About
We tell powerful, analytic-driven stories that influence the state’s STEM talent production, R&D activity, and university-supported entrepreneurship. Our data publications include the Illinois Innovation Index, Catalyst and Spark newsletters, and other thematic reports, as well as supporting the data needs of our innovation ecosystem partners.
Illinois Innovation Index
The Illinois Innovation Index is an information resource that provides timely analysis and insight on technology-based economic activity in Illinois. Featuring innovation metrics, news, and statistical insight, the Index is an ongoing data archive tracking and benchmarking the state’s innovation economy. In its current state, the Index provides yearly insight into Illinois’ STEM talent production, R&D activity, and university-supported entrepreneurship.
Catalyst
The Catalyst newsletter is a monthly publication that spotlights components of the state’s innovation ecosystem. Each month, we feature a column written by a leader from the tech community, highlight innovation news in Illinois, or offer perspective on current issues in the innovation community. Catalyst is the best way to stay up-to-date on all things science and technology in Illinois.
Facts & Figures
The state of Illinois is a national hub for innovation. From world-renowned research universities; to an expansive business community; to a vibrant startup ecosystem; Illinois is propelling the nation forward through new ideas. ISTC’s Facts & Figures provide insight into Illinois’ innovation community.
Reports
The ISTC also publishes reports on a variety of topics not covered by the Index or Catalyst. Reports include the Illinois Innovation Ecosystem deck, a living document detailing the various components of Illinois’ growing innovation community. Also included is the Illinois Science & Technology Roadmap, which highlights areas of potential R&D growth in the state.
Researchers to Know
ISTC’s annual list of Researchers to Know at Illinois’ universities. Researchers to Know provides a more detailed look at some of the researchers that are driving innovation in the state—from those advancing new treatments in medicine and tackling cancer, to those revolutionizing computing and shaping new technologies in the 21st century.
Latest Release
This year’s STEM Talent Report explores trends within STEM education
and the STEM workforce from 2013-2022.
Subscribe to the Index
Subscribe to get the latest Illinois Innovation Index delivered directly to your inbox!
Resource Directory
ISTC’s Resource Directory offers tools and resources in a searchable, interactive database intended to support entrepreneurs, spur innovation, and accelerate the growth of businesses and industries in the state. To date, there are more than 600 resources listed—including the state’s incubators, funding opportunities, research facilities, and more.
Press
ISTC Data in the News
- ComEd Engages Students in Solar Spotlight STEM event for Black History Month (Power Engineering, February 10, 2020)
- Faculty Names to 2019 List of Innovative Illinois Researchers (Illinois Tech University News, October 4,2019)
- Report Signals Positive Signs for Illinois Innovation Growth (WCBU, August 28, 2019)
- Innovation in Illinois – The Growth Is In Our Roots With Food R&D (WGN, August 26, 2019)
- Report: State Farm Plays Key Role in Illinois R&D Landscape (WGLTNews, August 26, 2019)
- Chicago-Area Young Women Gear Up For Annual Icebox Derby (WBBM Newsradio, July 31, 2019)
- Illinois second only to California in number of computer science degrees awarded – and more from STEM survey (Chicago Tribune, December 12, 2018)
- The Opening Bell 10/9/18 (WGN Chicago Business, October 9, 2018)
- Illinois R&D Spending ‘Stagnant’, New Report Finds (Crain’s Chicago Business, September 27, 2018)
- In Quest For Tech Leadership Positions, Chicago Women Band Together To Challenge ‘Bro Fest’ (Chicago Tribune, May 4, 2018)
- Illinois Universities are producing more startups than ever (Chicago Inno, April 17, 2020)
- High Tech Starts Finding A Good Home In Illinois, But More Can Be Done (Chicago Sun Times, April 4, 2018)
- Illinois Universities Are Producing More Startups Than Ever (ChicagoInno, April 4, 2018)
- In Amazon Race, Illinois’s Trump Card Is Its University System (Crain’s Chicago Business, March 9, 2018)
- How Illinois Universities Power The Chicago Startup Ecosystem (Forbes, February 20, 2018)
- Here’s Where All That Illinois Tech Talent Goes (Crain’s Chicago Business, December 4, 2017)
Illinois Innovation Ecosystem
Discover the breadth of Illinois’ innovation assets and resources by taking a tour of the Illinois Innovation Ecosystem. This includes current information on universities & research, industry, capital, government, and Illinois’ infrastructure. The presentation also highlights the state’s clusters of innovation, including food & ag tech, clean tech, nanotechnology, IT, health sciences, web & mobile, computing, and advanced manufacturing.
Data Partners
STEM grads annually
%