University of Illinois System

Year In Review 2024

A year of transformative partnerships, record-breaking federal funding, and

groundbreaking advancements that reinforce Illinois’ role as a national and global leader in

innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. 1

Overview

In 2024, Innovate Illinois solidified its reputation as the driving force behind the state's innovation ecosystem.

Through bold initiatives and strategic collaborations Illinois achieved remarkable milestones. This report highlights the key achievements of Innovate Illinois, underscoring its contributions to federal funding wins, cutting-edge technology leadership, and workforce development programs that prepare the state for a stronger, more resilient future.

Governor JB Pritzker,

Chair

Susan Martinis,

Executive Sponsor /

Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jennifer Scanlon,

Vice Chair / President and CEO, UL Solutions

Brad Henderson,

Executive Sponsor / CEO, P33

Robert J. Jones,

Vice Chair / Chancellor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

LEADERSHIP

Innovate Illinois Consortium

Higher Education

  • Chicago State University

  • City Colleges of Chicago

  • Council of Community College Presidents

  • Illinois State University

  • Illinois Tech

  • Northern Illinois University

  • Northwestern University

  • Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

  • University of Chicago

  • University of Illinois Chicago

  • University of Illinois System

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Key Ecosystem Organizations

  • Argonne National Laboratory

  • Chicago Quantum Exchange

  • Current

  • Discovery Partners Institute

  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

  • Illinois Innovation Network

  • Illinois Science and Technology Coalition

  • Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

  • mHUB

  • MxD

  • P33

    Government

  • Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

  • Governor’s Office

  • Intersect Illinois

  • Office of Senator Duckworth

  • Office of Senator Durbin

  • World Business Chicago

    Business

  • Civic Committee

  • Illinois/Chicagoland Chamber

  • Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

  • Other Chicago and Downstate Business CEOs

  • TCCI Manufacturing

    Labor

  • American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

If you’re interested in partnering,

we’re continuing to grow. 4

Global Leader in Transformative Technologies

Beyond Silicon

Pioneering the next generation of computing.

Beyond Biology

Envisioning the bioeconomy of the future.

Innovate Illinois is focused on four distinct areas to leverage the state’s unique strengths to not only advance critical areas of innovation but also help position the United States as a global leader in these transformative technologies.

Beyond Boundaries

Advancing broad-based economic growth.

Beyond Carbon

Embracing renewable energy.

$1.5B

UP

IN

TO FUNDING

COMPETITIVE GRANTS

20+

Made available through federal legislation including:

  • CHIPS and Science Act

  • Inflation Reduction Act

  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Innovate Illinois continues to have a large impact on our state’s economic development trajectory, bringing billions of dollars in both federal funding and private investment into focus.

Award Submission

Biology Boundaries Carbon Silicon

#TeamIllinois

US Economic

Development Administration

Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs

Two Illinois programs were designated as part of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs).

iFAB Tech Hub

iFAB brings together over 30 partners representing Illinois' leading academic, industry, and government organizations to address the growing demand for fermentation in biomanufacturing.

The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub The Bloch brings together public, private, and academic partners to advance the regional adoption of quantum information science and technology (QIST) by building a framework that can be used across a variety of industries.

Click to see press release

program:

Click to see press release

The iFAB Tech Hub and The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub. These initiatives aim to propel Illinois to the forefront of innovation in biomanufacturing and quantum technologies.

Photo credit: Chicago Quantum Exchange Photo credit: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of ACES

Tech Hubs Communications Plan

Both projects underscore Illinois' commitment to creating transformative regional innovation ecosystems, leveraging federal funding to build resilient, globally competitive industries.

EDA Tech Hubs

Illinois submitted two high-impact projects for the U.S. Economic

Development Administration’s Tech Hubs

Innovate Illinois, in partnership with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, crafted a comprehensive communications strategy to support the Tech Hubs announcements including scenario planning, contingency messaging, stakeholder talking

points and a social media toolkit.

Beyond Silicon

SUCCESSFULLY

SECURED UP TO

675 M

LED THE WAY WITH A DESIGN FOR

AMERICA WORKSHOP,

DRIVING

HUMAN-

CENTERED

INNOVATION STATEWIDE.

Robert J. Jones visited the White House to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's $5 billion investment in semiconductor-related research, development, and workforce needs. The visit highlighted the pivotal role of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), which is now formally established as a public-private Consortium. Chancellor Jones emphasized the significance of the NSTC in advancing semiconductor technologies and fostering a skilled workforce, aligning with President Biden's vision to strengthen U.S. leadership in innovation and national security.

$500M Commitment to Quantum and Semiconductor Technology

Governor JB Pritzker’s $500M state investment to advance Illinois’ quantum and semiconductor sectors is now fully secured, with funding directed toward the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

This landmark initiative positions Illinois as a global hub for quantum research and next-generation microelectronics technology.

Click to see press release

Click to see press release

#BeyondSilicon

Innovate Vice-Chair Robert J. Jones

Advocates Semiconductor Investment at White House

to The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub

The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award to the CQE-led The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub—strengthening the hub's infrastructure and operational capacity, enhancing its ability to attract additional investments. The award reinforces Illinois’ commitment to advancing quantum technology as a key driver of economic growth and global competitiveness.

EDA Great American Tech Hubs Tour: The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub

#BeyondSilicon

EDA Awards $500,000

The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub co-hosted a summit to address quantum’s role in combating financial fraud and advancing national security.

Collaborations:

Federal agencies, private industry, and academic leaders convened to build frameworks for applying quantum technologies for at-risk communities.

 

#BeyondSilicon

Quantum Innovation in National Security in Washington DC

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

A New Hub for Innovation and Economic Growth

Governor JB Pritzker announced the establishment of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on the South Side of Chicago, solidifying Illinois’ position as a global leader in quantum computing and advanced microelectronics. The IQMP is set to become a groundbreaking innovation campus, bringing together cutting-edge technology, world-class expertise, and strategic partnerships to foster economic growth and technological advancement to solve complex challenges.

The IQMP is projected to generate up to $20 billion in economic impact and create thousands of jobs in quantum computing, microelectronics, and related sectors. PsiQuantum alone is expected to create at least 150 new jobs, including positions for engineers, technicians, and roles in finance, supply chain, and human resources.

This campus will serve as a hub for collaboration among Fortune 500 companies, federal research offices, national laboratories, and Illinois’ renowned universities, fostering commercialization opportunities and attracting global technology leaders. With the state investing $500 million in its development, the IQMP represents a transformative opportunity to drive Illinois’ innovation economy.

#BeyondSilicon

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

#BeyondSilicon

Illinois Lands Federal Partnership to Further Quantum Projects

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) partnered with Illinois to establish a Quantum Proving Ground within the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to accelerate applied quantum research and strengthen national security.

#BeyondSilicon

Photo credit: Christopher Tirrell for IBM

State of Illinois and Partners to Build National Quantum Algorithm Center

The State of Illinois, with partners including IBM, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of Chicago have established the National Quantum Algorithm Center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, further cementing Illinois' leadership in quantum innovation.

This collaboration, supported by a $25 million state grant,

IBM Quantum System Two

will drive advancements in quantum computing algorithms, foster economic growth, and create a robust pipeline of quantum talent. By leveraging IBM's cutting-edge Quantum System Two technology, the Center will position Illinois as the global epicenter for quantum research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. This initiative will empower other quantum business partners to unlock and identify yet unknown algorithms that will enable quantum computing to solve big challenges facing our world.

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been named a key partner in the Workforce Partner Alliance—an initiative under the National Semiconductor Technology Center aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled professionals in the

U.S. semiconductor industry. Through this collaboration, Illinois will leverage funding to develop industry-aligned training programs—fostering a highly skilled workforce to advance the nation’s leadership in the pivotal sector. #BeyondBoundaries

Click to see press release

“Developing a skilled workforce for the U.S. semiconductor industry is a critical need, and this award is a vote of confidence in our ability to scale our impact. We are eager to exemplify the power of academic-industry partnerships to provide our students with the best training and opportunities. Together, we will address this national challenge and secure America’s technological future.”

Dr. Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Illinois Leads Midwest in SMART USA for Semiconductor Innovation

Governor JB Pritzker and the University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign announced Illinois’ partnership in the SMART USA Institute, the nation’s sole winning institute in semiconductor manufacturing, awarded $285 million to accelerate U.S. chip production. With $50 million in state matching funds, this initiative supports the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, positioning the state as a leader in semiconductor innovation and workforce development.

#BeyondBoundaries

Click to see press release

#BeyondSilicon

Illinois Joins Workforce Partner Alliance for Semiconductors

Beyond Biology

$ 66 M

IN FEDERAL FUNDING

$$$

Innovate Illinois collaborated with the Governor’s Office to highlight this historic achievement at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory.

  • The $680M investment, including cash match and partner investments, bolstered Illinois’ position as a global biomanufacturing leader.

  • Innovate Illinois orchestrated a high-profile press conference and strategic messaging campaign, showcasing public-private partnerships that align with federal funding priorities.

Click to see press release

#BeyondBiology

iFAB Tech Hub Celebrates

$680M in Partner Investments

#BeyondBiology

iFAB Secures $51M in EDA Funding

The EDA funding will be strategically allocated to projects that encompass infrastructure development, industry partnerships and more—ensuring that the iFAB Tech Hub will catalyze significant economic growth, attract additional private investment, and establish Illinois as a leader in precision fermentation.

Click to see press release

"The $51 million federal investment in the iFAB Tech Hub is a game changer for Central Illinois.

For years, our region has been leading the nation in groundbreaking agricultural research.”

said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13).

The Economic Development Administration visited iFAB Tech Hub as part of the Great American Tech Hubs Tour. Tech Hubs Director Eric Smith, Program Analyst Jacob Wildfire, and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski visited key facilities, including the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, University of Illinois Research Park, Primient, and ADM, to see firsthand the progress since the award.

#BeyondBiology

EDA Great American Tech Hubs Tour: iFAB Tech Hub

The National Science Foundation awarded Illinois leadership in two of its six newly established Global Centers, positioning the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at the forefront of global research collaboration.

Alliance for Socially-acceptable and Actionable Plants (ASAP): Focuses on engineering resilient, high-yield feedstock crops for biofuels, ensuring sustainable bioeconomy advancements.

Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries: Aims to establish standardized biomanufacturing processes, leveraging expertise from seven international biofoundries to unlock transformative applications in biotechnology.

#BeyondBiology

Two NSF Global Centers Established

Beyond Carbon

$702 M IN FEDERAL FUNDING

for Current’s Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine

Innovate Illinois was instrumental in securing the NSF grant of

$15M-$160M to establish Current’s Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine, a Chicago-based hub dedicated to tackling critical water challenges.

Alaina Harkness

CEO Current & Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine

Strategic Leadership:

Alaina Harkness was honored for her contributions to water innovation, further highlighting Illinois’ leadership in addressing environmental issues.

Impact:

Positioned Illinois as a leader in the "blue economy," tackling PFAS removal and wastewater repurposing while fostering regional sustainability.

“This landmark grant reflects Illinois’ commitment to sustainable water solutions and economic growth through innovation.”

– Governor JB Pritzker

#BeyondCarbon

Up to $160M Secured

#BeyondCarbon

Illinois Awarded

$430M by Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois received $430M in EPA funding to tackle climate challenges through industrial decarbonization and clean transportation initiatives. Innovate Illinois ensured the messaging highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainability.

Click to see press release

#BeyondCarbon

Showcasing Illinois Leadership at Chicago Climate Tech Week

Innovate Illinois was a key partner in Chicago Climate Tech Week driving discussions around climate innovation. The week’s events included the “Beyond Biology”: Integrated Biotech for Sustainable Development” panel, moderated by Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Beth Conerty, Regional Innovation Officer for iFAB Tech Hub as well as a fireside chat between Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Michael Polsky focusing on the clean energy sector.

One of the highlights was the STEMFEST Clean Energy Career & Community Summit with Rivian, Argonne National Lab and other partners centered around building a skilled workforce for the future and breaking #BeyondBoundaries. #BeyondCarbon

Beyond Boundaries

WORKFORCE AT THE CORE

The CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law embed workforce development into industrial strategy, ensuring growth and expanded opportunity across innovation sectors.

Leading the Conversation

As part of the Brookings New Industrial Policy Network, Innovate Illinois joins a dynamic community of regional leaders dedicated to advancing impactful strategies that position our region as a model for innovation and economic development.

Through the latest research insights and curated peer-to-peer learning opportunities, the network helps translate catalytic, place-based investments in the nation’s advanced industries into broader economic opportunities. Network leaders engage in:

  • Local experiences that shape regional strategy, gaining firsthand exposure to innovative placemaking and industrial policy developments across Network regions.

  • Curated cross-sector coalition building, fostering informed peer exchanges among regional implementers to identify emerging challenges, share best practices, and problem-solve in real time.

  • Interactive insights modules, featuring experts from Brookings Metro and beyond who provide the latest research and strategic guidance.

SIGN UP FOR OUR QUARTERLY

NEWSLETTER

FOLLOW US

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Be the first to know how Illinois is driving innovation and shaping the future.

SIGN UP TO BE

Sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter. Stay up to date on Illinois’ latest wins

Follow

Innovate connects leaders from state and federal government, academia, and industry, to inform the coalition and drive meaningful engagement across sectors.

Follow