​Connect Today. Partner for Tomorrow.

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

​The Voucher University Mixer at Northwestern University is where high-potential ideas meet the people who can actually build them.

​This curated, after-work gathering is designed to connect Illinois universities with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) ready to explore real research and development collaboration. The evening will open with a short panel featuring past Illinois Innovation Voucher recipients and university collaborators, sharing how partnerships have turned early-stage ideas into applied research, technical validation, and real-world outcomes.

​From there, the space will shift into interactive networking, where conversations can turn into meaningful partnerships.

​Whether you're exploring a new product, solving a technical challenge, or looking to expand your R&D capacity, this mixer is designed to help you identify where collaboration can lead.

​Along the way, you will also learn how the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program can support partnerships with up to $75,000 in R&D funding.

​​Who Should Attend & Why

​​🎓 University Members

• ​​Learn how your institution can benefit from the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program and expand opportunities for applied research and faculty engagement. These sessions give you a front-row seat to see how universities are showcasing their strengths, attracting new business connections, and leveraging voucher funding to support impactful R&D collaborations.

​​💼 Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

• ​Connect with Illinois universities that can help solve challenges, develop new products, or expand your technical capacity. Gain direct insight into academic expertise, discover potential research partners, and learn how vouchers can cover up to 75% of project costs, making collaboration more accessible than ever.

​​The Voucher University Mixer
Hosted by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC)
In collaboration with Northwestern University.

​​👉 Learn more about the program: www.ilinnovouchers.org