The State of Illinois has announced an exciting partnership with the IoT Talent Consortium to deliver an education curricula specifically designed to enhance Illinois' goal of transforming into a 'smart state' by utilizing advanced technologies in order to deliver better services more efficiently. The new collaboration will offer an affordable, state-of-the-art option for individuals with a desire to work in the IT industry. It is hoped that the new educational initiative will provide the perfect mechanism to ensure a pipeline of precocious talent in Illinois.