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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    Recognition & Awards

    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards

    Ensaras Inc. Founder Selected for Prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholars Program

    Nina Kshetry, the President and Founder of Ensaras Inc., has been selected as one of the distinguished members of the 2024 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS). This recognition places Kshetry among a cohort of 60 accomplished leaders from various fields, embarking on a transformative journey to hone their leadership skills. The PLS program, now in its ninth annual class, stands as a beacon for bold leaders committed to addressing domestic and global challenges. This initiative offers participants the opportunity to delve into the lessons learned during the administrations of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Kshetry’s inclusion in this esteemed group is not only a testament to her leadership, but also highlights the impact of her contributions to Ensaras. Kshetry joins a cohort that includes service members, educators, physicians, public servants, and corporate professionals. Ensaras currently operates out of EnterpriseWorks, and distinguishes itself by working at the intersection of wastewater treatment and analytics, providing novel insights and solutions for the wastewater sector. The community in EnterpriseWorks eagerly anticipates the positive impact this experience will have not only on Kshetry’s leadership capabilities but also on the growth and visibility of Ensaras. Read more about the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program here.

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    Events Features News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Brunswick I-Jet Lab Showcases Innovative Technology at Consumer Electronics Show

    The Brunswick I-Jet Lab made significant contributions to Brunswick’s booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 9-12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, showcasing its “Marina of the Future” concept. At the conference, Brunswick Corporation delivered its vision of the future of boating, integrating technology and product experiences. “We focused more on autonomy and electrification this year,” said Brunswick CEO, David Foulkes. Brunswick’s popular boating simulator “was created largely by our team at the University of Illinois,” said Foulkes. “This year, they have made some really great enhancements. The renderings are more lifelike…The overall presentation is positively striking. Once you get to a certain scale of visual imagery, your body reacts to it viscerally…You really think you’re out there, so the simulator makes quite an impression.” UIUC Junior and Brunswick intern Charlie Du was included in the I-Jet representatives attending this event: “It’s being able to showcase all of the hard work that we put in with the simulator…and being able to be a part of something I’ve worked on since I was a small child.” Du was honored as the Most Outstanding Undergraduate Intern at the 2023 Intern Awards Ceremony in the Research Park. This isn’t the first time I-Jet students have helped Brunswick make a splash at CES: Brunswick interns also attended the 2020 show, and a Venture Beat article discussed I-Jet’s partnership with developing the helm of the future at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. Read more about Brunswick I-Jet Lab’s involvement in the 2024 CES show on the WCIA website or BoatTest.

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    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Forbes: EnterpriseWorks Incubator Critical to Hypercell’s Startup Success

    Forbes examines the “secret sauce” for EnterpriseWorks startup Hypercell Technologies‘ success – partnering with leading universities such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and its award-winning incubator. The proximity to other startups in the EnterpriseWorks ecosystem fueled discovery and the building of community. “Partnering with the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana has provided Hypercell with immense support, including access to low-cost lab supplies (due to the University buying power), access to shared lab equipment (avoiding major capital investments), access to a wide array of scientific experts (both University and other start-up company staff), and a very effective incubator program at EnterpriseWorks which included training programs, support for government grants and assistance with hiring,” shares Hypercell’s co-founder and CEO Bruno Jactel in Forbes. EnterpriseWorks provided meaningful partnerships, state-of-the-art lab facilities, and mentor opportunities for Hypercell. Above all, the incubator offers camaraderie, allowing entrepreneurs to learn from each other’s successes and failures. “We’ve been a great peer community of entrepreneurs and technology experts working together and sharing their experiences and expertise,” says Laura Appenzeller, executive director of the University of Illinois Research Park. “That type of innovation community fuels new discovery and better outcomes for translational science.” Hypercell recently received the top prize of $1 million in funding and strategic mentorship at the 2023 Grow-NY Business Competition, a food and agriculture startup challenge. Read the entire Forbes article online here.

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    EnterpriseWorks News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EnterpriseWorks Startup SimBioSys Receives FDA Clearance

    EnterpriseWorks startup SimBioSys received a milestone FDA clearance for its foundational digital precision medicine technology, TumorSight™, enabling expansion to future cutting-edge applications. SimBioSys is unlocking the power of spatial biophysics with artificial intelligence (AI) and biophysical modeling to redefine precision medicine for cancer. TumorSight™ Viz utilizes standard-of-care medical imaging (DCE MRI) to generate stunning 3D spatial visualization and key insights, giving clinicians and their patients a more comprehensive understanding of their cancer and the potential options available to them. The technology utilizes AI to automatically segment the tumor and surrounding tissue to display the 3D visualization. Further, this TumorSight™ software application provides key insights such as tumor volume, tumor-to-breast volume, and tumor distance to key anatomical structures in the breast to quantify key metrics required in treatment planning. This is the company’s first FDA 510(k)-cleared device from its pipeline of products. “This is a landmark moment for the SimBioSys team and our many collaborators. It is our springboard to begin fulfilling our mission to redefine precision medicine as we launch this first application and target further expansion in clinical utilities within breast cancer as well as across other solid tumors,” says Tushar Pandey, co-founder and CEO of SimBioSys. Receiving FDA clearance is an exciting milestone as it paves the way to begin to delivering personalized and holistic support to clinicians and patients on the cancer care journey, redefining precision medicine and revolutionizing patient care. The company was founded in 2018 by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to explore the intersection between AI and biophysical simulations in oncology.

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    EnterpriseWorks Graduates News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Xerion Advanced Battery Wins Prize From The U.S. Department of Energy

    Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. recently received the American-Made Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy for its groundbreaking work in developing a new way to extract lithium from geothermal brine. This extraction method is crucial for producing lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and various electronic devices. Paul Braun, co-founder of Xerion, planted roots at EnterpriseWorks. Here, the initial research was done and the original technology was created. Braun’s research group focuses on new functional materials for energy storage and solar energy harvesting, in particular on the synthesis of materials with carefully crafted 3D nano- and mesoscale architectures which lead to emergence of new optical, electrochemical, and thermal functionalities. Highlighted in Forbes, Xerion’s nanotechnology advances offer huge potential for everything from electrification of transportation to reinvigorating American manufacturing to onshoring of critical supply chains. Having been in “stealth mode” since 2010, Xerion will soon be able to expand to a manufacturing center in Dayton, Ohio with over $65 million raised. “The development of efficient geothermal lithium extraction technologies promises to simultaneously advance efforts to secure a domestic lithium supply and to solidify the United States’ position in the global transition to net-zero emissions,” stated John Busbee, CEO of Xerion. “The development and commercialization of our low-cost, high-efficiency direct lithium extraction from lithium brine sources globally will bring us one step closer to a clean energy future that is powered by homegrown innovation.” By developing these disruptive technologies, Xerion aims to transform the energy industry and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Its efforts align with the increasing demand for minerals like lithium in the context of a growing emphasis on zero-emission technologies and the electrification of various sectors.

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    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. 

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    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.

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    Investments Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    EDA Designates iFAB, Led by University of Illinois, as a Tech Hub Designee

    Today,  the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced it has selected the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (iFAB Tech Hub) as a 2023 Tech Hub Designee. The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (iFAB Tech Hub), led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, seeks to scale precision fermentation to convert underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value, customized alternative proteins, food ingredients, materials, chemicals, and more. By leveraging its regional assets in corn and soy feedstocks, food processing infrastructure, and research leadership, this Tech Hub will provide a domestic biomanufacturing testbed through the development and deployment of multi-use pilot and demonstration capacity and equipment for biomanufacturing innovators while also training a skilled workforce. The iFab consortium’s 30+ partners includes the University of Illinois Research Park as well as industry, higher education, workforce development agencies, agribusiness, and producers. Two of the private sector partners, ADM and Boston Bioprocess, have operations at Research Park. Another partner, gener8tor, leads the Illinois AgTech Accelerator.  The iFAB proposal, one of 400 received by EDA, was made public in August. Receiving the federal designation is an endorsement of the region’s plans to supercharge their respective technological industries to create jobs and promote innovation. This is the first phase of the new Tech Hubs program, a development initiative created to strengthen U.S. economic and national security with investments in regions to become globally competitive in the technologies and industries of the future. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards.” – U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo The second phase will allow each designated hub to apply to receive between $40-70 million each for implementation funding, totaling $500 million. About iFAB iFAB seeks to scale precision fermentation to convert underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value, customized alternative proteins, food ingredients, materials, chemicals, and more. To learn more, visit the iFAB website.

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    Community News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    Sen. Tammy Duckworth Highlights Efforts to Promote Illinois Innovation at Research Park Visit

    U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth visited the Research Park on Friday, Sept. 8 for a lively fireside chat discussing innovation, global impact, and Illinois’s role in developing emerging technologies. The panel discussion featured Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, Prof. Shaloo Rakheja, and moderator John Reid, a clinical faculty member at Illinois who has significant ties to two companies with deep roots at UIRP. “As a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and technology, Illinois is the ideal location for greater investment from international business, and I’m committed to helping bring home the kinds of investments that create good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s economy,” Duckworth said. “As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am dedicated to promoting Illinois on a global level—which includes much of the groundbreaking research and innovation happening right here at U of I. Illinois is ready to help bring our world into the future—and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure the whole world knows it.” Senator Duckworth encouraged students to “blur [their] boundaries.” The idea of blurring boundaries is integral to Research Park, where students from various disciplines work together on project teams. Senator Duckworth continued this advice: “Don’t think of a specific area as ‘my area’…If you allow yourself the opportunity to follow your own interest wherever it leads you, that space is where  you will be the most productive.” The event also included a meet-and-greet with the Senator and s’mores by the Atkins Building firepit. The University of Illinois is one of America’s leading research universities, and the Research Park plays an instrumental role in the research sphere. “From the farm of the future to the wheelchair of the future, our scientists and engineers are hard at work, imagining what’s next,” said Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois and principal officer of the Research Park Board of Managers. To learn more about the event, read the full press release on Senator Tammy Duckworth’s website or the recap by the Grainger College of Engineering. See the photos on our media gallery. 

    Sen. Tammy Duckworth Highlights Efforts to Promote Illinois Innovation at Research Park Visit Read Post »

    EnterpriseWorks Media Mentions News Recognition & Awards Research Park

    University of Illinois Ranked 15th in Top 100 Global Universities Ranked by Startup Founders

    The University of Illinois was ranked 15th in PitchBook’s annual university rankings list for alumni startup founders who have raised venture capital in the last decade. This list profiles global universities who have “truly exceptional track record of attracting and producing future entrepreneurs.” The rankings are determined based on PitchBook data analyzing more than 150,000 venture capital-backed founders. Additional ratings for the University of Illinois include: #3 in capital raised among U.S. public institutions #5 in graduate alumni founders among  U.S. public institutions #5 in undergraduate alumni founders among U.S. public institutions #7 in female alumni founders among U.S. public institutions UIUC alumni-founded companies have raised $20.8B through companies including Generate, GRAIL, Farmers Business Network, Heyday, and Plus. For more information and the complete list, visit the PitchBook website.

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