Winter 2026 Collaboratorium Connects Scientific Breakthroughs with Business Insight

Bringing together cutting-edge research and real-world business expertise, the Winter 2026 Collaboratorium will feature ventures spanning photonic computing, advanced therapeutics, energy, materials science, and artificial intelligence from across the Midwest research ecosystem.

>> Register for the Collaboratorium: Thursday, February 26 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The Collaboratorium provides a platform for scientists, engineers, and researchers exploring commercialization opportunities to showcase their work and connect with students, alumni, and industry partners interested in market research, academic collaboration, startup formation, and experiential programming.

This year’s event highlights ventures emerging from Polsky Center programs including I-Corps, the Commercialization Fellowship, and the UChicago Science Incubator. For the first time, the Collaboratorium will also welcome teams from partner universities including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Purdue University.

Computing, AI, and Advanced Systems

Akhilesh Jaiswal (University of Wisconsin–Madison) | Opterra Technologies
A memory-first photonic computing platform designed to enable scalable, manufacturable photonic systems for next-generation AI acceleration and data movement.

Pranshul Sardana (Purdue University) | AnnotateDx
An AI co-pilot that automates biological data annotation, reducing data preparation time by up to 90% while maintaining human-in-the-loop auditability for medical and pharmaceutical R&D.

Ben Hooberman (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) | Muonix
Muon-based subsurface imaging technology aimed at accelerating discovery of critical materials needed for next-generation energy technologies.

AI-Enabled Health, Biotech, and Therapeutics

Saloni Darji (Purdue University) | A Targeted Gene Delivery System
A modular platform designed to safely and efficiently deliver genetic medicines to specific target cells, addressing one of the key bottlenecks in gene-based therapies.

Matthew Brown (University of Wisconsin–Madison) | Allostasis Bio, LLC
Developing immune-tolerant cellular therapies for cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases without the need for immune-suppressive drugs.

Siyuan Zou (University of Chicago) | BaseProof
Creator of Inrich-seq, a DNA testing method designed to detect off-target effects in adenine base editors, helping advance safer gene-editing therapies toward clinical use.

Priyanka D. Gupta (University of Chicago) | BioNan
A programmable DNA nanotechnology platform that delivers drugs or selectively targets overactive immune cells to treat chronic inflammatory diseases with fewer side effects.

Teodora Kljaic (Purdue University) | Detection of Single Cells and Drug Activity within Emulsion Droplets using DNA-linked Probes
A droplet-based screening platform that enables massively parallel biochemical testing to accelerate early-stage drug discovery.

Drew Sheets (University of Chicago) | EarlyView
Scalable, noninvasive behavioral biomarkers designed to enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Elam Coalson (University of Chicago) | Revelascope
A reusable surgical retractor with integrated video, lighting, and smoke evacuation to improve visualization and ergonomics during minimal-incision open surgery.

Energy, Materials, and Industrial Innovation

Erik Ziehm (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) | Cascade Dynamics
Microparticle Ion Source Technology (MIST) for generating ions from solid materials, with applications in fusion fuel injection, electric propulsion, and medical isotope production.

Matthew Gebbie (University of Wisconsin–Madison) | DiamondIon Energy
Chemically stable battery electrolytes derived from petroleum byproducts, designed to improve the safety and lifespan of grid-scale energy storage systems.

Haining Gao (University of Chicago) | HaloGen Power
A high-energy, non-rechargeable battery platform for medical and IoT devices that increases energy density by 50% with minimal cost impact.

Zakaria Hsain (University of Wisconsin–Madison) | Metallic Energy
An advanced fuel cell that converts energy-dense metals into clean, on-demand electricity for off-grid power applications, including data centers and electric vehicles.

Mohammadali Eslamisaray (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) | PlasmaNexus
Modular plasma-based chemical systems enabling decentralized, on-demand production of nitrogen compounds from air, water, and electricity.

Bayezid Baten (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) | Rapid Analytix Division (RAD)
Portable, real-time analytical tools for characterizing cement and concrete materials, supporting faster testing, mix optimization, and low-carbon construction adoption.

Hossein Eskandaripour (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) | AviLux
A drone energy and battery-management platform designed to extend flight uptime, starting with food delivery applications.

Sunandita Ghosh (Purdue University) | Thermostable Whey Protein Solution
A molecular-level approach to producing shelf-stable protein beverages without additives, resulting in cleaner formulations and improved texture.

Questions?
Please contact Crystal Camargo at Crystal.Camargo@chicagobooth.edu.