Galesburg-based Lux Blox LLC has been awarded an Illinois Innovation Voucher to partner with Bradley University on advancing hands-on STEM education.
The $56,432.86 grant supports a year-long project titled “Lux Blox: Product Development toward Chemical Modeling and STEM Education.”
The collaboration brings together Lux Blox designers and Bradley faculty from chemistry, engineering, education, and business to develop molecular models, test structural performance, study classroom use, and create curriculum resources aligned to STEM standards.
“This project lets us do what schools and families keep asking for,” said Michael Acerra, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Lux Blox. “Take abstract ideas — molecules, forces, structures — and put them in students’ hands so they can actually build, test, and understand them.”
“This partnership reflects what Illinois does best,” said Dr. Joshua Lewer, Associate Dean at Bradley University. “Universities and small businesses working together to turn practical ideas into real educational tools.”
The voucher, administered by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to drive innovation and economic growth.
Founded in Galesburg by Michael and Heather Acerra, Lux Blox designs and manufactures a patented snapping-hinge construction system used in classrooms, homeschooling, museums, and maker spaces nationwide and internationally.
The grant will support new chemistry and molecular modeling kits, teacher guides, product validation for middle school through college levels, and long-term commercialization.
Lux Blox has earned national recognition, including Parents’ Choice Gold Awards and features on Good Morning America, Today, and Fox & Friends.
Listen to Lux Blox owners discuss their company and recent $117,000 state grant on a recent WGIL Galesburg’s Morning podcast:
