Illinois Secures $160M in NSF Funding for the Great Lakes ReNEW Innovation Engine
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced today, January 29, 2024, that Illinois – together with its Great Lakes partners – has secured up to $160 million in federal funding for the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative. Led by Current, a Chicago-based water innovation hub, ReNEW will transform how water, energy, and critical minerals are recovered and reused throughout the region – creating new economic opportunities and good-paying jobs. This historic NSF investment cements Illinois’ leadership in cutting-edge water and circular-economy solutions, turning waste streams into valuable assets for American manufacturing and beyond. By combining industrial know-how, top research institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago, and strong public-private partnerships across six states, ReNEW will scale innovations that help eliminate hazardous chemicals, bolster domestic supply chains, and drive inclusive workforce development for communities throughout the Great Lakes region.
Illinois Secures $51M in Phase 2 EDA Funding for iFAB Tech Hub
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced on July 2, 2024 that the state has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, leveraging the state’s leading production of raw agricultural materials to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products. This pivotal funding from EDA marks a significant milestone in advancing Illinois’ leadership in the precision fermentation and biomanufacturing industry – propelling economic growth, business development opportunities and the creation of good-paying jobs.
State of Illinois and DARPA Announce the Quantum Proving Ground and Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
The path to practical, utility scale quantum computing requires aggressive scaling and rigorous testing and evaluation of prototype technologies, which necessitates infrastructure investments and an organized benchmarking program. The Quantum Proving Ground (QPG), co-funded by the State of Illinois and DARPA, will test and evaluate utility scale quantum computing for economic and commercial applications over the next five years. Large and small companies, academics and national labs researchers, will have the opportunity to compete for funds for scale-up and become DARPA performers.
iFAB Named an EDA Regional Technology & Innovation Hub
Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, hosted by the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a transformative project that aims to revolutionize biomanufacturing and establish Illinois as a global leader in precision fermentation. iFAB leverages a unique blend of world-class research and development, industry leaders, innovative startups, and scalable infrastructure. It also benefits from an abundant local feedstock, top-tier transportation networks, and robust relationships with local corn and soybean suppliers. Situated within a strategic 51-mile radius, iFAB effectively bridges the gap between bio-innovation research and full-scale manufacturing, enhancing Illinois’ position in the global biomanufacturing landscape.
The Bloch Designated as EDA Regional Technology & Innovation Hub
The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing quantum information science and technology (QIST) across Illinois and the U.S. As it vies for Phase 2 funding, The Bloch stands out for its potential to revolutionize sectors such as fraud detection, grid resilience, and drug discovery. Illinois’ leadership in the burgeoning QIST market, which is expected to generate $970 billion globally by 2035, underscores the U.S. role as a global leader in innovation. The Bloch is set to establish the largest community college-led quantum program in the U.S., provide pioneering quantum hardware, software, and networks, and facilitate a unique feedback loop between quantum technologists and industry to accelerate both development and adoption of quantum technologies.
U.S. Department of Energy Awards Midwest Hydrogen Hub $1B in Federal Funding
The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen was named a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub—an impressive example of what can happen when our region’s universities, industries, and community partners align to pursue federal funding priorities. Illinois joined Indiana and Michigan to secure a $1 billion award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a network that enables decarbonization through strategic hydrogen use, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 3.9 million metric tons per year. As a key industrial and transportation corridor, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating 13,600 jobs and investing around $15 million intro training and employment services for the clean energy workforce.
Recompete: Targeting Transformative Federal Funding for Equitable Regional Growth
Workforce Opportunities for Resilient Communities (WORC), led by Richland Community College, is a finalist for Phase 2 of the Recompete funding, seeking $47 million to address unemployment in underserved communities. The Decatur Recompete Plan will expand the proven EnRICH training model to prepare workers for emerging jobs in electric vehicle and precision fermentation sectors. This initiative aims to train residents, provide supportive services, and strengthen career pathways for high school seniors, ensuring equitable access to the growing regional opportunities in manufacturing and high-paying jobs.
Recent News
Illinois Secures $160M in NSF Funding for the Great Lakes ReNEW Innovation Engine
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