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
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Chicago State University
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City Colleges of Chicago
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Council of Community College Presidents
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Illinois State University
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Illinois Tech
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Northern Illinois University
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Northwestern University
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Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
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University of Chicago
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University of Illinois Chicago
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University of Illinois System
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Key Ecosystem Organizations
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Argonne National Laboratory
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Chicago Quantum Exchange
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Current
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Discovery Partners Institute
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Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
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Illinois Innovation Network
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Illinois Science and Technology Coalition
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Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
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mHUB
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MxD
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P33
Government
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Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
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Governor’s Office
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Intersect Illinois
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Office of Senator Duckworth
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Office of Senator Durbin
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World Business Chicago
Business
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Civic Committee
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Illinois/Chicagoland Chamber
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Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
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Other Chicago and Downstate Business CEOs
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TCCI Manufacturing
Labor
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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:
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.
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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:
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Local experiences that shape regional strategy, gaining firsthand exposure to innovative placemaking and
industrial policy developments across Network regions.
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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.
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Interactive insights modules, featuring experts from Brookings Metro and beyond who provide the latest
research and strategic guidance.
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