On June 12th, the Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI) and NIU’s Education Systems Center hosted our 2nd STEM Employer Summit focused on STEM talent pipeline development and building effective learning partnerships in Illinois. Employers and stakeholders discussed best practices for impactful talent development models through K-20 mentorship, internships, and college apprenticeships. Speakers shared their […]
BY ISTC Board Chair Shelley Stern Grach, Director, Civic Engagement for Microsoft Chicago For the past five years, Microsoft has participated in ISTI’s STEM Challenge program to authentically engage with Chicago Public School students by presenting a technology challenge that allows students to develop their own innovations under the guidance of Microsoft mentors. Microsoft deepened its […]
Q/A WITH SAI PRASHANT BOYREDDY, PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER, GREAT LAKES NEUROSCIENCE Earlier this month, we at the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) released new data on the record growth of startup activity at in-state universities through our Illinois Innovation Index. Over the past five years, students and faculty of Illinois’ universities have founded 942 […]
Q&A with Co-Founder & CEO of Black Tech Mecca – Fabian Elliott In this edition of Catalyst, we talk with Fabian Elliott, Co-Founder & CEO of Black Tech Mecca, to discuss the current state of Chicago’s Black Tech Ecosystem and the city’s role in expanding diversity and inclusion in tech. Black Tech Mecca is […]
By Andreas Cangellaris, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Engineering and Incoming Provost University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Computer scientists and engineers have always been comfortable with disruption. Where others see a threat, we see a promise. Where others wonder what will become of the world, we define what the world can become. Think of […]
By Ronald Kaplan, PhD, Executive Vice President for Research, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science In this issue of Catalyst, we highlight new ISTC member Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) and their efforts to accelerate health innovation in Illinois. Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) in North Chicago is a growing hub for basic science and translational […]
In Partnership with FWD.us and the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) The contribution of immigrants to the American workforce, entrepreneurship, and innovation is vital. Immigrants make up an outsized proportion of the workforce and start companies at a far higher rate than native born citizens, boosting innovation and job creation in the US. In 2014, […]
by Timothy I. Meyer, Chief Operating Officer, Fermilab This June marked 50 years since Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) began operations in Illinois. Over the last 50 years, Fermilab has been home to some of the most advanced science and groundbreaking discoveries in the world. In this issue of Catalyst, we reflect on some of the […]
by Allie Barwise, Managing Director, ISTI On May 11th, the Illinois Science & Technology Institute, in partnership with Northern Illinois University’s Education System Center, hosted an Employer Summit to discuss building effective learning partnerships. This employer-focused convening provided an opportunity for companies to learn about and discuss among their peers different models around impactful education programming […]