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