October 8 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program provides grant funding up to $75,000 to support costs related to a sponsored-research project with a university. The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition administers the program. Bradley University has supported two successful voucher projects. The voucher program aims to further develop a company’s IP through cooperative research with faculty and students. Example grant activities include:
The workshop presentation is from Noon to 1 pm. One-on-one meetings with the speaker will be available from 1 pm to 2 pm.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
Our Speaker: Jacob Barry, PMP
Innovation Program Manager, Illinois Science and Technology Coalition
Jacob Barry serves as the Innovation Program Manager at ISTC, where he leads initiatives that connect early-stage ventures with corporate partners, research institutions, and funding opportunities to drive economic growth and innovation across Illinois. He currently manages the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program, a grant initiative that enables startups and small businesses to collaborate with universities on advanced research and development projects.
Through strategic partnerships and ecosystem engagement, Jacob has helped streamline program operations, expand outreach efforts, and improve access to critical resources for technology-focused founders. He also leads corporate-startup engagement initiatives, including the Executive Founders Program, which supports underrepresented entrepreneurs, and the Industry Series, which showcases innovative startups across key sectors. Through these efforts, he has facilitated meaningful collaborations between emerging companies and Fortune 1000 corporations, strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Sponsored by: Illinois Science and Technology Coalition
The Illinois Innovation Voucher is funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
