June 16, 2026
Northwestern startup INRTL has been selected as one of just five companies for the AI Research Commons (ARC) Midwest Fellows Program, a competitive initiative supporting high-potential AI startups emerging from leading Midwest research institutions.
Founded by Northwestern computer science faculty member Karan Ahuja and technology executive Jean-Baptiste Guignard, INRTL is developing a Physical AI foundation model for motion. The company's technology enables machines and devices to better understand and interpret movement, with applications ranging from wearable devices and extended reality systems to robotics and autonomous navigation.
As part of the fellowship, INRTL will receive access to Microsoft and NVIDIA resources, mentorship from experienced AI leaders and investors, workspace at Third Coast Foundry in San Francisco, and opportunities to connect with leading venture capital networks. The selection highlights the growing strength of Northwestern's AI innovation ecosystem and the exciting potential of Physical AI technologies.
Congratulations to the INRTL team on this achievement.
Read more at Northwestern's Querrey InQbation Lab LinkedIn page.