Vadim Backman, PhD
Preora Diagnostics uses optical technology called partial wave spectroscopic microscopy to examine cells at the nanoscale, which can help detect cancers.
Archived Innovator Stories
Northwestern faculty are innovators determined to solve pressing problems. They are inventors and entrepreneurs making an impact in diverse fields such as wearables, ALS and depression. Read their stories below.
Will Dichtel, PhD
CycloPure is working to remove micropollutants from the water using polymers that act like a magnet to attract and absorb pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Kristian Hammond, PhD + Larry Birnbaum, PhD
Narrative Science uses artificial intelligence to turn big data into a narrative expressed in natural language.
Harold Kung, PhD
NanoGraf is developing an anode for lithium-ion batteries made of silicon, allowing for longer-lasting and faster-charging batteries.
Elizabeth McNally, MD
Ikaika Therapeutics has mapped genetic modifiers for muscular dystrophy and discovered possible treatments.
Stephen Miller, PhD
Cour Pharmaceuticals is developing biodegradable nanoparticle technology as a treatment for lung and food allergies as well as autoimmune diseases.
Chad Mirkin, PhD
Using findings from the Human Genome Project, Exicure custom-designs therapeutics that target and turn off specific disease-causing genes.
Ed Colgate, PhD + Michael Peshkin, PhD
Tanvas' surface haptic technology enables users to feel tactile effects to accompany what they see on touchscreens.
Sir Fraser Stoddart, PhD
Cycladex uses a naturally occurring compound called cyclodextrin to extract gold from crude sources; the discovery could eliminate cyanide from the gold industry.