Objectives
Expand the networks that connect entrepreneurs with customers, venture capital, and mentorship opportunities in order to grow Chicago’s innovation ecosystem.
Focus on promising clusters:
- CleanTech
- BioScience
- Web/Mobile
- FinTech
Deepen ties between academic research and private industry.
Key Initiatives
ChicagoNEXT
Council of technology leaders representing a dedicated effort to drive growth and opportunity in the areas of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship for startups and later-stage growth companies in Chicago’s rapidly growing ecosystem
ChicagoMade
Recognizing Chicago’s creative “makers” as brand ambassadors to help raise the city’s profile as an innovation hub and destination for business and tourism
Chicago Venture Summit
Connecting venture funding to Chicago entrepreneurs
Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute (DMDII)
Revolutionizing manufacturing by applying best-practices across the product life cycle and establishing effective industry-academia-government partnerships
MATTER
Incubating HealthTech entrepreneurs: MATTER is a community of startups and industry leaders working together in a shared space to fuel the future of healthcare innovation
ThinkChicago
Connecting top university talent with Chicago‘s innovation ecosystem