This Month's Latest Tech News in Elgin, IL - Thursday July 31st 2025 Edition

Elgin's tech landscape is thriving as AI advancements and manufacturing innovation jointly fuel economic growth and opportunity. The recent launch of America's AI Action Plan by the Trump Administration on July 23, 2025, is catalyzing deregulation, infrastructure investment, and workforce development to position the U.S. as a global AI leader, with ripple effects benefitting regions like Elgin (America's AI Action Plan Overview).

Meanwhile, American manufacturers are pivotal in constructing the physical backbone enabling AI's rapid expansion, from building advanced data centers to producing critical semiconductor components, reinforcing Elgin's manufacturing ecosystem (Manufacturing Powers AI Infrastructure).

Reflecting business optimism, 68% of U.S. firms are using or planning AI adoption, especially in mid-sized companies that mirror Elgin's industrial fabric. Local professionals can deepen their AI and tech expertise through targeted Nucamp bootcamps like the AI Essentials for Work program, which equips students with practical AI skills vital to modern workplaces.

As Elgin integrates AI with robust manufacturing, it stands at the forefront of a transformative era marked by innovation, workforce readiness, and expanding global competitiveness.

ModMed has significantly bolstered ophthalmic technician education in Elgin with its donation of a specialized electronic health records (EHR) “sandbox” environment to Elgin Community College, alongside the College of Dupage and Triton Community College.

This initiative supports over 50 students annually, providing critical hands-on experience with real-world patient documentation, specialty workflows, and healthcare technology management that prepares them for certification exams such as the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

Notably, two-thirds of Elgin's first graduating class have secured employment in the field, reflecting the program's success. As Shelby Stanley, Program Director at Elgin Community College, states,

“Our program's goal is to prepare students who are ready to excel in their careers.”

ModMed, recognized as a top healthcare software provider by G2 in 2025, combines AI and cloud technologies to advance medical training and patient care, with features like ambient listening and predictive analytics demonstrating their innovation leadership.

The donation exemplifies ModMed's commitment to workforce readiness and social responsibility in healthcare, positioning Elgin as a rising hub for tech-enhanced health education.

For more information on ModMed's educational impact and software, visit their official press release.

Discover Elgin Community College's program performance and outcomes in depth in Nucamp's April 2025 Elgin tech news summary, and for industry context, see Becker's coverage of ModMed's donation to community colleges.

AI adoption in U.S. manufacturing is accelerating rapidly, with over 51% of manufacturers already integrating AI into their operations and 61% anticipating increased AI investment by 2027, according to the Manufacturing Leadership Council's “Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future” report.

AI is seen as essential for sustaining business growth by 2030, yet manufacturers face challenges including legacy infrastructure, data quality issues, and workforce skill gaps.

A recent survey highlighted that 65% of companies lack the right data for AI applications, and 62% struggle with unstructured or poorly formatted data. Despite these hurdles, digital transformation efforts continue to gain momentum, with 80% of manufacturers expecting AI-powered, self-managing factories in the near future, as shown in the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Council survey.

Operational efficiency improvements are reported by 72% of manufacturers using AI, alongside enhanced decision-making and cost reductions. Industry leaders emphasize the need for smarter, context-specific AI policies that support innovation, workforce development, data protection, and U.S. competitiveness.

As David R. Brousell, Founder and Executive Director of MLC, stated,

“A worldwide competition for AI supremacy is underway, and manufacturers have the opportunity to lead the charge with this game-changing technology.”

Policymakers are urged to adopt a pro-AI regulatory approach to foster a robust ecosystem enabling manufacturers to innovate across operations, supply chains, and workforce training.

The following table summarizes key survey data on AI and digital transformation in manufacturing:

Antora Energy is revolutionizing industrial energy resilience in the U.S. with its factory-built thermal batteries designed to store excess renewable electricity as heat in solid carbon blocks, delivering continuous, low-cost, zero-emissions heat and power for always-on manufacturing operations.

Operating at ultra-high temperatures above 1,800°C, these modular batteries enable decarbonization of heavy industries like steel and cement by converting intermittent renewable energy into reliable industrial energy, addressing the 30% of global emissions produced by industry.

Antora's first large-scale manufacturing facility in San Jose began production in 2024, supported by major investments including a $150 million Series B funding led by Decarbonization Partners, underscoring confidence in their scalable technology.

The company's proprietary thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technology enhances efficiency by converting stored heat directly into electricity, further boosting industrial electrification.

By leveraging abundant American materials and supply chains, Antora not only promotes domestic job creation but also reduces dependence on critical mineral imports.

As CEO Andrew Ponec stated,

“Antora is leveraging American innovation and manufacturing to unlock abundant, affordable energy for industrial facilities around the world.”

This innovation helps stabilize local grids by utilizing otherwise wasted renewable electricity and supports the broader energy transition, positioning Antora among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 in the Energy category.

Learn more about how Antora's thermal batteries are paving the path for sustainable industrial power solutions at their official website, the detailed Industry Impact Analysis, and their latest funding announcement.

On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County that significantly narrows the environmental review scope required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The decision mandates that federal agencies focus NEPA analyses strictly on environmental effects directly caused by the proposed project, excluding upstream or downstream impacts of separate projects beyond their statutory authority.

This interpretation reaffirms NEPA's procedural role and directs courts to grant substantial deference to agency judgments, thereby limiting delays caused by extensive litigation or broad environmental assessments.

By streamlining Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and emphasizing a “manageable line” for environmental considerations, the ruling is expected to accelerate infrastructure deployments across sectors including transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure.

While industry groups have praised the decision for improving permitting efficiency, some environmental advocates warn it may overlook cumulative and climate-related impacts.

Overall, the ruling promises greater predictability for project financing and regulatory compliance, fostering faster modernization of critical infrastructure amid ongoing policy debates.

For more detailed legal insights and implications, visit the Sabin Center analysis on the Supreme Court's substantial deference standard under NEPA.

On May 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed four executive orders aimed at accelerating the deployment of new nuclear reactors to bolster U.S. energy independence and national security.

A key directive orders a comprehensive reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to modernize its culture, streamline licensing processes with fixed deadlines - 18 months for new reactor construction approvals and one year for license renewals - and adopt science-based radiation limits.

These reforms will reduce bureaucratic barriers, enabling faster approval of Generation III+, IV, modular, and microreactors, including high-volume licensing pathways.

Additionally, the orders empower the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Defense (DoD) to build and operate advanced reactors on federal land, especially to power AI data centers and military installations, with a goal to have a military nuclear reactor operating by 2028.

The administration also prioritizes revitalizing the domestic uranium fuel supply chain, including the release of High Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for private sector use, and promotes American nuclear exports through diplomatic efforts.

These orders aim to expand U.S. nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050, supporting critical infrastructure and emerging technologies.

However, legal challenges related to regulatory changes and environmental compliance are anticipated. Industry leaders, including Constellation's CEO Joe Dominguez, welcomed the reforms citing excessive delays as a key obstacle, and recent Supreme Court decisions may reduce litigation burdens.

For more details on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reform and licensing regulations, the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies for national security, and an in-depth legal analysis from Perkins Coie's briefing on executive orders and litigation.

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a unanimous decision striking down the Trump administration's reciprocal and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs, ruling they exceeded presidential authority by bypassing Congressional power on tariff setting.

The CIT permanently enjoined enforcement of these tariffs, which included 10% reciprocal duties on imports from over 150 countries, as well as 20-25% fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican goods.

However, the government successfully requested a stay pending appeal, allowing these tariffs to remain in effect during the ongoing litigation. The court's decision emphasizes that the President may not use IEEPA to impose unlimited tariffs under the guise of leverage, and highlights the complex legal and operational challenges businesses face amid evolving U.S. trade policy.

Meanwhile, tariffs rooted in Section 232 and Section 301 remain active, continuing to impact industries such as electronics, steel, and agriculture, which have seen increased costs and disrupted supply chains due to these measures.

Importers are advised to maintain meticulous records and seek legal counsel to preserve refund claims pending final resolution. This ruling could reshape U.S. tariff policy enforcement, as negotiations and adjustments are underway to transition to other legal authorities with differing tariff limits.

For detailed insights, see the U.S. Court of International Trade ruling analysis by Thomson Reuters, the comprehensive Trump 2.0 Tariff Tracker by Reed Smith LLP, and the supply chain impact overview in How Tariffs Are Reshaping Global Supply Chains in 2025.

On May 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from the Apache Stronghold, a group representing San Carlos Apache Tribe members and conservationists, effectively clearing the way for the development of the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona.

This project, a joint venture operated by Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%), involves mining beneath Oak Flat (Chi'chil Biłdagoteel), a culturally and religiously significant 4,600-acre site to the Apache people.

Despite strong opposition citing violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and an 1852 treaty promise, the court's refusal upheld a 9th Circuit Court ruling allowing the federal land swap authorized in a 2014 defense bill.

The Resolution Copper mine holds the third-largest copper deposit globally, with an estimated 40 billion pounds of copper potentially supplying over 25% of U.S. demand for decades, crucial for advancing energy, infrastructure, and defense technologies.

The environmental impact statement process is advancing, with the U.S. Forest Service poised to finalize reports and potentially permit the land transfer by mid-June 2025.

However, legal challenges continue as Apache women recently filed a new lawsuit seeking to halt the land swap due to continued concerns over sacred land loss and environmental harm.

The mine is expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute approximately $1 billion annually to Arizona's economy. Mining.com coverage on the Supreme Court decision provides comprehensive coverage on the Supreme Court decision, while EOS.org details the tribal opposition and geological significance.

The National Association of Manufacturers emphasizes the mine's strategic importance for U.S. supply chains and jobs in their May 2025 statement on Resolution Copper mine.

This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between sacred land preservation, indigenous rights, and critical mineral development vital to emerging technologies in the U.S.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Q2 2025 Manufacturers' Outlook Survey, optimism among U.S. manufacturers has declined sharply, with only 55.4% expressing a positive outlook - a nearly 15-percentage-point drop from Q1 and the lowest level since Q2 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trade uncertainty remains the top concern for 77% of respondents, followed by rising raw material costs cited by 66.1%. The survey also reveals that 89% of manufacturers reported increased costs due to newly imposed tariffs this year, leading to an average cost increase of 7.7%, significantly impacting investment, hiring, and export opportunities.

Manufacturers expect raw material prices to rise by 5.8% over the next year, the steepest increase since mid-2022. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons emphasized the urgent need for Congressional action to preserve pro-growth tax policies, stating,

“These numbers are yet another indicator that manufacturers need increased policy certainty. Congress must act urgently to preserve tax reform and empower manufacturers to make the long-term investments that drive the American economy.”

The stakes are high, with risks of losing six million jobs and a potential $1 trillion economic hit if policy clarity and support are not provided.

To explore the full scope and detailed findings, see NAM's 2025 Second Quarter Manufacturers' Outlook Survey, expert analysis in Weaver's Risk Assessment Report, and industry coverage at Metal Center News.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently underscored critical workforce challenges facing U.S. manufacturing, particularly highlighting significant skill gaps in AI and advanced technologies essential for maintaining industry leadership.

NAM's Manufacturing Institute delivered its inaugural State of the Manufacturing Workforce Address, emphasizing the urgent need to fill an anticipated 3.8 million job openings by 2033, with 1.9 million of these positions at risk of remaining vacant due to a shortage of qualified talent.

Despite manufacturing employees earning over $102,000 annually on average, the sector struggles to attract young workers, veterans, women, and previously incarcerated individuals, which programs like FAME and Heroes MAKE America actively address through apprenticeships and inclusive recruitment.

Early engagement initiatives such as the gamified Innovators Quest introduce manufacturing and AI concepts to students as young as 9, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Collaboration among manufacturers, educators, and policymakers remains pivotal, as NAM leadership stresses that strengthening training infrastructure and promoting modern, tech-driven manufacturing careers are key to bridging the skills gap and securing a sustainable workforce.

These efforts align with broader trends documented by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, which project 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, stressing the necessity of reskilling, public-private partnerships, and modern education models to support America's manufacturing revival.

For detailed insights on the manufacturing workforce outlook, visit NAM's State of the Manufacturing Workforce in 2025 report, see The Manufacturing Institute's comprehensive workforce report, and explore Forbes' analysis of the manufacturing skills gap and industry revival.

Alex Hoffer, Co-CEO of Hoffer Plastics Corporation in South Elgin, Illinois, exemplifies integrity and innovation in family-led manufacturing. Initially starting with a summer job cleaning air conditioners, Alex returned to the family business in 2008, progressing through roles in estimation, sales, and packaging before leading the company jointly with his sisters Gretchen Hoffer Farb and Charlotte Hoffer Canning under their collaborative "G3" leadership model.

Upholding the values set by their grandparents - family, integrity, service, and trust - the trio has guided Hoffer Plastics through transformative growth and technological adoption, including automation initiatives featuring cobots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that save over 20,000 hours of manual labor annually and maintain a 99.45% on-time delivery rate.

Alex emphasizes leadership as aligning teams to clear, measurable standards through direct, consistent communication, stating,

"Leadership is doing things with and through other people… acting with integrity, honesty, and compassion."

The company's dedication to community stewardship, employee longevity, and proprietary product innovation such as the Trust-T-Lok and Drop-Lok closures supports sustained growth and a strong, inclusive workplace culture of over 350 employees.

Looking ahead, Alex envisions continued expansion driven by new team members' fresh ideas and entrance into new markets, reflecting a commitment to adaptability and legacy preservation.

Learn more about the company's collaborative co-CEO leadership and automation advancements at NAM's Forge Your Path Series featuring Alex Hoffer, explore their community impact and operational excellence in Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing's feature on Hoffer Plastics, and discover their automation innovations presented at PTXPO 2025 by Hoffer Plastics.

Elgin's tech and AI ecosystem stands at a pivotal juncture, well-positioned for growth amid the sweeping changes ushered in by the newly unveiled America's AI Action Plan.

This federal initiative prioritizes deregulation, heightened investment in AI infrastructure - including accelerated data center permitting and domestic semiconductor manufacturing - and expanded workforce development, creating significant opportunities for local tech enterprises and manufacturers.

With the plan's emphasis on promoting open-source AI models and exporting American AI technology globally, Elgin-based companies can leverage enhanced access to innovation resources and international markets.

Concurrently, manufacturers in the region are integral to powering AI's backbone, supplying critical components for data centers and energy infrastructure, as highlighted by increasing national investments outlined in industry reports on manufacturing's AI infrastructure boom.

However, Elgin faces challenges in adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes and increased competition for AI talent, underscoring the importance of workforce skill development and retraining supported by federal programs.

For aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs looking to thrive in this dynamic environment, educational pathways such as Nucamp's AI Essentials for Work and Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur bootcamps offer practical, accessible training to build real-world AI skills and launch tech startups, detailed extensively at Nucamp's official course pages.

By staying agile in policy compliance and investing in talent cultivation, Elgin is poised to strengthen its role in the nation's AI leadership while navigating the complexities of this transformative era.