Cycladex

Northwestern University

Gold mining has been a historically low innovation industry. The industry standard is to use a cyanide process to isolate gold, which is expensive and potentially dangerous. Cycladex has created a method to isolate gold in an inexpensive, environmentally-friendly way.

Graphene Cosmetics

Northwestern University

Northwestern researchers have devised a new formula for black hair dye using graphene. Leveraging graphene’s high surface area, flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, the inventors have developed a multi-functional hair dye that can be used to control the lightness/darkness of hair. The graphene dye is both robust (able to stay on even after 30 washes) and non-toxic (minimal to no hair damage was observed after wash-out). This technology has received considerable attention in the popular press, including the NY Times, BBC, NPR, Fast Company, Refinery29, and other news outlets.

Actualize Therapy

Northwestern University

Actualize Therapy is leveraging mobile technology to improve life for those with depression and anxiety. This tech-enabled service for depression and anxiety is generating improved patient engagement and care management. Actualize's research-backed mobile tools borrow from an eclectic array of in-person therapy techniques such as CBT and positive psychology. These tools are quick, lightweight, and designed with a patient's individual needs in mind. Actualize's NIH-funded field trial resulted in a 50% reduction for symptoms of anxiety and depression - results equivalent to in-person therapy. Actualize Therapy is actively searching for a CEO to lead business development and fundraising.

Surgical Innovation Associates

Northwestern University

In cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, surgical mesh is often implanted in order to support the tissue. However, skin-based mesh comes with complications that could result in more than one surgery. DuraSorb is a mesh which pairs the integration potential of skin-based mesh with a decreased risk of complications.

Synaural

Northwestern University

The Synaural platform uses engineered acoustic probes to elicit specific neural activity within the brain. A robust, easy to use, non-invasive headset records the neural activity and patented algorithms extract unique metrics that provide objective insight to the subject’s neural health and can be used to guide treatment in a meaningful, measured way. To date, the metrics have demonstrated enough specificity to be correlated with various conditions e.g. concussion, learning disabilities (e.g. Autism, reading, dyslexia), and hearing.