EIGERlab, a research and development center with best-in-the-world research tools, was recently awarded $1.6 million in Opportunity Returns funding by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich to drive Illinois' manufacturing renewal and future prosperity. The investment allows EIGERlab to purchase critical equipment that will help create more than 20 new jobs and add hundreds and hundreds more down the line.

“Opportunity Returns is about investing in the region’s competitive advantages and unleashing its economic potential,” said Blagojevich. This creative initiative represents the dawn of a new era for manufacturing in Rockford and throughout the region.”

The EIGERlab is designed to function as a research and development center that will help the Rockford area grow new businesses in emerging fields of manufacturing technology and help spawn new technology-based businesses. Combining mechanical and industrial engineering expertise from prominent research institutions with engineers and technicians from area companies, the lab’s goal is to develop new manufacturing technologies and then convert these technologies into new companies and jobs by demonstrating their effectiveness to the U.S. Department of Defense and potential commercial users in the region.

EIGERlab partners include Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley College, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Alion Science and Technology, City of Rockford, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Growth Dimensions, Illinois Technology Development Alliance, Manufacturers’ Alliance of the Rock River Valley (MARRV), Rockford Area Ventures, TECHWORKS/Abilities Center and numerous private manufacturers.

EIGERlab is more than just a research facility. It also houses business incubator space that is home to technology firms that are expected to create 220 jobs over the next two years, as well as resources for advanced-manufacturing education and workforce development programs. EIGERlab houses the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center, which was launched and funded by Gov. Blagojevich as another important tool to grow the economy and create more jobs.

Northern Illinois University is working at the EIGERlab with area public schools to provide pre-professional awareness programs for students and related teacher-training activities.