U of I System VP for Economic Development & Innovation

08/19/2026

Thursday's virtual symposium "Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Technology: Driving Innovation in Modern Industry" will open with welcome remarks from Jay Walsh, VP for economic development and innovation at The University of Illinois System.

Event speakers will examine what quantum technology means for industry, for the workforce and for the next generation of scientists and engineers in the United States and Mexico, and how partnerships between universities and industry can accelerate technological innovation.

Register: https://lnkd.in/gEPaArp8

Want to learn more about the current state of quantum computing, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and the roles that our system and partners in Mexico will play in advancing research in this field?

Join us Thursday morning for our virtual symposium, Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Technology: Driving Innovation in Modern Industry.

For the agenda, speaker bios, and free registration: https://ow.ly/vfX650ZAWB1

08/14/2026

It was a great two days of conversations, connections and collaboration as The University of Illinois System hosted its annual meeting of the Global Partners Network this week in Chicago, including VP for Economic Development & Innovation Jay Walsh. 🌎🤝

Day one focused on the impact of AI on the research and educational enterprise in higher education, with perspectives from partners across the U.S., Taiwan, Mexico, Israel, UK and India. The group enjoyed a special reception at the Presidential Center (Obama Foundation).

Day two showcased Chicago’s incredible innovation ecosystem at mHUB Chicago, bringing together leaders from World Business Chicago, Office of the Governor - Illinois, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Illinois EDC and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, alongside ecosystem drivers including mHUB, MATTER, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and Current.

We’re excited to see how the Global Partners Network continues to grow and look forward to gathering again in Mexico City next year!

07/30/2026

Illinois Angel Flight School is back!

Delivered in partnership with Illinois Ventures, Innovate Springfield, and Illinois Wesleyan University's The Petrick Idea Center, you'll learn the fundamentals of angel investing.

Over 8 weeks, learn directly from experienced early-stage investors how to evaluate deals, structure investments, and build your angel portfolio.

📅 Weekly sessions: Tuesdays, 5–7 PM
🗓️ August 11 – September 29
📍 Remote-friendly, with host sites in Bloomington, Springfield and Chicago

Cohort 2 is built to get you investing in Illinois startups with confidence, and connect you to a growing network of Illinois-based early-stage investors.

Flight School Info 🛫 https://lnkd.in/gW4RFGaJ

Register ✍️ https://lnkd.in/gcMYehhd

07/28/2026

The University of Toronto and The University of Illinois System are contributing matching funds to support collaborative research projects on quantum science and technology. An initial online workshop will be held to assist with matchmaking between Principal Investigators from the two institutions.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by September 18, 2026. Find out more at: https://vpedi.uillinois.edu/about-us/news/university-of-toronto-call-for-expressions-of-interest-quantum-science-and-technology/

07/27/2026

The search for our next president has begun. Today the Board of Trustees released the leadership profile for the 21st president of the University of Illinois System, built with input from faculty, staff, students, and community members at all three of our universities. "This role is one of stewardship and possibility," said Board Chair Jesse Ruiz.

Learn more and follow the search: https://www.uillinois.edu/about/presidential_search

07/20/2026

VP for Economic Development & Innovation Jay Walsh, as well as Associate VP Jisu Hong, took part in The University of Illinois System President Killeen’s Presidential Advisory Council earlier this month. For many years, the advisory council has offered guidance on the most pressing issues facing the U of I System and, more broadly, higher education. At the most recent meeting, the council provided input on research partnerships, global engagement, and the impact of higher education in Illinois.

The event started with a tour through the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago (Obama Foundation), which formed a perfect backdrop for conversations that were inspired by themes of cooperation, democracy and unity. 🤝

07/10/2026

Illinois is betting on a promising—but commercially unproven—technology.

07/08/2026

Submit your ideas for panels & presentations by July 15 for the IIN Conference 2026: Powering Illinois’ Future Together at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville!

Submit a proposal: tinyurl.com/IIN-SIUE

06/26/2026

The University of Illinois System VP for Economic Development & Innovation Jay Walsh is a member of the MxD Board of Directors, playing a crucial role in driving MxD's success and advancing its position as a leader in the industry. 👏

"MxD continues to engage new technologies that can have a significant impact on the future of manufacturing," Walsh said following a June 11-12 board meeting. "Their factory floor is a place for exploration of innovation in manufacturing, and a place where innovation leaders from multiple companies can connect and share ideas. The humanoid shown in this photo is just one example of potentially impactful breakthroughs found on the MxD factory floor."

"We are now a dozen years from MxD’s launch," Walsh continued. "The need for advancement of manufacturing through digital technologies is even more significant than when it started. Associated with that is a huge need for cybersecurity, and MxD fills both gaps. This work is critical for the United States as it continues to re-shore manufacturing."

06/22/2026

This fall, The University of Illinois System welcomes its first cohort of CAPES Brasillinois Mobility Program doctoral fellows from Brazil. The Brasillinois Mobility Program is a cornerstone of Brazil–U.S. academic cooperation.

Under the supervision of faculty across University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Springfield and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the fellows will engage in collaborative research, archival data collection, laboratory research, and field-based studies.

Find out more:

This fall, the University of Illinois System welcomes its first cohort of CAPES Brasillinois Mobility Program doctoral fellows from Brazil. The dynamic group of scholars working across diverse fields has been awarded fellowships from the Coordination for Higher Education (CAPES) of the Brazilian Min...