NICCS Facility

Although NICCS research is already well underway, the 30,000-square-foot NICCS facility will serve to strengthen our research, outreach and policy work. This unique mixed-use research, innovation and education center will also provide a living laboratory to test new sustainable technologies in building systems and infrastructure.

As of July 2022, a call to begin the design-build process for NICCS has just gone out from the Illinois Capital Development Board, with interviews anticipated in September.

An auditorium and fully capable classrooms will be available for face-to-face and remote meetings, conferences and classroom instruction. The facility will also house laboratories to facilitate sustainability research, as well as offices and informal space to encourage multi-disciplinary collaboration, public outreach and policy development.

Making the NICCS Dream a Reality

In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Illinois Innovation Network, we aim to create a world-class destination for sustainability experts, university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, government and business leaders, and citizens working to enhance sustainability in their communities.

The flexible space will adapt to future needs and innovations as we expand partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey.

This facility will foster collaboration with utilities, research agencies, original equipment manufacturers and building design teams to advance energy efficiency while maximizing sustainability and resiliency. The facility will connect corporations and federal research agencies, immerse students in evolving technology and provide training for the local workforce.

In the NICCS location on the west side of NIU's campus, research plots are already planted for native prairie restoration, and water testing wells have already been drilled and are providing data. We're excited to develop this area into a living laboratory for students, community members and faculty.

Funding and Planning Process

About two-thirds of the total cost, $15 million, will come from the $500 million approved state capital funding to launch the Illinois Innovation Network. The $7.9M from NIU includes $2.9M in-kind contribution associated with the existing land and site improvements, as well as $5M that we plan to direct toward support of our instructional and research missions over the course of the next five years. We expect that further funding for equipment and operational costs will come from philanthropy, grants, fee-for-service activities and private investment. Notably, this project is integrated into the plans for Opportunity Zone investments.

We have submitted a detailed budget through the University of Illinois for consideration by the state of Illinois. A competitive bidding process is now underway for an architectural design firm per state procurement regulations.

Learn more about how our DeKalb, IL, location enables cutting-edge research to help us reimagine sustainability.