Chicago Innovation
Educating, connecting, and celebrating innovators and entrepreneurs Visit chicagoinnovation.com
City-Wide Ecosystem of Innovators
In started with one event – the Chicago Innovation Awards – focused on highlighting the innovative work in the Chicago-region. Since its founding in 2002, Chicago Innovation has grown into a year-long series of events and programs aimed at fostering community and educating, connecting, and celebrating innovators in Chicago.
Chicago Innovation Awards
Since 2002, Chicago Innovation has publicly celebrated the most innovative new products, services, and businesses in the Chicago region. 98% of the 356 past winners are still in business today, and 62 have been acquired for exit values over $110 billion.
Events & Programs
Chicago Innovation presents regular events focusing on a variety of topics related to innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. They also provide mentorship programs for female, Black, and Latin-American innovators across generations with the hopes of fulfilling their vision of ensuring that innovation is for everyone.
Events Calendar
Click here to view upcoming in-person and virtual events
Other CI Programs
Preparing K-8th graders today with the innovative skills they will need tomorrow to succeed in life and work in the 21st century
Empowering, connecting, and propelling female innovators in Chicago
Bridging generations through reciprocal mentoring to share experience, skills, and perspectives
A community-based mentorship model to further support all Black and Latinx innovators across industries, company sizes, career stages, and generations.