This Month's Latest Tech News in Joliet, IL - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

This month, Joliet is accelerating its embrace of AI and technology across public and private sectors. The Joliet Police Department will roll out AI-powered report writing and language translation tools in 2025, aiming for efficiency amid staffing challenges, with Deputy Chief Chris Botzum noting,

“We're responding to a lot more calls now, and we don't have enough people on the street... AI is one avenue to make this happen.”

The city is also investing over $110,000 in technology upgrades for PCs and access systems, as detailed in the City of Joliet Communication, Technology & Information Systems Committee meeting agenda.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurial activity is on the rise: Joliet's own Giveth.net is enabling community-driven giving at local restaurants, demonstrating grassroots tech innovation with ambitions for national expansion as described in this profile on Joliet's growing startup ecosystem.

For those looking to upskill and join this momentum, programs like Joliet Junior College's Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Integration offering provide workforce-ready pathways in a city rapidly making its mark in the Midwest tech talent pipeline.

Learn more about academic programs at JJC by visiting their official program catalog.

The DuPage Regional Office of Education is bringing back its influential Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Schools for its second year on June 5, 2025, at Lake Park High School.

This event is tailored for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to explore how AI is actively transforming K-12 education, with a special emphasis on hands-on strategies to enhance learning and equip students for an innovation-driven future.

The conference will feature a keynote from Eric Santos, Regional Ed Tech Coordinator at the Learning Technology Center, known for championing equitable, ethical technology integration and empowering teachers across Chicagoland through effective edtech practices.

Breakout sessions will address timely topics - including media literacy, inclusive classroom design, and districtwide AI literacy - underscoring a commitment to professional growth and responsible innovation.

As Illinois gears up for statewide guidance on AI in schools later this year, the conference reflects a broader movement toward carefully balancing technology's potential with educator agency and student well-being as detailed by the Illinois Generative AI Task Force.

Regional Superintendent Amber Quirk highlighted the significance, noting,

“Last year's AI conference was incredibly well-attended, and the response from educators was overwhelmingly positive. The strong demand for continued learning around AI integration is why we're bringing this event back, with an even greater focus on practical tools and thoughtful dialogue.”

For more information about the 2025 conference, session topics, and registration details, visit the official event page at the DuPage Regional Office of Education official conference page.

GP Transco, a leading logistics provider based in Joliet, has been honored as Commercial Carrier Journal's Innovator of the Month for its pioneering use of artificial intelligence to transform trucking operations.

With in-house developed AI powering real-time trailer and load assignments, the company has boosted planning efficiency, reduced inefficiencies, and raised both driver satisfaction and profitability.

The AI tools enable planners to optimize load-driver matching by simulating routes using driver hours, dwell times, weather, and customer preferences, all while keeping human expertise central to decision-making.

As CEO Dominic Zastarskis notes,

“Our goal has always been to pair the best people with the best tools. This recognition from CCJ is a testament to the forward-thinking mindset of our entire team. By utilizing AI to support - rather than replace - our skilled operations staff, we're building a smarter, more agile fleet.”

The results speak for themselves, with a 20% increase in pre-planned loads, a 13% boost in asset utilization, and a measurable reduction in empty miles.

For a deeper dive, read the official announcement of GP Transco's Innovator of the Month award, explore the full feature on GP Transco's AI-powered planning tools, or watch their approach in action in this video explaining how AI boosts trucking efficiency and driver satisfaction.

This month, Southern Illinois University (SIU) joined universities nationwide in empowering students to explore the societal impact of AI through open forums and collaborative events.

These discussions focus on both the promise and perils of generative AI in higher education, with participants examining issues like academic integrity, equitable access, ethical use, and the evolving balance between human learning and technological assistance.

A recent forum at Mercy University illustrated this nuanced engagement, with students and faculty openly sharing experiences and concerns about AI in academia; as Dr. Patrick Fazioli observed, “I was impressed by how many students are thinking about generative AI in a sophisticated and nuanced manner.

They seemed quite aware of the dangers of outsourcing their cognitive abilities and were genuinely grappling with the tradeoffs between convenience and overreliance.”

“The forum highlighted how AI, if approached cautiously, can be a potent resource for teachers and students. It made me realize how AI can be a useful addition to the learning process when used responsibly.” - Chashman Khan, Student

SIU's approach aligns with broader recommendations - like those in the Global Student Forum's guidebook on AI in education - which advocates for student-led initiatives, transparent policies, and sustained digital literacy training.

For institutions, Dr. James O'Sullivan notes that integrating generative AI thoughtfully means developing robust ethical standards, ensuring equitable and transparent use, and mandating AI literacy for both staff and students - critical steps highlighted in his analysis of generative AI's impact in higher education.

Together, these efforts demonstrate SIU's and the wider Midwest's commitment to preparing students not just as beneficiaries, but as active shapers of the future AI landscape.

For a comprehensive overview of current trends and actionable strategies in AI education, see the discussion at AI in Higher Education 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Strategies for Students and Institutions.

As Joliet educators and lawmakers strive to keep pace with rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the focus on AI and media literacy is intensifying across local classrooms.

Illinois is considering new legislative guardrails, including House Bill 2503 and Senate Bill 1556, which would require schools to annually report AI tool use and expand internet safety lessons to cover misinformation generated by AI. Rep.

Laura Faver Dias said,

“We need to equip [teachers] to be able to have those conversations and teach students how to use it responsibly and ethically and the same for administrators and teachers.”

Local schools are already acting: In Rockford, educators use AI-powered platforms like Magic School to foster both student critical thinking and teacher creativity, emphasizing ethical engagement with the technology.

Meanwhile, national trends highlight a growing need for media literacy as AI shapes both the curriculum and student behaviors. A recent roundup found that 72% of U.S. workers lack formal AI training, underscoring the urgency for AI literacy in both the classroom and the workforce.

For a deeper dive into Illinois' proposed legislation to guide responsible classroom AI use, see the Chalkbeat analysis of Illinois state legislative efforts on AI.

One year of hands-on implementation in Rockford schools is profiled in Rockford's review of practical AI classroom strategies.

For a national perspective on AI and media literacy trends, including data on workforce readiness and strategic recommendations, review the latest AI Literacy Review of workforce and education trends.

These efforts collectively signal a shift toward shaping informed, ethical digital citizens in Joliet and beyond.

Joliet's workforce is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of a tech-driven future with robust pathways across education, practical training, and community initiatives.

Programs such as those at Joliet Junior College and Grundy Workforce Services are empowering individuals with tuition assistance, hands-on internships, and job placement in fast-growing fields like cybersecurity, computer programming, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, with numerous local success stories demonstrating career transformation.

The region's colleges, including Lake Land, are expanding workforce-ready programs, apprenticeships, and dual credit opportunities to shrink the persistent skills gap - Illinois projects that by 2031, nearly 75% of jobs will require training beyond high school, but only 40% of workers currently meet this benchmark.

Recent investments in apprenticeships and tech education reflect a strong return: 84% of community college credential earners are employed within a year, and a two-year technical graduate can see a net positive return of $32,000 by earning $40,000 annually versus education cost.

See the summary below for key areas of impact:

Program/Initiative	Focus	Career Outcomes
Workforce Grants (WIOA)	Tuition Assistance, Certifications, Internships	CDL, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Tech
Lake Land College CTE/Apprenticeships	Dual Credit, Industry Partnerships	Welding, Healthcare, Manufacturing, IT
Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship	Diversity Recruitment, Hands-on Training	Construction, Trades, Advanced Careers

In the words of Ashley Hines, who pivoted to a medical career with Grundy's support:

“Grateful to Grundy Workforce Services for supporting her career change.”

To discover more about high-impact local programs, visit Lake Land College's workforce updates and explore statewide pre-apprenticeship initiatives equipping Joliet's workforce for long-term success in the technology-driven economy.

AI startups are powering a wave of innovation and investment near Joliet, mirroring a national surge that saw U.S. AI companies raise billions in 2025. Noteworthy recent deals include SimpleClosure's $15 million Series A to streamline startup shutdowns, Optimal Dynamics' $40 million Series C for AI-driven trucking logistics, and Verdi Expeditions' $4.7 million seed round for smart irrigation - a trio demonstrating both sector diversity and practical impact.

As Crunchbase reports on AI startup investments in May 2025, startups are thriving by embedding AI into real-world systems, from agriculture's water-saving tech to retail theft prevention and virtual try-on fashion apps.

This momentum aligns with industry trends noted in Fundraise Insider's analysis of AI startup success strategies, emphasizing that AI entrepreneurs succeed by blending technical vision with sound financial discipline, market research, and responsive product development.

Recent data highlights the scale: in 2024, AI startups raised over $43 billion, with $6.9 billion more in just early 2025 and more than 5,800 firms tracked nationwide (GrowthList's database of AI startups 2025).

Startups and founders are advised to focus on clarity, compliance, and scalable partnerships, with experts noting,

“The reality is that 90% of startups don't make it... we're here to help them do it the right way.” - Dori Yona, CEO and founder of SimpleClosure

The following table spotlights selected startups and their latest funding rounds for 2025:

Startup	Focus	Latest Round	Funding
SimpleClosure	AI for streamlining startup closure	Series A	$15M
Optimal Dynamics	AI logistics for trucking	Series C	$40M
Verdi Expeditions	AI-powered smart irrigation	Seed	$4.7M

Joliet's entrepreneurs are leveraging this momentum and investment climate, reflecting an ecosystem where adaptability and strategic funding turn local startups into industry game changers.

Joliet's logistics scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation as artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure become essential tools for boosting efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across supply chains.

The global market for generative AI in logistics is rapidly expanding, set to climb from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $7 billion by 2030 with a 32.5% CAGR, propelled by demands for automation, real-time tracking, and optimized resource use as detailed in the 2025 Generative Artificial Intelligence in Logistics Business Intelligence Report.

Smart platforms like NuVizz's Vizzard are redefining last-mile delivery by harnessing data-driven insights to optimize routes and reduce operational inefficiencies, allowing dispatchers to dynamically adjust to real-time events and customer needs.

According to NuVizz CEO Guru Rao,

"The release of version 10.01 reflects our commitment to empowering our customers with smarter, more efficient solutions... we are redefining the way businesses approach last-mile operations."

In addition, global industry leaders are implementing AI and IoT for end-to-end supply chain visibility, dramatically lowering costs and cutting carbon emissions, with 80% of businesses set to use robotics and automation by the end of 2025 according to industry trend analysis.

These trends are not only improving operational performance but also enhancing risk management and sustainability with predictive maintenance, blockchain-enabled transparency, and eco-friendly logistics practices.

For more on how Joliet and the broader logistics sector are capitalizing on these innovations, see expert insights on AI-driven last-mile delivery solutions.

Joliet law enforcement is advancing public safety through significant adoption of AI technologies in 2025, with the police department set to roll out Axon's Draft One system for automated police report writing and live language translation.

This initiative - backed by a multi-year, $684,000 contract - aims to maximize patrol coverage, alleviate administrative burden amid officer shortages, and improve report detail and accuracy, as described in this in-depth report on Joliet's AI implementation in policing.

Reflecting a nationwide trend, law enforcement agencies are integrating advanced AI surveillance solutions - such as Veritone's Track system, which enables identification based on non-biometric attributes like clothing and accessories, circumventing facial recognition bans and raising new privacy debates.

As noted in MIT Technology Review's analysis of AI and surveillance innovation, agencies now track movement across camera networks with heightened efficiency, while civil liberties advocates caution that these tools can be “potentially authoritarian.” Recent survey data indicates steep growth in technology use, with 77% of departments in Michigan now utilizing body cameras (up from 23% in 2015), though predictive AI tools remain sparingly deployed in the Midwest.

Technology	2015 Usage	2024 Usage
Body Cameras	23%	77%
Drones	3%	31%
Automated License Plate Readers	N/A	26%
Facial Recognition	N/A	10%

Local officials remain cautiously optimistic about AI's efficiency gains.

As Joliet Deputy Police Chief Chris Botzum puts it,

“We're responding to a lot more calls now, and we don't have enough people on the street. We have to be more efficient, and AI is one avenue to make this happen.”

For a broader view of law enforcement's shift toward modern cloud-based and AI-powered tools, see this survey of key technology trends shaping policing in 2025.

Joliet's higher education landscape is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence into both curriculum and research initiatives, reflecting a broader national trend toward tech-driven learning.

At Joliet Junior College, students can enroll in programs focused on AI-driven solutions, cloud integration, and managing digital resources, preparing them for evolving workforce opportunities in technology sectors (Joliet Junior College Program in Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Integration).

Echoing this emphasis, new legislation moving through the Illinois General Assembly may soon allow community colleges across the state to offer four-year degrees in essential fields like cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing, providing local access to high-demand tech credentials and reinforcing the talent pipeline in Joliet and beyond (Illinois Legislation to Allow Community Colleges to Offer Four-Year Tech Degrees).

Meanwhile, educators continue to adapt course design by leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT to create personalized learning environments, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and original work while updating guidelines and curriculum to address ethical use and academic integrity (Curriculum Design Innovations with ChatGPT for Academic Integrity).

As student interest in AI-related majors grows and local institutions invest in support services and scholarship opportunities, Joliet's colleges remain at the forefront of cultivating both technical proficiency and responsible, informed engagement with artificial intelligence.

Joliet is emerging as a model for building the Midwest's AI and tech talent pipeline through comprehensive workforce initiatives, strategic partnerships, and innovative training programs.

Joliet Junior College (JJC) has relaunched its Workforce Equity Initiative with over $850,000 in state funding, targeting high-demand roles such as commercial truck drivers, dental assistants, EKG technicians, and process operator technicians, focusing on underserved communities and emphasizing rapid job placement with earnings well above the living wage.

As Marlo Schulz, WEI Supportive Services Coordinator, put it:

“We are focusing on programs that allow our students to complete training and get to work as quickly as possible. We want to see this program positively impact their lives, the lives of their family members and the community around them.”

JJC's work-based learning pathways, developed alongside local high schools and industry partners, are producing strong outcomes, with most participants advancing into degree programs - all while building practical, career-ready skills.

Meanwhile, state investments through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program have increased participation from underrepresented groups - 81% of recent trainees identified as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, or Native American, and 24% as women (compared to 35% and 5% of active apprentices, respectively), as shown below:

Group	Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship (2024)	Illinois Apprentices (2023)
Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Native American	81%	35%
Women	24%	5%

Local initiatives also extend to youth programs, career scholarships, and traveling workforce centers, offering accessible pathways into healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and logistics.

For details on JJC's equitable workforce efforts, see Workforce Equity Initiative relaunched at Joliet Junior College; for hands-on industry partnerships, read best practices on Joliet Junior College work-based learning partnerships; and for statewide apprenticeship pipeline impact, review the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program report.

This month, Joliet's tech community is forging ahead with ambitious new chapters in economic growth, education, and workforce readiness. Local policymakers are prioritizing high-growth sectors such as clean tech, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, as encouraged by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's calls for a coordinated, pro-growth strategy and streamlined regulation to attract technology investment and jobs.

Grassroots entrepreneurship is flourishing, supported by federal funding and robust programming at the Joliet Junior College Entrepreneur and Business Center (EBC), which just celebrated milestones like helping 34 area startups in one year, expanding bilingual advising, and partnering with local groups to increase access for underrepresented founders.

As Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president, remarked,

“The passion, innovation and determination of these business owners are a direct reflection of the positive impact this support has had on our community.”

Meanwhile, infrastructure investments such as the $70 million electric vehicle facility by Lion Electric and the rapid expansion of Hollywood Casino Joliet signal a rising demand for skilled, tech-savvy professionals.

To meet these needs, community and educational tech initiatives - ranging from new teen development spaces at the Boys & Girls Club to the opening of dedicated STEM hubs - are complementing workforce development programs.

Those looking to skill up can explore practical, career-focused bootcamps in areas such as web development, AI entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity, supported by scholarships and flexible financing options through local and national initiatives.

Find more details and explore the latest local developments, including the EBC's impact and upcoming city tech initiatives, by visiting the Joliet Junior College EBC news and the city's official updates.