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Collaboratorium

For more than a decade, the Collaboratorium has connected students with faculty, researchers, and technologists pursuing commercialization opportunities for innovative research and technologies. The event brings together business students and scientists to form entrepreneurial teams and turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

Today, the Polsky Center has expanded the Collaboratorium to include leading universities from across the Midwest, welcoming participants from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Purdue University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Together, faculty, researchers, and students will leverage the strengths of each institution to launch teams positioned to bring transformative research to market and strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem.

The Collaboratorium is a must-attend event for students eager to gain hands-on entrepreneurship experience and get involved with cutting-edge technologies at an early stage.

For faculty and researchers, pitching at the Collaboratorium offers the opportunity to showcase their work, collaborate with student teams, and clarify next steps toward building a business. Join us for the Collaboratorium—where talent meets technology and ideas begin their journey to impact.

Upcoming Events

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  • Fall 2026 Collaboratorium

    The Collaboratorium unites business students and scientists from leading Midwestern universities to form entrepreneurial teams and turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Founded…

Past Participants

  • Coming Soon!

  • 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.

  • BAT Bio // Develop a novel DNA sequencing technology with applications in cancer research and diagnostics. Team: Yiding Wang, graduate student, Physical Sciences Division; Chuan He, John T. Wilson Distinguished Service Professor of Chemistry, Physical Sciences Division
  • Deep Visual Metabolomics // Novel method in spatial metabolomics that combines AI-guided laser microdissection and mass spectrometry with applications in cancer patient stratification and new therapeutic interventions. Team: Isabel Alcazar, graduate student, Biological Sciences Division; Ernst Lengyel, Arthur L. and Lee G. Herbst Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biological Sciences Division
  • Herald // HeraldDx Is a platform that puts cancer diagnosis back into patients’ hands. With a wearables based biomarker algorithm at the core, patients upload symptoms and history (including labs and imaging) into this digital platform that produces a ranked differential, flagging high risk symptoms and biometrics that may reflect a new cancer at its earliest and curable stages. Team: Nazila Shafagati, clinical associate of medicine, Biological Sciences Division; John Lee, National Cancer Institute
  • Hypogenic AI // HypoGenic AI aims to transform the way research is done by enabling interactive hypothesis generation and exploration through the team’s AI platform. Team: Chenhao Tan, associate professor of computer science, Physical Sciences Division; Haokun Liu, graduate student, Physical Sciences Division
  • MIT2 // We are building next-generation, AI-enabled, advanced hardware and software systems for molecular imaging & theranostics (MIT) that deliver higher specificity and reliability, greater patient experience, with more efficient uses of resources, for both research and clinical application. Team: Chin-Tu Chen, professor of radiology, Biological Sciences Division; Chien-Min Kao, professor of
    radiology, Biological Sciences Division; Tom Fitzpatrick, unaffiliated with the University of Chicago
  • Nanoparticle drug delivery system // The team is developing a drug delivery platform that could be utilized to treat cardiopulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis. Team: Ha Ram Kim, graduate student, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering; Yun Fang, professor of medicine, Biological Sciences Division; Matthew Tirrell, D. Gale Johnson Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
  • Next-gen live biotherapeutics // Developing a therapeutic cocktail of microbiota to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Disease. Team: Jingwen Xu, graduate student, Biological Sciences Division; Eugene Chang, Martin Boyer Professor of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division
  • Physiological Media Labs // Physiological Media Labs is filling a key gap in the drug discovery process by developing tumor-specific cell culture media that replicate the nutrient environments of tumors. This media portfolio is designed to improve drug target validation while integrating into existing drug discovery workflows. Team: Patrick Jonker, post-doc, Biological Sciences Division; Matthew Schechter, post-doc, Biological Sciences Division; Alexander Muir, assistant professor, Biological Sciences Division
  • SomniWave // Our effort focuses on a light-triggered neurostimulation device that leverages proprietary mechanisms to modulate neural activity. The initial clinical application targets obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with potential for future expansion to other neurological and organ-specific disorders. The technology aims to provide a minimally invasive, scalable, and globally accessible therapeutic solution. Team: Phillip Losavio, professor of surgery, Biological Sciences Division; Bozhi Tian, professor, physical sciences division
  • STAGE Quantum Casino //  The Quantum Casino is a suite of games intended to decrease the entry barrier into quantum physics (QP). Each game focuses on a different, fundamental property of physics. We hope that these games increase awareness of and appreciation for not only QP, but science as a whole, amongst a wide audience. Team: Jessica Markman, graduate student, Biological Sciences Division
  • TB Mucosal Vaccine //  This project focuses on the development of a novel intranasal mucosal tuberculosis vaccine leveraging a nanoemulsion adjuvant platform. Team: Shabaana Khader, Bernard and Betty Roizman Professor of Microbiology; Addie Politi, student, The College

  • Quantum, Healthcare, and Cleantech
    • Dillon Pranger, Jordan Campbell, and Cody Norman | Conscious Cladding // Turning plastic waste into high-quality building panels, creating a sustainable solution for the construction industry.
    • Jacob Feder and Ben Soloway | Fluorescent Spin Qubits // Developing cutting-edge quantum technology using proteins to improve sensing in biological and medical applications.
    • William Parker | KAIROS // Providing real-time, data-driven insights to critically ill patients and their families, helping them make informed medical decisions.
    • Kai Li | Smart Single Photon Detector // Advancing quantum communication by improving how we detect and analyze quantum signals, unlocking new possibilities in secure data transmission.
    • Berk Kovos | SynthBits // A quantum tech startup creating ultra-sensitive sensors for medical and biotech applications, spun out of breakthrough research at PME.
  • Data Science and AI
    • Aniirudh Ramesh | Asters // Using AI to create realistic digital training simulations for emergency response teams, helping them prepare for disasters more effectively.
    • Jovanay Carter | The Dev Difference // An AI-powered mock interview coach that helps job seekers sharpen their communication and technical skills, boosting their confidence to land top tech roles.
    • Marwah Roussi | Legion Space // Building smart, modular technology to make satellites work together more efficiently, unlocking new possibilities for space operations.
    • Thomas Davison | ORO Intelligence // AI-driven scheduling software that helps healthcare providers reduce no-shows, fill last-minute cancellations, and get more patients the care they need—while increasing revenue.
    • Jonathan Grinstein | PAC Dynamic // Developing advanced models to better understand heart failure, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments.
    • Sid Ramesh | Slideflow Labs // Combining AI and medical expertise to revolutionize disease detection, making it faster and more accurate for researchers and clinicians.

  • AGC Carbon // An early-stage startup focusing on CO2 to soda ash conversion technology for point source Carbon Capture with cogeneration of Grid Energy Storage
  • Air Energy // Transforming transportation with Solid-State Lithium-Air Batteries
  • Alarmin Labs // Developing novel drugs to inhibit the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases
  • Alley Kat // Open operation devices that can mitigate smoke from all smoke-generating devices in the operating room
  • Artificial Brain // Specializing in the development of advanced optimization solutions for defense, aerospace, and energy
  • Astir Therapeutics // Unraveling the complex processes in disease dynamics with AI and omics
  • BarQu // Quantum identifiers and sensors (Q-IDs) that simultaneously track and monitor hundreds of thousands to millions of individual cells using persistent fluorophores as quantum barcodes and sensors
  • Dr. Po-Chun Hsu  // Nanofluid-enhanced laser lithotripsy for kidney stone disease
  • Inertial // Using turbomachinery for carbon capture at fossil fuel-fired power plants
  • Lazarus Therapeutics // Developing a platform using polymersomes to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents, such as stapled peptides and small molecules, directly into cancer cells
  • Materium Technologies // Material science startup developing novel nanocomposite materials, assisted by machine-learning techniques
  • PANCS // Cheaper and faster method of generating protein binders than current methods, which will contribute to the basis of a robust drug-discovery platform
  • Parasol // catheter-based system to deliver a gel based matrix hardened by UV light to fill and completely occlude a patients left atrial appendage
  • Photon Queue // Designing and building quantum memory devices and developing control systems to ensure automated high-performance operation for long duration without human interaction
  • QubitConnect // Enabling large-scale quantum computers with an interconnection capability
  • Tanda BioTech // Scalable, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly bio manufacturing tools to accelerate large scale bioproduction
  • Trust Vector // A SaaS solution focused on near real-time system behavior monitoring, aimed at detecting changes in certified AI solutions
  • Volt Insight // Integrating computed tomography (CT) imaging data with electrochemical data using advanced machine learning models, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)

  • C+Up  // Economically feasible solution for reducing global emissions & dependency on fossils mitigating climate risks, and de-risking assets and saving jobs and communities.
  • CardiaSpike // developing a new methodology to generate a vascularized cardiac tissue patch with improved physiological properties and therapeutic potential.
  • Claudyn BioTech // developing a novel class of drugs to block claudin channels, which can be used to treat diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
  • Diamond Stacks // manufacture diamond-integrated wafers for the semiconductor and quantum industries, using technology developed in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago (High Lab in collaboration with Argonne National Lab).
  • Iris Light Technologies // powering the Moore’s Law for Light Chips (photonic chips) with on-chip embedded lasers.
  • Molecular Intelligence // Providing solutions for the physical modeling of molecular systems to industry partners based on modern AI technology, in particular, so-called equivariant neural network.
  • PI-CHAI // We address AI-assisted prostate cancer diagnosis, combining computer vision with human-centered machine learning technology.
  • Slideflow Labs // seamlessly integrates hardware and software to establish a comprehensive platform for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) histopathology biomarkers.
  • Ultra-Hard Crystal Slicing // Using spalling to peel off high quality films and devices from silicon carbide and diamond substrates and then recycle those substrates to reduce total cost to consumers.

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