​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.

​About the Mixer

​The Voucher Networking Mixer is hosted by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) as part of its work to support stronger connections between Illinois businesses, universities, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

​This event is designed to make introductions easier, conversations more intentional, and collaboration more accessible.

​​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.