Discovery Partners Institute

About DPI The Discovery Partners Institute empowers people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System 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. 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. 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. Our 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.