The Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub (BN Hub) took another step forward September 24 by officially launching its advisory board. The board is designed as a collaborative forum to foster innovation, cross-sector connection, and strategic alignment among institutions and organizations in the region with the express purpose of achieving the goals laid out in the BN Hub’s strategic plan.

Dr. Harriett Steinbach, director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in the Office of Research at Illinois State University, is leading the group. “While I continue working on behind-the-scenes activities like creating a website, identifying space for the business incubator, and securing funding for capital and operational expenses, the launch of the advisory board is something tangible I can point to to demonstrate progress.”

The BN Hub Advisory Board represents a diverse group of organizations and expertise. Each individual has committed to a two-year term during which they will champion the BN Hub; liaise between the BN Hub and their organization or department; and provide feedback and recommendations to achieve the BN Hub’s goals, objectives, and actions. Due to the group’s size, members will be organized into work groups to address specific objectives.

“I am so excited to see the progress we are making in advancing the BN Hub, which is part of the Illinois Innovation Network,” said Associate Vice President for Research Craig C. McLauchlan. “Although we lead as Illinois State University, I appreciate that this effort is stronger as a community effort, and I am so grateful to all of our partners in this ‘network of networks.’ I look forward to working with the new Advisory Board to collectively advance our innovation efforts.”  

Anyone interested in learning more about the Bloomington-Normal Innovation Hub or discussing a possible partnership should contact Harriett Steinbach at hmstein@IllinoisState.edu or (309)438-5769.