Innovation and Economic Engagement
As part of the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Engagement (IEE) strives to be an active participant, regular collaborator, and leader in the Central Illinois innovation ecosystem. IEE supports Illinois State University campus members and beyond to drive change throughout industry and community.
Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub
The Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub (BN Hub) drives innovation through equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic development while fostering cross-sector and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It builds on existing campus and community strengths and advances a holistic approach to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The BN Hub is a regional collaborative effort that extends beyond Illinois State University.
Illinois Innovation Network
Illinois State University is an active member of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and serves as the lead agency for the Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub, one of fifteen hubs throughout the State of Illinois. This statewide network drives inclusive and integrated research, innovation, and economic development across Illinois.
As the lead agency for the BN Hub, Illinois State University is creating connections between the IIN and McLean County organizations. The BN Hub is strategically located along Illinois highways 74 and 55 and part of the central Illinois innovation triangle stretching from Champaign-Urbana to Peoria and down to Springfield. Learn more about the Illinois Innovation Network and its statewide impact at Illinois Innovation Network
Illinois State University actively participates in several IIN programs.
1871
Through the IIN, Illinois State University has access to programs and services at Chicago’s well known tech incubator, 1871.
Broadband READY
Illinois State University served as the lead agency for the North Central Economic Region from 2023 – 2026 when the program was discontinued. During that time, $110,000 was invested in the region through device distribution and digital skills training.
Grants
Illinois State faculty have received several Sustaining Illinois Seed Fund (research) or Social Innovation and Impact grants totaling over $320,000.
BN Hub Focus Areas
All IIN hubs identify their priorities. The BN Hub priorities are:
These priorities, along with the goals in the strategic plan, align with the following State of Illinois key economic growth areas.
Innovation Support Services
Innovation thrives through connection. The BN Hub brings together partners, resources, and expertise to help innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs turn ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Events and Activities
Redbird Made
Redbird Made™ supports Illinois State University student entrepreneurs by providing a supportive environment to increase entreprenurial thinking and a platform to showcase and sell products of their own making.
Redbird Made™ will soon launch the pilot year with undergraduate and graduate students persuing majors, minors, or degrees from:
- Wonsook Kim School of Art and Design
- School of Creative Technologies
- School of Music
- School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences – Fashion Design and Merchandising
Students interested in learning more, should contact Harriett Steinbach.