​Connect Today. Partner for Tomorrow.

​Illinois is full of bold ideas, and this is where some of the most promising partnerships can begin.

​Join us for The Voucher Networking Mixer, a rooftop afternoon designed to bring together Illinois-based universities, research institutions, and small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) for meaningful connection, conversation, and collaboration.

​This casual, high-impact mixer is built for people who are ready to explore what’s possible when research expertise meets real business challenges. Whether you’re a researcher looking to apply your work beyond the lab, or a business exploring your next innovation opportunity, this event is designed to help turn conversations into potential partnerships.

​Who Should Attend & Why

​🎓 University & Research Institution Members

• ​Connect with Illinois businesses looking for academic, technical, and research expertise.

• ​Explore opportunities to apply faculty research, lab capabilities, testing, validation, or tech transfer support to real business challenges.

• ​Build relationships with SMEs that may be looking for long-term university or research institution partners.

• ​Learn how the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program can support collaborative R&D projects between universities and eligible Illinois businesses.

• ​Help bring research beyond the lab and into real-world application.

​💼 Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

• ​Meet university and research institution partners who may have the expertise, facilities, or technical knowledge to support your innovation goals.

• ​Explore solutions for technical hurdles, product development needs, testing, validation, or applied research challenges.

• ​Learn how eligible Illinois SMEs can access up to $75,000 in R&D funding support through the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program.

• ​Build connections that could lead to future research collaborations, product advancement, or commercialization opportunities.

• ​Walk away with a clearer sense of how university-industry partnerships can help move your next idea forward.

​​Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

​Presented By

​The Voucher Networking Mixer is presented by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

​Sponsored By

​This event is proudly sponsored by TechNexus Venture Collaborative, ForgeX by TechNexus, and IEEE Chicago Section. Their support helps create more opportunities for Illinois innovators, researchers, and business leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore new pathways for university-industry partnership.

​About the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program

​Powered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC), the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program supports Illinois-based small and medium-sized businesses by funding collaborative research and development projects with Illinois universities and research institutions. Vouchers can cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $75,000, helping companies advance new technologies, accelerate product development, and strengthen university-industry partnerships statewide.

​Interested in sponsoring a future ISTC event?

​Reach out to Helen Abad, ISTC Director of Partnerships, at [email protected].