State of Innovation

Hosted by Illinois Science & Technology Coalition

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Brought to you by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, the State of Innovation features insight from practitioners, disruptors and thought-leaders from all corners of the state’s innovation ecosystem.

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29 recent

December 16, 2025Episode 2821 min

The Voucher Series: Sandbox Carbon’s Contribution to a Cleaner Illinois.

Episode 4 of The State of Innovation’s Voucher Series features David Griggs, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, of Sandbox Carbon. David discusses how the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program funding provided his team with the resources and equipment needed to test their technology, validate its effectiveness, and transform their vision of a “pollution dumpster” into a tangible, operational solution. Learn more about the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program and other ISTC initiatives at https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/

December 1, 2025Episode 2716 min

Mentorship: The Gift That Keeps On Giving Through ISTC’s MME Program

In this episode of State of Innovation, we welcome three participants from ISTC’s Mentor Matching Engine Program (MME) to discuss the ongoing value of mentorship in their lives. Recurring mentor Bella reconnects with past students, Kate and Rhia, to reflect on their experience working together. Over the span of two years, they took turns learning from one another while collaborating on high school STEM research projects. We discuss the importance and impact that mentorship has had on each of their lives, and look outward in an exploration of how mentorship can support more students. Give back with ISTC: You can support Illinois students by donating to ISTC’s education programs: https://istceducation.raiselysite.com/ Learn more about the MME program and how to get involved as a mentor on our website: https://www.istcoalition.org/education/mentor-matching-engine/

November 18, 2025Episode 2620 min

The Voucher Series: NET Energy’s Quest for Sustainable Efficiency

Episode 3 of The Voucher Series welcomes Monica Cook, Chief Operating Officer of NET Energy. As a recipient of Illinois Innovation Voucher funding, Monica Cook shares how NET Energy’s customizable heating and cooling systems are driving greater sustainability across industries. Discover more of the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program and how it supports innovators like NET Energy: https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/

November 4, 2025Episode 2512 min

The Voucher Series: Earnest Agriculture’s Microbial Mission for Illinois Crops

In episode 2, Gabe Price (Chief Science Officer at Earnest Agriculture) shares how the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program supported research and testing for his Ag-Tech company, which later opened doors for new funding opportunities. Hear how Earnest Agriculture’s team is optimizing microbiomes to strengthen Illinois agriculture and why collaboration with the University of Illinois through the Voucher Program has been key to their success. Visit our website for additional information regarding the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program: https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/

October 23, 202517 min

The Voucher Series: Supporting the Next Generation with REACH Pathways

President & Co-CEO Brooke McKean of REACH Pathways joins the podcast. As a recipient of Illinois Innovation Voucher Program, an initiative supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and ISTC, Brooke shares how this support has helped advance their mission to make education more accessible for students everywhere. For more information, please visit our website: https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/

May 6, 2024Episode 2445 min

Episode 24- Current Water Week

Water Week has begun and to kick the week off we sat down with Chief Executive Office and Director of Current; Alaina Harkness and Lead Water Strategist at Argonne National Laboratory; Dr. Junhong Chen. Current is a non-profit convener of scientists, corporates, academic institutions, and local governments that has a goal of turning waste into wealth through responsible stewardship of water resources. Alaina and Junhong met with us to discuss their team's recent recognition as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine designee, the Blue economy of the Midwest, the energy-water nexus, and, of course, all things Water Week! Stream, stream, stream, the episode now!

April 5, 2024Episode 2342 min

Episode 23- Thierry Van Landegem of mHUB Chicago

The State of Innovation is BACK with an episode on clean tech innovations, the mode du jour for innovators and scientists working to combat climate change, and startup success stories. We were privileged to welcome the director of mHUB Chicago's Climate and Energy Tech Accelerator; Thierry Van Landegem. Tune in and hear Thierry share his advice for clean tech founders, investors, and our robust discussion on the Climate and Energy Tech Sector.

February 14, 2024Episode 2232 min

Episode 22- Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas

On Today's episode fo the State of Innovation Podcast, we talk to Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas on what it means to be an innovator from the city. Our discussion weaved together the rich history of Chicago with Dilla's insights on the multitude of pathways the city can follow to rekindle its innovative spirit. We discussed historical achievements be Chicago leaders; Bessie Coleman, George Ferris, and many others. We discussed the important history of Chicago's South and West side neighborhoods. Dilla's perspective comes from being a son of Chicago and we want you to join us to learn about why 'Everything Dope About STEM, Comes from Chicago.' Tune in!

April 21, 2023Episode 2140 min

Episode 21- H2 Grand Prix

On todays episode of the State of Innovation Podcast, we talk to ISTC Education Director Becky Goldberg, Horizon Educational's Ben Giordano, and Constellation Energy Vice President of Corporate Strategy Colleen Wright. Our discussion touched on a major new event coming to Illinois; the H2 Grand Prix Series. We dive in on the sights and sounds of the first qualifying race, the passion that the 12-14 year old participants in the race have for innovation, and the future of the Grand Prix Series in the state.

February 9, 2023Episode 2042 min

Episode 20- Illinois State Representative Margaret Croke

On todays episode of the State of Innovation Podcast, we talk to IL State Representative Margaret Croke. Our discussion touched on Rep. Croke's major milestones and journey to the House, her thoughts on the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain in IL, and the opportunities for their adoption and advancement across the state.