DPI Vision
We envision a world that is more inclusive, healthy, and prosperous by unlocking the full potential of people and ideas.
Mission
Our mission is to be an engine of equitable economic development and a magnet for the most ambitious tech talent in the world.
Strategy
We accomplish our mission by doing three things: applied R&D, business building, and tech talent development. Already, we’re building a thriving community, fueling ventures, pioneering solutions, and transforming lives.
Our Values
Innovation
Inclusion
Collaboration
Agility
Excellence
Impact
What We're Solving For
Illinois is a top producer nationally of computer science and data science graduates. Yet, the state still faces a significant shortage of talent needed for its economy to grow.
Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 30,000 more entry-level job postings seeking technology workers than there are related graduates. This gap is exacerbated by Illinois’ ongoing loss of young talent, with almost half of university-bound high schoolers leaving the state and an additional net loss of 20,000 millennial workers each year.
We are in a global war for the best and the brightest; DPI is how Illinois wins. We are a coordinated effort by the state’s top research universities and Argonne National Laboratory to band together to develop, attract and retain talent.
With $230 million in taxpayer funding and an inflow of grants, DPI is becoming a hive of technology activity. Our efforts span from applied R&D, performed by academic researchers in Illinois and beyond and funded by corporations, to tech training programs for minority and disadvantaged students.
Talent Advantage
Illinois is second nationally in computer science graduates, third in MBA graduates, and fifth in data science graduates. Let’s keep them here.
Tech Talent Development
We are preparing promising and diverse Illinoisans to step into lucrative and resilient tech jobs. We are identifying these students in high school and staying with them through to their first job out of college. We also are upskilling current workers for in-demand jobs in data and analytics.
R&D Clusters
Some of our initial research clusters are tracing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in Chicago’s waterways; developing new software and hardware to help companies operate machinery remotely; creating a new repository for data about the human brain; and training software engineers to build safer and more ethical algorithms.
Expanding Opportunity
Many talented Illinoisans never get the chance to pursue computer science, computer engineering or data science degrees. Systemic barriers continue to limit who has access to quality tech education and career pathways. We must do better, and DPI is committed to expanding the pipeline at every level.
Give to DPI
Help DPI create a stronger Illinois by preparing promising and diverse Illinoisans for lucrative and resilient tech jobs, by creating a place for our community to turn ideas into new products, and by growing businesses. The DPI General Fund provides critical unrestricting funding that can be used where it is needed most to ensure that DPI’s impact continues to grow.
Discover What's New
Recent announcements from the Discovery Partners Institute.
Pritzker Tech Talent Labs 5-Year Impact Report
- DPI News
- December 10, 2025
Bridging academic silos with IMPACT
- DPI News
- December 8, 2025
Lessons learned about Chicago’s tech ecosystem
- DPI News
- November 25, 2025
We Have Buy-in & Support
“. . . strengthening Illinois’ long-term economic vitality for generations to come.”
J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
“Forming successful businesses out of science is very complicated and it comes with a lot of challenges. We want to address these challenges on an international scale, taking advantage of the strengths of the Chicago area, especially DPI.”
Arik Willner, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, Germany
“A big step in putting the city on the right economic path for tech-industry investment.”
Editorial Board, Chicago Sun-Times
“The 78 is a project we should all get behind.”
Editorial Board, Crain's Chicago Business
The Investment Starts Now
We can’t do this without you. Your breakthrough ideas can strengthen our economy.
Partner with Us
Our R&D clusters, funded by corporations, governments and foundations, bring together top-tier researchers from Illinois and around the world.
Learn with Us
Register for our education and certificate programs to arm yourself with the skills that are in high-demand and career that's resilient to downturns in the economy.
Research with Us
Are you a faculty member or R&D leader with a new product that needs funding? We can make international connections and provide space for you to grow.