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SUCCESS STORIES
THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION VOUCHERS
35 VOUCHERS AWARDED, NEARLY $3 MILLION IN FUNDING
Development of the ELG-CUE Feedback System
Human Skin Phantom with Continuous, Uniform Basal Temperature
Development of Low-Cost Transportable Long Duration Energy Storage Material

Developed by: Terry Ventures, LLC
In Collaboration with: Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Developed by: Cast21, Inc.
In Collaboration with: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Developed by: Cache Energy
In Collaboration with: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Summary

TERRY VENTURES, LLC, in partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is advancing assistive technology with the development of the ELG-CUE, an enhanced functionality framework for assistive technology. By combining ergonomic design, advanced 3D scanning, and motion capture technology, this project focuses on enhancing mobility, improving safety, and reducing stigma for older adults.

Key Features
  • Ergonomic Design: The ELG-CUE system housing is designed for optimal comfort, seamless usability, and refined aesthetics, aiming to reduce stigma for users of assistive technology.
  • Advanced Technology Integration: Employs state-of-the-art innovations to improve functionality and streamline performance.
  • Innovative Development Tools: Utilizes advanced 3D scanning, motion analysis, and user-driven design methodologies to deliver precise and adaptive solutions.
  • Sustainability and Scalability: Prioritizes sustainable materials and production techniques to support long-term adaptability across various assistive technologies.
Project Success Criteria
  • Completion of All Deliverables: On-time delivery of training, prototypes, testing, and comprehensive design documentation aligned with project goals.
  • Functional and Aesthetic Enhancement: The system integrates seamlessly into assistive technology, offering improved functionality and refined design.
  • Rigorous Testing Outcomes: Extensive testing validates reliability, safety, and operational effectiveness.
  • Technical Validation: Confirmed performance and compliance with safety standards for assistive technology.
  • Regulatory and Market Readiness: Final designs meet regulatory requirements and are prepared for scalable manufacturing and commercialization.
Project Impact
  • Enhanced Safety and Mobility: The ELG-CUE framework is designed to improve stability and mobility for older adults, contributing to a better quality of life.
  • Aesthetic and Functional Focus: Prioritizes design elements that support adoption of assistive technology while minimizing associated stigma.
  • Scalability and Market Potential: Aims to produce a commercially viable product, ready for scaling and widespread deployment.
  • Collaborative Opportunities: Establishes a foundation for partnerships with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers and rehabilitation centers, to extend its impact.
  • Advancement in Assistive Technology: Sets a new standard for incorporating advanced innovations into assistive technology, driving future development and exploration.
Summary

This innovative project is focused on developing a cutting-edge testing apparatus that replicates human skin and maintains a continuous, uniform basal temperature. Designed for wearables testing, the apparatus will allow researchers and developers to study how wearable devices interact with and impact the human body.

Key Features
  • Skin Phantom Technology: Mimics human skin properties to simulate real-world conditions.
  • Temperature Monitoring: Equipped to maintain and measure uniform basal temperature for accurate results.
  • Versatility and Reusability: Can test various wearable products, reducing costs and improving efficiency in product development.
Project Impact

The creation of this custom testing apparatus streamlines the process of bringing wearable technology products to market. By providing reliable, repeatable, and efficient testing methods, this project represents a leap forward in wearable device research and development.

Summary

Cache Energy is advancing its second-generation energy storage material through this project. The material is nonflammable, solid, and capable of storing energy at room temperature with zero energy loss over time. This innovation can safely and efficiently transport energy to areas where it is needed most, revolutionizing energy storage and distribution.

Key Features
  • Low-Cost, High-Efficiency: Aimed at providing affordable and efficient energy storage solutions.
  • Nonflammable and Solid-State: Ensures safety and reliability during storage and transport.
  • Transportable Energy Storage: Brings energy to remote or underserved locations with ease.
Project Success Criteria
  • Commercial Viability: Completion of a high-temperature pellet formulation optimized for Cache Energy’s thermal storage systems.
  • Material Development: Establishing a solid foundation of understanding through experiments conducted at the Materials Research Lab (MRL) and Cache Energy’s own facilities.
  • Scale-Up of Production: Material production will be scaled up at Cache Energy’s warehouse facility in Champaign-Urbana, based on the results of material testing.
  • Testing Infrastructure Enhancements: Upgrades to testing equipment at both Cache Energy’s and MRL’s facilities to improve optimization of existing heat storage technology.
  • Performance Benchmarking: Benchmarking the material’s performance in the 100kW pilot reactor and accelerated testing setups at MRL facilities to instill confidence in customers and partners.
Project Impact

This project’s outcomes will position Cache Energy as a leader in low-cost, long-duration energy storage technology. By delivering a scalable and commercially viable product, Cache Energy is poised to redefine how energy is stored and transported, offering a sustainable and innovative solution for global energy challenges.

SOME OF OUR HAPPY VISIONARIES
SUCCESS SPEAKS
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
"It cannot be overstated how much this program benefited our company! This project got us the data that we needed to close sales and deals with distributors and help take our business to the next level."
Gabe Price, Founder Earnest Agriculture
"Our experience with the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program has been overwhelmingly positive, standing out even among the many Federal and State grants we’ve successfully secured.  Jacob Barry’s exceptional communication and guidance throughout the process were instrumental, making the submission process straightforward and well-supported.  His efforts truly distinguished this program."

 

Blake Terry, Owner and Founder Terry Ventures
"Receiving the grant allowed us to research and create a tool no one in the industry could complete. The ISTC team and our university partner have been incredibly helpful in supporting our growth and development."
Ashley S H Moy, Cast21

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