The Impact Engine launches its third program with seven new mission-driven companies

by Maura Gaughan
September 29, 2014

[ibimage==40853==Original==none==self==null]

Today marks the launch of The Impact Engine’s third cohort. There have been many changes to the program this year including staffing, program design and, of course, seven new companies driven to change the world with for-profit business models.

This year The Impact Engine will focus on six sectors: Climate & Environment, Education, Financial Services, Food & Agriculture, Health & Wellness and Workforce Development. Like the past two cohorts, each company will receive $25,000 in seed funding, free workspace at 1871 and access to workshops and the top minds in Chicago’s technology and social impact sectors.

New faces and positions will run the 16-week accelerator program this year. Chuck Templeton, who led the first and second program, will transition to Chairman of the Board and Jessica Droste Yagan will take over as CEO. (Read our Q&A with her here.) As the former Director of Sustainable Supply for McDonald’s, Yagan will bring deep experience in social responsibility and sustainability from the corporate world. Further, Tasha Seitz will step in as Chief Investment Officer - a position that will span from mentoring the seven companies on fundraising and to educating the community on the power of impact investments.

A new feature to the program will be “Super Mentors”. Now, in addition to the strong league of Impact Engine mentors, each company will have a dedicated “Super Mentor”. Of these mentors are Chuck Templeton, Mike Evans, Sam Yagan, Matt Speigel, Thania Panopoulos, Greg Lernihan, Brian Lernihan and Peggy Eastwood.

The Impact Engine received around 100 applications from 17 states across the US and 11 countries. Here are the seven companies who made the cut:

[ibimage==40854==Original==none==self==null]

Basic Transfer – Basic Transfer is a mobile payment platform empowering peer-to-peer giving through cash transfers. With a focus on supporting women living in developing countries, they enable safe, straightforward wiring transactions.

 

[ibimage==40855==Original==none==self==null]

Guard Llama – Guard Llama’s mission is to keep students safe both on and off campuses. Their product is a wireless handheld remote: when a student is in danger, they press the button which, through a personal mobile device, sends an alert and GPS information to authorities nearby.

 

[ibimage==40856==Original==none==self==null]

Inifiniteach – Globally, one in 68 children are diagnosed with autism and Infiniteach created an app, Skill Champ, to help those children learn and communicate more effectively. Parents and teachers use the app to create custom lessons that are rooted in evidence-based autism interventions.

 

[ibimage==40857==Original==none==self==null]

Prana Diabetes – Prana Diabetes is a mobile platform that empowers a person to monitor and record their health parameters as they live with diabetes. Their goal is to utilize technology to manage - and tackle - the growth of diabetes. The organization also ties in a patient’s personal network for additional support and guidance.

 

[ibimage==40858==Original==none==self==null]

Project SAM - Project SAM serves NGO health clinics in developing countries. They offer an inventory management platform that allows workers to digitize and manage their product with automated voice calls.

 

[ibimage==40859==Original==none==self==null]

StoryPort - StoryPort is a writing portal for young authors and their guides. The educational online writing environment empowers K-12 students to create stories and work with educators to connect those stories to meet objectives. Parents are also able to monitor their child’s progress on StoryPort.

 

[ibimage==40860==Original==none==self==null]

Totus Power – Totus Power takes the often-wasted value of lithium ion batteries from electric vehicles and turns it into battery packs for schools in developing countries. The packs fuel reliable electricity that schools can use to power learning devices.

Jobs at Impact Engine

Chicago startup guides

LOCAL GUIDE
Best Companies to Work for in Chicago
LOCAL GUIDE
Coolest Offices in Chicago Tech
LOCAL GUIDE
Best Perks at Chicago Tech Companies
LOCAL GUIDE
Women in Chicago Tech