Technology and Innovation
Overview
Where Makers Thrive
The birthplace of groundbreaking inventions including the cell phone, the wireless remote and the first-ever web browser, Illinois is a place where ideas become patents, businesses and life-changing technologies.
The state’s history of innovation continues today thanks to its robust digital infrastructure, venture capital networks and continually growing talent base. In fact, Illinois is the second largest producer of computer science graduates in the country, awarding nearly 10 percent of the nation’s computer science degrees, and ranks fifth in the nation for access to capital, according to CNBC’s Best States for Business 2017.
Chicago alone accounted for $1.7 billion in startup funding in 2017—a fact that helped the city rank among the top 10 tech innovation hubs in the world in a survey of more than 800 tech leaders from KPMG.
Relevant News
Intersect Illinois Strengthens Business Ties with Japan
Intersect Illinois recently helped welcome the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to the United States to Illinois on a visit that focused on advancing the state’s business partnerships with Japan. His Excellency Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, joined the Honorable Naoki Ito, Consul-General of and Japan in Chicago and Japan External […]
DeKalb Co. Labor Market Supports Business Development
Abundant worker availability in the DeKalb County labor market has enabled Target and 3M staff significant expansions in DeKalb, IL.
Illinois Ranks Third in Governor’s Cup Awards From Site Selection Magazine
Awarded for The Most Economic Development Projects March 5, 2018 – Congratulations are in order for the state of Illinois and the combined work efforts of INTERSECT ILLINOIS, the statewide private economic development organization, and the states’ local economic development organizations! In the highly coveted Governor’s Cup rankings for 2017, Illinois ranked third in the […]
Kankakee County getting $180 million steel mill expansion
Steelmaker Nucor plans to invest $180 million to expand a steel plant an hour south of Chicago, creating 75 new jobs.
HARIBO of America Expands U.S. Headquarters in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois, today announced that HARIBO of America Inc. will be growing their U.S. presence in Illinois. The German company will be expanding their U.S. headquarters, currently located in Rosemont, and adding 55 new jobs to their existing workforce.
