FUELING TALENT, ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE, POWERING THE FUTURE
The future of work is already here, and it’s powered by Illinois
FUTURE & TECH
FUELING TALENT, ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE,
POWERING THE FUTURE
The future of work is already here, and it’s powered by Illinois
As industries evolve, the demand for highly skilled, specialized talent is reshaping the global workforce. The University of Illinois System is meeting that demand head-on. Across its universities, students prepare for roles that don’t yet exist, guided by faculty whose research is redefining what’s possible in technology, health, and the humanities. Together, they form an innovation pipeline that connects classrooms, labs, and industry partners — transforming discovery into opportunity and ensuring Illinois remains a global leader in talent, knowledge, and progress.
SCALING SMART
Alumni investors and AI startups lead the way
When FirstIgnite CEO and UIUC alum Chase Bonhag shows how his AI platform completes 30 hours of work in three minutes, investors take note. Backed by Illini Angels, the U of I System’s alumni investor network, his company grew 388 percent in one year. “Paul tells us what we need to hear,” Bonhag said of director Paul Magelli. Since 2023, Illini Angels has invested $1.7 million in 13 startups, fueling mentorship, capital, and innovation that keep Illinois entrepreneurship thriving.
Chase Bonhag, CEO FirstIgnite, UIUC MBA 2016
Opening of the UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center
BUILDING UP COMPUTER SCIENCE
“The future of our state’s growing knowledge economy requires appropriately aligned and world-class educational and research programs.”
UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda
UIC’s new Computer Design Research and Learning Center doubles the university’s computer science capacity with 21 faculty labs, a 1,200-square-foot robotics lab, and 16,000 square feet of classrooms. Supporting 2,100 students and $10.5 million in research, the center fosters innovation in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity — preparing graduates to power Illinois’ tech future.
Alejandra Landa meets with colleagues during her apprenticeship at John Deere.
QUANTUM IN THE HEARTLAND
Backed by $500 million in state funding plus federal and industry support, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park anchors a $2 trillion emerging market. Led by UIUC’s Harley Johnson and supported by UIC and DPI, the park unites researchers and companies to scale breakthroughs. PsiQuantum has committed over $1 billion to build the world’s first utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer on site.
“This was a combined effort that took all of us believing in the potential. It’s a powerful testament to what Illinois can achieve together.”
Gov. JB Pritzker
TAKING ON CANCER
“Our goal is to understand how cancer spreads and identify ways to prevent tumor growth.”
University of Illinois Springfield assistant professor Natalya Zinkevich
Fused cells glow yellow, indicating the way in which tumors form — a new key to understanding how cancer spreads. Partnering with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, UIS students study immune and lymphatic interactions that influence tumor growth. This hands-on collaboration advances life-saving research while training students in cell culture and immunology — preparing them for future careers in biomedical science.
Natalya Zinkevich and a student, above. The red-colored image surrounding this story shows immune cells from rats as seen through a flourescent microscope.
FIELD TO FACTORY
$51 MILLION
Federal investment in precision fermentation, at UIUC’s Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) center, where microbes turn corn and soybeans into biofuels, textiles, and food ingredients. The initiative positions Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing hub. “This grant positions Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and sets the stage for new jobs and economic growth,” said iFAB Regional Innovation Officer Beth Conerty. With partners like Primient, Synonym, and ADM, iFAB is building a $200 billion industry for the future.
AI INNOVATION
“The establishment of the Siebel School exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.”
Rashid Bashir, dean of The Grainger College of Engineering
Forbes named UIUC “The Midwest’s AI Powerhouse” in 2024, and for good reason. Building on $270 million in AI research since 2019, UIUC launched the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science with a $50 million gift from alumnus and C3.ai CEO Thomas Siebel. Housed in The Grainger College of Engineering, the school advances collaboration and discovery to prepare the next generation of AI leaders.
AI IN HEALTHCARE
$10 MILLION
Secured by UIC and partners from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to transform how data informs care. “Healthcare is an interdisciplinary process, but existing data tools ignore most of the team,” said UIC professor Andrew Boyd. By integrating notes from nurses, therapists, and physicians, UIC is building AI that captures the full patient experience — enabling smarter care for fragile newborns to older adults reclaiming strength. Together, Illinois talent is driving discoveries that could transform health worldwide.