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Illinois Innovation Vouchers Program.

Innovation Vouchers support eligible Illinois companies conducting product-focused R&D with an Illinois nonprofit college or university.

Offered byIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunityverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Chester companies in agribusiness, energy, IT, life sciences, manufacturing, or transportation and logistics can explore a research partnership through the program's live application route.

Best for: Small and mid-sized companies that need university research capacity to develop a product or service.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Illinois-based for-profit companies with 500 or fewer employees in eligible key industries that partner with an Illinois nonprofit higher-education institution

Applicants excluded by the source

  • Companies without an eligible Illinois higher-education research partner
  • Projects outside eligible industries or R&D scope

Eligible uses

  • Research and development collaborations leading to new marketable products or services
  • Access to eligible university knowledge, facilities, equipment, and expertise

Uses excluded by the source

  • Routine operating costs unrelated to an approved R&D collaboration

Application

How to start.

  1. Confirm company size, Illinois operations, industry, and project fit.
  2. Identify an eligible Illinois nonprofit higher-education partner.
  3. Review the current application materials and submit through the official program site.

Timing: The DCEO page links a live application; confirm current timing in the application materials.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • A qualifying higher-education partnership is required.
  • Obtain program approval before relying on funding or incurring project costs.

Coordinate project costs with DCEO and the research partner before combining support.

Evidence

Official sources.