Marquette University’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering is fostering an entrepreneurial culture that bridges academic research with real-world engineering innovations. Currently, the department is closely involved with five startup companies, all stemming from collaborative efforts among faculty, students, and alumni. These startups address various challenges in construction, environmental conservation, structural integrity, transportation, and water resource management.
Originating from research initiatives within the department, these startups have evolved from theoretical investigations to practical solutions for community issues. The engineers behind these ventures are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to transition their ideas from laboratory experiments to impactful implementations in real communities.
Dr. Daniel Zitomer, the department’s chair and professor, emphasizes the importance of this transition, stating that engineering is fundamentally about creating positive impacts through innovative technologies. The department’s strategy focuses on guiding research projects toward commercialization opportunities, aligning with the ethos of engineering as a driver of societal progress.
A key aspect of this model is the participation of the National Science Foundation I-Corps program, which provides intensive entrepreneurial training. The startups credit their success to this program, particularly its emphasis on customer discovery, which involves understanding end-users’ needs and aligning solutions accordingly.
Each startup is at a different stage of development, with diverse long-term goals ranging from market entry to sustained growth. Among these startups is Rapid Radicals Technology, which addresses stormwater treatment challenges with a novel process. Another venture, Scan4Facade, leverages drone technology and artificial intelligence for building facade inspection. ThaneSource Water focuses on energy-efficient wastewater treatment, while Water Intelligence LLC offers real-time flow monitoring solutions. Lastly, Potholes Nevermore repurposes wastewater grit to create durable pothole patch materials.
These startups exemplify Marquette University’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change through interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit.
