Episode 4 of The State of Innovation’s Voucher Series features David Griggs, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, of Sandbox Carbon. David discusses how the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program funding provided his team with the resources and equipment needed to test their technology, validate its effectiveness, and transform their vision of a “pollution dumpster” into a tangible, operational solution.

Learn more about the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program and other ISTC initiatives at https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/

In this episode of State of Innovation, we welcome three participants from ISTC’s Mentor Matching Engine Program (MME) to discuss the ongoing value of mentorship in their lives. Recurring mentor Bella reconnects with past students, Kate and Rhia, to reflect on their experience working together. Over the span of two years, they took turns learning from one another while collaborating on high school STEM research projects. We discuss the importance and impact that mentorship has had on each of their lives, and look outward in an exploration of how mentorship can support more students.

Give back with ISTC:

• You can support Illinois students by donating to ISTC’s education programs: https://istceducation.raiselysite.com/

• Learn more about the MME program and how to get involved as a mentor on our website: https://www.istcoalition.org/education/mentor-matching-engine/

Episode 3 of The Voucher Series welcomes Monica Cook, Chief Operating Officer of NET Energy. As a recipient of Illinois Innovation Voucher funding, Monica Cook shares how NET Energy’s customizable heating and cooling systems are driving greater sustainability across industries.

Discover more of the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program and how it supports innovators like NET Energy: https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/