Grainger Engineering in Chicago
Unrivaled engineering and computing.
Now accessible
in Chicago.
The Grainger College of Engineering is building hubs of technological advancement. We connect the Illinois Silicon Prairie between Chicago and Champaign-Urbana, and supply Chicago companies with researchers, students, and alumni who are at the top of their fields.
We are the Illinois Silicon Prairie
Chicago has the highest number of Fortune 500 companies and venture capital in the Midwest. Grainger Engineering is committed to maintaining that growth and propelling Chicago to become the fastest growing tech-hub in the U.S. and worldwide.
Our proximity allows us to share resources and combine strengths. Together, we will incubate more tech companies, raise more venture capital, make groundbreaking discoveries and bring more talent home to the heart of the Midwest.
Programs and Partnerships
By building relationships with institutions, programs, and businesses in Chicago, the University of Illinois is inspiring student, faculty and research engineers.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Whether it's creating clean energy solutions or next-generation technologies, Grainger engineers are equipped with the tools they need to be at the top. With partners like World Business Chicago and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, we’re supporting established and future endeavors, bringing in more venture capital and starting careers.
Data & Computing
The field of computer and information science is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. To support this workforce, the Grainger College of Engineering offers a professional MCS and connects students with tech leaders in Chicago to encourage innovation and discovery across disciplinary boundaries.
Engineering & Health
Grainger Engineering is serving large and diverse populations throughout the Chicago area, developing and bringing our state-of-the-art technological advancements to patients and training the next generation of physician-scientists who know that a bright future for healthcare can be reached through engineering innovations.
Microelectronics & Semiconductors
The skills, collaborations, facilities and resources that led to the inventions of the LED, transistor and integrated circuit are found at the Grainger College of Engineering. Our established and upcoming connections are enabling us to make waves in microelectronics; and now we’re bringing that expertise and training to Chicago.
Quantum
Partnerships between Illinois and Chicago-based academic institutions, national laboratories and industry partners make up the foundation of the quantum prairie, where we are innovating advancements in communications, information science and computing. Our efforts in this field also include accelerating startups and training the future quantum workforce (check back for updates on an upcoming MS in Quantum).
Academic Partners
The University of Illinois provides students with a top-ranked engineering education and scientific research training. In collaboration with our partners, Grainger Engineering is bringing our academic excellence to Chicago.
- College of ACES
- College of LAS
- Gies College of Business
- iSchool
- Pathway Programs
- Northwestern University
- University of Chicago
Interested in creating or extending your Grainger Engineering academic program in Chicago?
Connect with Grainger Engineering alums, fund research, hire an intern and stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Hey, Chicago alumni!
Are you part of a thriving company or startup in the Chicago area? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your company and how your experiences on the University of Illinois campus led you to where you are today.
"The University of Illinois is launching more start-ups than anyone outside of our entrepreneurial ecosystem can comprehend. Startups involved in the U of I entrepreneurial ecosystem are frequently meeting with alumni, entrepreneurs, investors and customers in the Chicago area thanks to the efforts of the Champaign ecosystem to ensure they have those opportunities. The results of these efforts are a major factor in planting the seed for a move to Chicago."
Chase Bonhag
Illinois Ventures Associate