DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
The Chicago region's digital tech industry is a fast-growing engine of innovation, especially in advanced computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A robust workforce that includes software, data, and fintech talent attracts R&D and nurtures startups while creating powerful cross-industry synergies across healthcare, logistics, finance, and manufacturing – supporting a more adaptable and inclusive regional economy.
By The Numbers
$42.0B in industry output in 2025 – up 6.8% over 2024, one of the fastest-growing digital tech economies in the nation
103,331 employed in digital tech across the region
7,850 digital tech businesses as of Q2 2025 – up 84% over Q2 2024
12 digital tech companies expanded or relocated to Chicagoland in 2025, creating over 1,327 jobs and $141 million in earnings
Computing: Our Legacy & Future
From Motorola's foundational work in mobile technology to ongoing research at Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, Chicago has been at the frontier of computing for decades. That legacy continues to attract R&D investment and positions the region at the leading edge of quantum computing and advanced technology development.
Infrastructure That Performs At Scale
Chicago is one of the world's most critical internet traffic hubs, and the 9th ranked global data center market, with 183 data centers and 822 MW of operational capacity. That infrastructure gives technology companies the connectivity and computing power to operate at global scale from a central U.S. location.
Startup Ecosystem With Serious Depth
Nearly 75 incubators and accelerators – including 1871, the Polsky Center, and mHUB – support Chicago's startup community across every stage of growth. Growth capital activity is increasingly concentrated in software and AI, with AI now the fastest-growing investment vertical, up 11 percentage points since 2021. SaaS and AI together account for more than half of all regional deals in 2025.
Companies Choosing Chicago
GeoWealth, one of the region's fastest-growing startups, raised $38 million and expanded to 160 employees across its Chicago offices. Neostella opened its go-to-market headquarters in the Loop. Zones Innovation Center added 57,000 square feet of innovation space to its regional footprint. The pattern reflects a market increasingly recognized as a serious home for technology companies at every stage.
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Connect With Our Team
Our team works directly with digital technology companies exploring Chicago for expansion or relocation. Tell us about your project and we'll be in touch.