About
The Discovery Partners Institute empowers people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer — and keep them here.
Led by the University of Illinois in partnership with top research universities, DPI does three things: train people for high-demand tech jobs, conduct applied R&D, and business building to grow Chicago’s tech ecosystem.
Why DPI, why now?
We can’t afford to wait. We are in a global war for talent. Illinois currently has 30,000 more entry-level job postings for tech workers than there are related graduates. That’s compounded by an exodus from the state each year of almost half of college-bound high schoolers and more than 20,000 millennial workers.
We need a technology magnet that makes it attractive for young talent to stay — and we need to make it easier for companies to locate their high-tech, high-paying jobs here.
Annual Report
Each year, DPI summarizes its accomplishments and activities in an annual report. Check it out.
How we bring our three-part mission -- tech talent, applied R&D, and business building -- to life
What kinds of people will DPI attract?
Our region’s best and brightest students, workers who want to improve their skills, and top researchers from around the world. Industry will have easy access to talent, both students and faculty, while faculty will get more funding and establish powerful connections with peers worldwide. DPI will accelerate promising students’ careers and make Chicago an appealing destination for them.