Chicago Innovation

05/29/2026

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, and Wednesday proved exactly that. ✨

We had the privilege of hosting Innovation Elevates Us All at the stunning Winter Garden inside the Chicago Public Library - Harold Washington Library Center, bringing together 36 exhibiting organizations and some of Chicago’s most inspiring leaders under one roof.

The night featured a powerful panel featuring Sam Yagan, Samir Mayekar, Andrea Zopp, Chris Brown, and moderator Luke Tanen, and an ecosystem expo filled with energy, connection, and possibility. 🥂

05/29/2026

05/22/2026

Chicago’s next chapter is being written right now. Are you in the room where it happens?

At our upcoming event, Innovation Elevates Us All, you’ll hear from leaders like our very own Luke Tanen, President & CEO of Chicago Innovation: a connector, champion, and driving force behind one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems in the country.

Now in our 25th year, Chicago Innovation isn’t slowing down, we’re leveling up.

Join us for one night with 30+ organizations and the leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago.

Grab your tickets at the link in our bio!

05/19/2026

Great cities aren’t built by one sector alone- they’re built by leaders who show up everywhere. 🎉

At our upcoming event, Innovation Elevates Us All, you’ll hear from leaders like Chris Brown, Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library: a public servant, community champion, and innovator redefining what it means to serve a city.

From overseeing 81 library branches- one of the world’s largest library systems- to earning the Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award, Chris brings a rare mix of civic leadership and community-centered vision to the table.

Under his leadership, the Chicago Public Library is pushing the boundaries of what public institutions can offer the communities they serve.

Now, he’s bringing that vision straight to you. ✨

Join us for one night with 30+ organizations and the leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago. 🥂

Grab your tickets at the link in our bio!

     

05/18/2026

The people changing Chicago’s future aren’t waiting, and neither should you. 🎉

At our upcoming event, Innovation Elevates Us All, you’ll hear from leaders like Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago: a builder, civic leader, and innovator who’s helped shape this city from every angle.

From serving as Chicago’s Deputy Mayor to co-founding NanoGraf Corporation- a next-gen battery manufacturer that raised over $200 million- Samir brings a rare mix of policy, entrepreneurship, and deep tech to the table.

Under his leadership, the Polsky Center has supported 750+ companies that have raised or exited over $10 billion.

Now, he’s bringing that vision straight to you. ✨

Join us for one night with 30+ organizations and the leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago. 🥂

Grab your tickets at the link in our bio!

05/15/2026

Big ideas need the right people behind them, and we’re bringing them all to one place. 🎉

At our upcoming event, Innovation Elevates Us All, you’ll hear from leaders like Sam Yagan, Founder & CEO of Fifth Star, Inc and Co-Founder & Managing Director of Corazon Capital: one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

From co-founding Excelerate Labs (now Techstars Chicago) to leading The Match Group and ShopRunner (sold to FedEx), Sam has shaped the entrepreneurial landscape time and time again.

Now, he’s at the helm of Corazon Capital’s $100 million AI fund, and bringing that vision straight to Chicago. ✨

Join us for one night with 30+ organizations and the leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago.

🥂 Grab your tickets at the link in our bio,

05/14/2026

The 2026 Illinois Student Invention Convention is still on our minds and in our hearts! 💡✨

Watching 79 incredible K-8th grade inventors bring their boldest ideas to life at the Illinois Student Invention Convention was something truly special, and the energy hasn’t slowed down one bit.

As we celebrate these young problem-solvers, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next: 21 Illinois students heading to Invention Convention Worldwide Nationals at The Henry Ford Museum this June, where they’ll stand alongside 500+ of the brightest young innovators in the country.

The future is in great hands. 🤝🏼

Check out the recap and relive the magic!

05/13/2026

Whether you’re looking for funding, mentorship, or your next big connection, this is where Chicago’s innovation ecosystem shows up for you!🥂

At our upcoming event, Innovation Elevates Us All, you’ll hear from leaders like Andrea Zopp, Managing Director of Cleveland Avenue, who has spent her career opening doors for minority and women entrepreneurs.

From the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies to City Hall to the helm of World Business Chicago, Andy brings a perspective on innovation that is both deeply local and broadly transformative. ✨

Join us for one night with 30+ organizations and the leaders shaping what’s next for Chicago.

Grab your tickets at the link in our bio!

05/08/2026

Mentorship changes everything. And today is your last chance to get in. 🙌🏽

Applications for Chicago Innovation’s mentoring programs close TODAY, May 8th. If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign to go for it.

✨ Ageless Innovators – Co-mentoring across generations to spark fresh thinking and meaningful connections.
💡 The Ladder – Career growth and community built for Black and Latine innovators.
🏆 Women’s Mentoring Co-op – A space where women come together to innovate, uplift, and grow.

The right mentor can change everything! Don’t miss your shot! Apply today with the link in our bio.

05/07/2026

One day left, Chicago! Make it count. 🙌🏽

Applications for Chicago Innovation’s mentoring programs close tomorrow, May 8th. And trust us, you don’t want to miss what these programs have to offer.

✨ Ageless Innovators – Co-mentoring across generations to spark new ways of thinking and connecting.

💡 The Ladder – Career growth and community designed specifically for Black and Latine innovators.

🏆 Women’s Mentoring Co-op – A community where women innovate, support one another, and thrive.

Mentorship can change everything. Take the leap and apply today with the link in our bio!👇🏼