Videos From Chicago On Innovation | |
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Importance of Diversity in
the Workplace
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Cultural Influence on
New Products & Startups | |
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Diversity & Workplace
Power Dynamics
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The Ladder
Cohort 7 Mentors | |
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“The Ladder impacts the professional and personal growth of people of color by increasing opportunities to share social capital, networks and resources to further support each other’s endeavors.”
– Shannon Claiborne, Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives; Founder & Principal Trainer at Chicago Youth Centers & Strong Community Collective
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Chicago Innovation Monthly Poll | |
In the January poll, we asked: In what area do you think Chicago will see the most growth in innovation in 2025? The top answer was Food Innovation. |
| Which Black innovator has had the most significant impact on Food Innovation? | | | |
Upcoming Chicago Innovation Events | |
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On February 26th, we'll convene top experts at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence. Listen, learn and network to discover the latest in AI:
– Top AI trends for 2025
– How this evolving technology can advance you today
– What’s next: How AI will shape our lives in ways once unimaginable
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To create transformational opportunities for the Chicago region, we need bold thinking, new vision and daring leaders. Join us on March 19th to hear top business and civic leaders discuss a fresh approach to the future of our city:
- Learn from inspired leaders who are charting a new growth path for Chicago
- Meet the leading organizations in Chicago's innovation ecosystem
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We're proud to honor Black-led organizations, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Feeding America, Rapunzl, True Star and Reach, that won the
2024 Chicago Innovation Awards. | | |
2024 Chicago Innovation Award Winning
Black-Led Organizations | | | |
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With the onset of COVID-19, Cook County partnered with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) to conduct a historic outreach and census of suburban Cook County manufacturers to assess the pandemic’s impact on their businesses. Manufacturing Reinvented utilizes technical assistance from IMEC to help manufacturers address these identified priorities. Eligible projects cover themes such as market growth, workforce training, operational improvements, and leadership, all aligned with survey results. | | |
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Feeding America worked with Red Foundry to develop the MealConnect Mobile App. It provides food banks, food pantries, and food donors with real-time donation information, schedule/logistics management, and communication tools that increase efficiency in the food rescue process.
It proactively connects hyper-local donor and pantry partners with a national reach. | | |
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True Star’s innovative social enterprise tackles critical challenges by offering transformative education and hands-on training in media arts and digital marketing to local youth. Their comprehensive curriculum spans journalism, video production, digital marketing, and more, equipping local youth with the essential skills to thrive in the digital age. | | |
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Rapunzl’s gamified financial literacy platform provides students with a real-time investment simulator to manage a $10,000 stock portfolio on their smartphones and Chromebooks. The app is paired with a comprehensive personal finance curriculum that is geared towards middle and high school students to help them unlock the world of finance and investing. | | |
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REACH Pathways bridges the opportunity gap for under-resourced learners by combining game-based learning with AI-powered tools to build leadership and career skills. REACH provides learners with personalized support, financial resources, and a community that drives success in education and careers. | | |
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Chicago Innovation Awards Winners Reception | On January 21st, we celebrated Chicago's best and brightest at our Winners Reception, hosted by Vedder Price! With 421 organizations having won a Chicago Innovation Award since we began, we're reminded of just how powerful innovation is in shaping the Chicago region. From groundbreaking solutions to creative problem-solving, these winners are proof that our community thrives on fresh ideas. Cheers to 24 years of celebrating the innovators who continue to make Chicago a hub for creativity and progress. | | | |
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Chicago Innovation Fellows Kicked off | On January 28th, we kicked off Chicago Innovation Fellows at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management to support 11 Fellows in becoming world-class innovators. The day included Professor Tom Kuczmarski discussing "Innovation Best Practices," Professor Mohan Sawney teaching "Business Innovation," a panel discussion with Chicago Innovation Board Members Kevin Willer, Jai Shekhawat and Maria Wynne, and an inspiring talk over dinner with Chicago Innovation Award Winner and Board Member
Pete Kadens. | | |
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We're Hiring:
Chicago Innovation
Summer Interns
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Chicago Innovation is excited to announce we're recruiting for our Summer Internship Program starting in May or June 2025! This paid internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside our team, play a key role in the Chicago Innovation Awards, support major events like the Climate Innovation Summit and Taste of Innovation, and contribute to initiatives that promote innovation for all.
Learn more here ›
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Get Involved with the Illinois Student Invention Convention! | |
We’re seeking judges to evaluate students’ inventions virtually in March. It’s a fantastic way to witness creativity in action. Judging sign-ups are now open, so register today to get involved.
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Welcome New 2025
Chicago Innovation Sponsor
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August 5th, 2021 – John Rogers (Founder of Ariel Investments; Chicago business pioneer and philanthropist) addresses the crowd after being inducted into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame at the annual Chicago Innovation Foundation In-Gala at Ignite Glass Studios. | | | | |
