Special Programs

The University of Illinois System, its Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (OVPEDI), and Northern Illinois University are committed to advancing the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) by providing supplemental (operational) funding for several projects. IIN members are guided by the following principles:

1. Drive inclusive innovation, equitable workforce development and sustainable economic growth throughout the state of Illinois;
2. Assess and meet regional needs through a combination of collaborative research, public-private partnerships, and entrepreneurship and training programs;
3. Collaborate with hubs across the state and share best practices; and
4. Advocate for the value of higher education at the state and national levels.

Sustaining Illinois has multiple meanings, including the broad economic, health-related, and social well-being of the state and its communities, and environmental sustainability of its food and water ecosystem, which includes addressing issues affecting groups who are underserved, under-represented, or under-resourced.

Sustaining Illinois elements are as follows:

1. Education and Workforce Development: developing and sustaining the education of its citizens and developing a productive and inclusive workforce for the 21st century;
2. Economic Development: sustaining and developing the economy of the state, including understanding how best to support the growth of diverse entrepreneurship and business formation in Illinois;
3. Health and Wellness: sustaining and improving the general health and social wellness of all Illinois citizens, including local and regional communities.
4. Water, Food, and Agriculture: sustaining the water supply, with 20% of the world’s freshwater supply in the shores of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin, the largest in the US and 2nd largest in the world, and enhancing the home to a national leader in food and agriculture; and
5. Computing and Data: under the umbrella of Sustaining Illinois, there is a foundation of computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. This is an important area in its own right as Illinois develops its high- tech industry, but in this context, it is seen as an enabler for all other aspects of sustainability as articulated above.

Proposals will be accepted no later than 11:59 P.M. Central Time on February 21, 2025.

For more information, please visit the AY 2024-2025 Funding Opportunity webpage. Any questions should be submitted to iincontact@uillinois.edu prior to the deadline.

Eligibility

1. The Lead PI must be from an IIN Hub in their IIN hub role.
2. At least two IIN hubs must be involved significantly in the project with at least one Co-PI from a second IIN Hub.
3. While there is no limit on the number of proposals a hub may submit, an individual may only be designated as PI or co-PI on one proposal.
4. The project must be completed within one year of funding.
5. The project may begin on any date between May 16th and August 16th, 2025.
6. Previously submitted but unfunded projects to this program or the IIN Social Innovation and Impact seed grant program may be submitted a maximum of 3 times in a three-year period.

PI Requirements

By proceeding, you confirm the following:

1. This proposal (application) is submitted by and through an eligible institution (see Eligibility) and the Lead PI is employed by and acting on behalf of this eligible institution;
2. The proposal (application) lists a Co-PI from an eligible institution (see Eligibility) and the Co-PI is employed by and acting on behalf of this eligible institution;
3. Neither the Lead PI or any other Co-PIs are listed as PI or Co-PI on any other proposal (application) to this program in this cycle;
4. This project is a "seed" concept that has not previously received funding;
5. This project has not been submitted to this or any IIN funding program more than three times in the previous three years; and
6. You have read the notice of funding announcement and FAQs.