitioned his farm into a dedicated crop production improvement site in the past eight years. Read the full story on the Research Park website. The son of a farmer from Sangamon County, GB, along with his sister Evelyn, started the company that would become the global agribusiness known as BRANDT. He provided the vision and energy to imagine, build, and manage what today has 800 employees and sales in 81 countries. He died in 2020 at age 94. Past Brandt Prize Winners Eric Miller, 2023 Matt Riggs, 2022 Will Glazik, 2021 About The BRANDT Foundation The BRANDT Foundation was established in 2012 as a philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc. The Brandt family has always stood with their communities and as their company grew, so did the opportunities to give back. The BRANDT Foundation offers donations, grants, and support to the farms, charities, and organizations in the areas where the company does business. About the AgTech Innovation Summit The AgTech Innovation Summit is an interactive conference where participants learn and share knowledge about the current state of AgTech and get a look into the future through dynamic panels, inspiring keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. It is produced by the University of Illinois Research Park in partnership with the College of ACES and the Office of Corporate Relations. One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry for learning, networking, and advancing this sector. Contacts Karl Barnhart, The BRANDT Foundation, karl.barnhart@brandt.coLaura Bleill, Research Park, lwbleill@illinois.edu

    Nominations sought for 2024 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Natrion Co-Founders Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30: Energy List

    Alex Kosyakov and Thomas Rouffiac, co-founders of the EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion, have been named to  2024 Forbes 30 Under 30- Energy list. Natrion is developing battery technologies that can push the capabilities of EVs by solving the biggest issues that automakers and battery manufacturers face. Its mission is to service the industry with solutions that will enhance the mainstream market viability of electric vehicles and advance the world closer to a future of clean mobility. Natrion has received $3.2 million in funding from investors including Mark Cuban, and is now scaling its technology with support from companies like LG Energy Solution. Kosyakov and Roufflac, both 22,  join an esteemed group of EnterpriseWorks startup founders previously named on Forbes 30 Under 30 lists. They include Ascent Integrated Tech’s Paul Couston, IntelliWheels‘ Scott Daigle, Psyonic‘s Patrick Slade, and Electrolinks‘ Brett Walker. The Forbes 30 Under 30 list, now in its 13th year, recognized 600 people in 20 industries for 2024. To assemble the list, Forbes writers and editors—with the help of expert independent judges —evaluated more than 11,000 candidates on factors including funding, revenue, social impact, inventiveness, and potential. More information is here. 

    Natrion Co-Founders Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30: Energy List Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Hypercell Technologies Wins $1 Million Prize in Grow-NY Competition

    Hypercell Technologies, an EnterpriseWorks startup, won the grand prize of $1 million at Grow-NY on November 15, 2023, in Binghamton, New York. Hypercell Technologies provides rapid point-of-care diagnostics for the food chain, ensuring early identification and management of biological contaminants from production to transformation with increased speed and accuracy. The company has developed novel biological solutions to control infectious diseases in production animals that cause major economic losses and present potential threats to human health. Hypercell wants to stop future human pandemics by proactively controlling viruses in animal reservoirs. “We’re excited to scale our business of rapid point-of-care diagnostics to improve the food chain in the Grow-NY region,” said Hypercell’s CEO and co-founder, Bruno Jactel. Grow-NY’s competition is open to international startups that meet the Grow-NY definition of ‘Food and Agricultural Field,’ are early-stage, and have a scalable business model. Seven businesses were selected from twenty finalists, including fellow EnterpriseWorks startup Agriwater, to receive prize awards totaling $3 million in the fifth annual competition. Learn more about the competition and its 2023 winners on the Grow-NY website.

    Hypercell Technologies Wins $1 Million Prize in Grow-NY Competition Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks Startup Natrion Named Ultimate Winner at Urban Tech Challengers 2023

    The EnterpriseWorks startup Natrion was named the Ultimate Winner of the Urban Tech Challengers 2023 after CEO Alex Kosyakov presented at the Urban Tech Forward conference in Warsaw, Poland, on October 25 and 26. Urban Tech Forward is known as Europe’s premier event for tech innovators, featuring over 1,000 attendees from all over the world. The conference includes the Urban Tech Challengers pitch competition for entrepreneurs who are developing disruptive products and services for sustainable, resilient, and future-proof cities. Natrion is developing battery technologies that can push the capabilities of EVs by solving the biggest issues that automakers and battery manufacturers face. Their mission is to service the industry with solutions that will enhance the mainstream market viability of electric vehicles and advance the world closer to a future of clean mobility. To learn more about Urban Tech Challengers, visit their tenant page.

    EnterpriseWorks Startup Natrion Named Ultimate Winner at Urban Tech Challengers 2023 Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    New Podcast Episode: Arpit Dwivedi of Cache Energy Disrupts the Energy Storage Industry

    Cache Energy CEO and founder Aprit Dwivedi has been charged up about clean energy long before his days working toward his doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. On the most recent episode of ‘The Innovations @ Research Park’ podcast, Dvivedi and podcast host Tanmay Shah discussed the major logistical challenges that the energy industry faces and the unique long-duration storage solution that Cache Energy provides. Dwivedi also shared how Research Park expanded his professional skills and how Gerald Wilson, EnterpriseWork’s Director of Entrepreneurship, aided him in developing the pitch deck for Cache. Notably, Cache Energy recently had an over-subscribed seed funding round, ultimately raising $4.5 million. The Innovations @ Research Park podcast highlights the thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture in Champaign. It is hosted by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus Tanmay Shah. Subscribe to The Innovations @ Research Park to catch up on the latest innovations and news on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast network. Is there something you want to know about Research Park? Do you have an idea for a guest for the show, or a story we should pursue? Do you want to provide other feedback? Contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).

    New Podcast Episode: Arpit Dwivedi of Cache Energy Disrupts the Energy Storage Industry Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks News Research Park

    AI Nexus to Participate as Mayo Clinic Platform _Accelerate Fourth Cohort

    EnterpriseWorks tenant AI Nexus was selected to join Mayo Clinic Platform _Accelerate fourth cohort of nine groundbreaking health tech startups. “We are thrilled to welcome the new cohort of Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate… These companies are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and we are excited to work with them to accelerate their groundbreaking solutions. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of patients around the world.” – Jamie Sundsbak, Partner Relationship Manager with Mayo Clinic Platform Over the next 20 weeks AI Nexus will redefine AI-driven solutions for improved, faster patient care. The platform boats a robust data network and provides the startup access to Mayo Clinic’s expertise and resources, offering AI Nexus the chance to accelerate its capabilities. The company’s first solution, miaVitals. combines machine learning and cognitive AI to empower individuals to take control of their health by using their smartphones. The platform is designed to detect early warning signs for a range of life-threatening conditions such as respiratory disorders, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia and screen for early complications during pregnancy. About AI Nexus AI Nexus is on a mission to democratize healthcare, making it more accessible to people regardless of economic status, geographic location, gender or race. Read more about AI Nexus in their Research Park tenant directory. VIEW ALL NEWS BACK TO TOP

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    News Partnerships & Acquisitions Research Park

    Illinois AgTech Accelerator Announces Sixth Cohort

    The Illinois AgTech Accelerator, with Serra Ventures serving as a key partner, is welcoming a sixth cohort, gBETA AgTech Accelerator. Research Park is a sponsor of the Illinois AgTech Accelerator The gBETA AgTech Accelerator kicked off in early October and 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. gBETA AgTech alums have raised more than $6 million in seed funding to date. “At Serra Ventures, we’re committed to supporting AgTech and Agriculture innovation, and our partnership with gener8tor is a key part of that… We’re fortunate to be in the presence of institutions like the University of Illinois, as we’re constantly seeking startups that have positioned themselves to have a wider impact onglobal sustainability and food access. These startups will hopefully redefine the future of agriculture technology.” – Dennis Beard, Managing Partner at Serra Ventures. Other program supporters include Agri-Fab, GEM Realty Capital, University of Illinois Research Park, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and BASF. Attend the CU TechMix on Thursday, November 9 to network with other professionals and companies in the local tech community., including those involved with the new cohort and Illinois AgTech Accelerator. At the end of the program, startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a showcase event at the EnterpriseWorks incubator at 5 p.m.

    Illinois AgTech Accelerator Announces Sixth Cohort Read Post »