Michael Arndt

Director of Communications,

The Harris Poll

Sid Bala

Founder & CEO,

KOIOS

Ellen Barry

Principal,

EBarry Group

Kate Bensen

Former President 
& CEO,

The Chicago Network

Hardik Bhatt

CEO,

SDI Presence

Katherine Davis

Biotech Deals Reporter,

Axios Pro

Michael Krauss

Co-Founder,

Market Strategy Group

Megan McCann

CEO & Founder,

McCann Partners

Craig Schwalb

News Director,

WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM

William Towns

Adjunct Professor of Social Impact, Kellogg Public-Private Interface

Kevin Willer

Co-Founder & Partner, Chicago Ventures

Andrea Zopp

Managing Partner,

Cleveland Avenue

Applications are now open for our three mentoring programs: Women's Mentoring Co-Op, Ageless Innovators and The Ladder

These programs are a core part of Chicago Innovation's mission to educate, connect and celebrate all innovators by creating spaces for connection, growth and mentorship across generations, industries and communities.

Learn from experienced mentors, build lasting connections and take your next step in your career.

Don't miss out! Applications close on October 28.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Luke Tanen on WBBM Newsradio Noon Business Hour

Chicago Innovation President & CEO Luke Tanen joined host Rob Hart and Chicago Innovation Award winner and Founder of Mycocycle Joanne Rodriguez for a 30-minute conversation about the state of small business, innovation and the future of our city's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Listen full episode here

Innovation. Connection. Inspiration.

Our event, The Complete Innovator, brought it all on October 8. Relive the moments that made it unforgettable.

See event photos here

Congratulations to longtime Chicago Innovation Board Member Marc Shiffman on becoming the new CEO of Divcon Controls

Divcon Controls is a global systems integrator delivering facility management automation and monitoring solutions to the world’s biggest mission-critical data center operators. 

Read the press release here

Future of Food: Navigating the Global Supply Chain

Join us on Nov. 19 to hear an in-depth discussion on shifting global dynamics, tariffs and policy decisions that are impacting food production and distribution. This event will explore what businesses can do to adapt and stay ahead, featuring leaders from Arbor Investments, Manny’s Deli and Tequila 1349.

Register now

Unlock your potential with next-level cyber programs

From data breaches to phishing scams, businesses are relying on cyber security pros now more than ever. Learn how you can build future-ready skills with degree and certificate programs designed for the careers of tomorrow.

Get Started at DeVry

OpTech 2025, October 20–22

Get tickets here

Shaping the Future of 
Smart Human-Centered Manufacturing

The Metals Hub and Daley College MTEC invite you to Forge5 featuring smartXchange — a half-day summit uniting manufacturers, technology leaders, and innovators to explore how Industry 5.0 is transforming the way we design, produce, and collaborate.

Wednesday, October 22

8am – 12:30pm

Get tickets here

Get 50% Off Tickets to the Grace Hopper Conference

We’re excited to share a 50% discount code with our community to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration, taking place November 4–7. This is the world’s largest gathering of women in tech, bringing together thousands of professionals from around the globe to learn, network, and celebrate their achievements.

Use code BuiltInChi25 at checkout to receive 50% off tickets.

Register here

"Chicago Innovation Reflection" by Chicago Innovation Summer Intern CC McLarty

Read full article here

"An Expedition Into the Wild World of Business" by Chicago Innovation Summer Intern Artur Procopio Burian Breternitz

Read full article here