FirstIgnite champions innovation and education, powering engaging interactions between companies and research institutions. We provide simple AI-powered tools that solve complex problems, delivered as a research-focused marketing platform with global reach.
About FirstIgnite
Empowering Research Institutions to Build Strong Corporate Partnerships
Our History
Founded in 2019, FirstIgnite aims to revolutionize scientific breakthroughs into commercial successes. That year, we were given the opportunity to support the commercialization of cancer treatment molecules – proven to slow tumor growth in small animals – and help them reach human trials. Although our founders had no skills in oncology, we learned we could help cure cancer.
Since then, we’ve united global universities and pioneering companies across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy storage, cyber security, food production, water treatment, and so much more.
With support from leading venture capital groups like Y Combinator, FirstIgnite has become a hub for innovative minds striving for societal impact.
Alone, we can’t cure cancer, we can’t alter plant genetics, and we can’t solve the world’s energy crises. But we can build products and offer services that bring together the world’s top innovators and companies, who can work together to accomplish anything they put their minds and resources to. Our user-friendly artificial intelligence software tackles challenges through a global platform meant to increase collaborative corporate and higher-education engagements.
At FirstIgnite, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the world.
Timeline
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2019
Company founded. First university partners are Stony Brook University and Auburn University.
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2020
Received investment from Michigan State University Research Foundation and participated in the Conquer Accelerator via Red Cedar Ventures.
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2021
Graduated from Y Combinator Summer 21 batch.
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2022
Reached milestones of over 2,000 innovation partnerships and over 250 new partnerships each month on FirstIgnite’s platform.
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2023
FirstIgnite's software as a service is released. Research partners are able to build hundreds of new corporate partnerships in minutes through the power of artificial intelligence.