Several central Illinois small businesses awarded through research grant program

(WAND) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 34 awards totaling $2.4 million through the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program, including several winners throughout central Illinois.

The program is meant to promote small business growth and strengthen research collaborations across Illinois.

Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program helps companies pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois university.

"The Innovation Voucher Program is enhancing research and development across key sectors - solidifying Illinois' reputation as a center for innovation. These investments grow our economy, empower our small businesses, and encourage collaboration between startups and Illinois' renowned universities," said Governor JB Pritzker.

Several businesses in central Illinois are receiving grants and partnering with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, including:

SolarMantle (Champaign, IL): $75,000
TearDc, LLC (Champaign, IL): $75,000
Tiptek LLC (Savoy, IL): $74,999.98
Vastimmune Biologics Inc. (Champaign, IL): $74,999.47

Governor Pritzker also announced $2.6 million available in grant funding for the third round of the Innovation Voucher Program, with grantees being selected through a competitive application process.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds run out. More information on application qualifications and how to apply can be found on the program website.

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