Advanced Manufacturing
Illinois boasts a rich history of industrial excellence that has evolved into an advanced, technology-driven sector. Companies manufacturing in Illinois benefit from reliable energy and deregulation as well as a low-cost, high-quality water supply — not to mention the state’s skilled workforce, central location and world-class air, passenger, and freight transportation network, which offers companies simpler, more cost-effective travel and goods distribution.
manufacturing
agribusiness
Next-Generation Agriculture, Agtech, and Food Processing
Home to titans like Ingredion, ADM, Kraft Heinz, and McDonald's, Illinois is at the epicenter of the agribusiness industry with a dynamic ecosystem and Midwest-leading commitment to sustainability. Producing the nation's #1 largest quantity of soybeans and #2 largest quantity of corn, Illinois is best in the U.S. for food processing. The state's skilled workforce, strategic location, and long-standing history in agriculture offer companies fertile ground to plant roots — and grow.
Clean Energy Production and Manufacturing
Ranked #1 in the Midwest for sustainable development and #2 in the U.S. for clean and low-carbon energy production, Illinois is paving the way toward a cleaner, greener future. Prioritizing business success and sustainability, the state has tremendous assets for clean energy companies to grow, including its qualified workforce, world-class infrastructure, and reliable power grid — plus access to 100% renewables through a robust energy ecosystem.
Clean Energy
Tech and Innovation
Quantum Computing, AI, and Microelectronics
Home to groundbreaking innovation — including the cell phone, the wireless remote, and the first-ever web browser —Illinois is where ideas become patents and technology drives revolution. The state is among the top 10 for IT jobs and GDP, offers the 1st quantum PhD program in the U.S., and is home to 15 tech unicorns and 30+ Fortune 500s shaping a better tomorrow. Boasting top-tier talent, an exceptional ecosystem, and unparalleled opportunity, tech and innovation companies thrive in Illinois.
Life Sciences
Home to research supergiants Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, plus 15.5K+ life sciences companies employing 642K+ individuals, Illinois is a global leader in pharmaceuticals, medical manufacturing and distribution, and agricultural feedstock and industrial bioscience. The state offers an ideal location for life sciences companies to grow thanks to its unmatched talent, thriving ecosystem, and world-class infrastructure — and at a fraction of the cost compared to the coasts.
Life Sciences
Transportation and Logistics
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Located in the heart of the U.S., Illinois is one of the world's most-connected transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL) hubs, offering dynamic distribution via air, rail, road, and port. (Chicago O'Hare is the most-connected airport in the U.S., and Illinois is the only state in which all six Class I railroads meet in two locations.) From major retailers to third-party logistics companies, Illinois is the epicenter of this flourishing industry due to its robust workforce and truly unmatched infrastructure.
