James Gladfelter

Jamie Gladfelter has spent the last 15 years as a technical founder of multiple startups, raising nearly $10M from venture capital and angel investors and building products across consumer social, property tech, fintech, artificial intelligence and education.  Jamie joined the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity as Emerging Technologies Manager in 2023, driven by the potential for impact and desire to create initiatives that help support the innovators and builders of Illinois.  As a former founder and software engineer, Jamie serves as a bridge and translator between DCEO initiatives and the Illinois tech community. Jamie is currently the Program Manager for both the State SBIR Match Program and Innovation Vouchers Program and provides support for the INVENT team, Federal Grant Support team, and all quantum-related initiatives. Jamie lives in the South Loop of Chicago with his wife and young son.