The Illinois FAST Center is offering a FREE NSF SBIR/STTR Training series of proposal development workshops beginning on January 25, 2024. The training series includes 4 weekly, virtual workshops. The Sprint offers a full-program option and an audit-only program option. The full program is open to IL-based teams, offers 1:1 mentoring provided by professional SBIR consultants, requires deadline-driven proposal development tasks, and is limited to a small number of teams. The audit-only program is open to teams in any state, does not provide 1:1 mentoring, and does not require submission of development tasks.
IIN Innovation Awards August 17 — Nominations Due August 1
Applications/nominations due August 1. Awards presentation is on August 17. The IIN Innovation Awards celebrate advances in research, technology commercialization and education across the IIN’s 15 hubs. Faculty awards will be presented in multiple categories, and student awards will be given in an open competition.
Chicago Innovation Award Nominations Due July 19
The Chicago Innovation Awards celebrate the most innovative products and services in the Chicago region. Nominations are due July 29. The awards ceremony will take place on November 9.
Chicago Quantum Exchange takes first steps toward a future that could revolutionize computing, medicine and cybersecurity
Researchers have created one of the world’s largest networks for sharing quantum information — a field of science that depends on paradoxes so strange that Albert Einstein didn’t believe them.
UChicago Spinout Super.tech Acquired by Quantum Ecosystem Leader ColdQuanta
A University of Chicago quantum software spinout and Duality Cohort 1 participant, Super.tech has been acquired by a global quantum ecosystem leader, ColdQuanta.
SIU’s $13M interdisciplinary food, fermentation and biotech research hub advances
Southern Illinois University’s Board of Trustees approved agreements clearing the way for a new multimillion-dollar interdisciplinary research and economic development hub, capitalizing on SIU Carbondale’s research into food, fermentation and biotechnology.
Peoria NEXT Innovation Center Graduate Raises $85M in Series B Funding
Founded in 2015, Natural Fiber Welding makes durable and sustainable fashion materials, without using plastics, for brands like Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Allbirds, and Patagonia.
Northwestern plans multimillion-dollar technology accelerator
$50 million to come from Illinois capital funds; Northwestern University Trustee Kimberly Querrey donating $25 million
Nation’s first quantum startup accelerator, Duality, launches at UChicago’s Polsky Center and Chicago Quantum Exchange
Incubator to leverage region’s quantum ecosystem, including UIUC, Argonne and P33, to help startups bring innovations to marketplace
Request for Proposals – SBIR/STTR Consultants
EnterpriseWorks is seeking proposals from SBIR/STTR consultants to serve clients and lead workshops through their SBA Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.