Chicago Innovation

?? The 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards: A Celebration of Creativity and Impact! ?? This past week, Chicago’s innovation community came together for the largest annual celebration of innovation in the region, and what an incredible night it was! With 750 attendees at the UIC Forum, we honored the power of innovation that unites us all and drives our city forward. Out of 350 nominees, we proudly highlighted 20 winners representing the most innovative new products and services across industries. These visionaries are shaping the future, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them. ?? A special thanks to our co-hosts: Luke Tanen, Dorri McWhorter, Kevin Willer and our incredible guest award presenters, including Tom Kuczmarski, Toni Preckwinkle, Alexi Giannoulias, Pete Kadens, Christie Hefner, Jai Shekhawat, Kristi Ross, Sam Yagan, Andrea Zopp, Hedy M. Ratner, Chris Gladwin, Sandee Kastrul, Beth Marrion, Jeffrey S. Cobb (VP, Comcast Business), Carlos R. Cardenas, Phil Clement, and Brian Heckenbach. Your contributions made the evening unforgettable. Congratulations to the 2024 Chicago Innovation Award winners: ?? Abbott ?? 211 Metro Chicago ?? Disability Lead ?? Rush University System for Health ?? Ascent Integrated Tech ?? The Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence (CASMI) ?? HDVI ?? Feeding America ?? Dimension Inx ?? DeVry University ?? Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented ?? Chicago Chefs Cook ?? LanzaJet ?? Medline ?? Openlands ?? True Star Media & Foundation ?? Valent BioSciences ?? OpenMarkets ?? Rapunzl - Learn. Trade. Win. ?? First Women's Bank ?? REACH Pathways ?? Springrose To the entire Chicago Innovation community: thank you for your unwavering support. The power of community is what makes this region a hub of ingenuity, collaboration, and transformation. Together, we create a brighter, more innovative future. Here’s to celebrating the bold ideas that inspire us all! ??? #ChicagoInnovation #PowerOfCommunity #InnovationCelebration

Chicago innovation is always looking forward to highlighting important milestones that shape our city’s future– and today, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news! TeamWorking by TechNexus Venture Collaborative has expanded to become the?largest co-working space in Chicago, now spanning over?100,000 square feet?in the historic Civic Opera Building. This isn’t just a workspace – it’s a hub for?collaboration, growth, and innovation, designed to support startups, remote teams, and scaling businesses in the heart of Chicago's tech ecosystem. ? Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/gk3YKcnk Curious to see it in action??Book a tour today?and discover how this space is redefining co-working in Chicago!

Congratulations to Disability Lead for this well-deserved recognition! Your innovative approach to leadership development is paving the way for true inclusion and representation. ??

?? Calling All Innovators: Help Shape the Future of Great Lakes Water Resources Are you ready to tackle Chicago’s biggest challenges and drive innovation for a brighter tomorrow? Innovation In Action is back! This time, we’re teaming up with Current for an exciting session focused on unlocking the potential of the Great Lakes to fuel growth, opportunity, and sustainability. ?? Why Now? In 2024, Current was recognized as one of just ten NSF-supported Regional Innovation Engines, spearheading Great Lakes ReNEW—an ambitious, up to 10-year, $160M initiative to build a resilient blue economy and establish our region as a global water innovation leader. This is your chance to make a real difference. ?? Virtual Ideation Session ?? When: Friday, December 6th ? Time: 9:30–11:30 AM CT ??? Agenda: 9:30–9:45 AM: Define the challenges 9:45–11:30 AM: Dive into interactive breakout groups to ideate bold solutions If you’re passionate about innovation and Chicago’s future, we need your voice in this conversation. Help shape strategies to transform the Great Lakes into a beacon of growth and sustainability. Let’s make an impact—together. Save your spot today and join us on December 6th! Register here: https://ow.ly/s6CP50Uf6Cs

I'm thrilled to share an exciting opportunity as a Board Member of Chicago Innovation and Co-chair of our amazing Associate Board: the launch of Chicago Innovation Fellows – a transformative, innovation-focused leadership development program. Co-led by Chicago Innovation and Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management , this 6-month cohort experience is designed for high-potential leaders from mid- to large-sized organizations looking to elevate their innovation skills and drive real impact within their companies. Chicago Innovation’s commitment to driving national and global recognition for our city is truly inspiring, thanks to the leadership of CEO Luke Tanen founder Tom Kuczmarski and the entire team. If you're ready to become a world-class innovator and creative business leader, this is the program for you! You do not want to miss out! Applications are open now, but don’t wait—apply by December 15th! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gXinU3SF #InnovationLeadership #ChicagoInnovation #LeadershipDevelopment #InnovationFellows #KelloggSchool #ChicagoBusiness #FutureLeaders #Innovators #LeadershipExcellence #GlobalImpact #ApplyNow

Chicago Innovation is thrilled to congratulate High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI) on winning the 23rd Annual Chicago Innovation Awards and receiving the Lessen Entrepreneurial Spirit Award! Your innovative HDVI Shift? solution is making a significant impact on fleet safety and transforming the commercial auto insurance industry. We’re excited to see the continued success and growth of your team!

Chicago Innovation is incredibly proud to support REACH Pathways and celebrate the powerful message shared by Brooke McKean at the Chicago Innovation Awards! This recognition highlights the importance of creating access and opportunities for young leaders from all communities. Your work is truly inspiring, and we are excited to see the impact you continue to make!

Chicago Innovation is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with i.c.stars |* Chicago and for the kind words! We're thrilled to have celebrated such a remarkable group of innovators, and we're grateful for everyone who made this event unforgettable. A huge congratulations to all the award recipients—your visionary work is truly shaping a brighter future for Chicago!

Chicago Innovation is also in shock by how incredible the event was! Congratulations to the Cook County Government Bureau of Economic Development for earning the Wintrust Financial Corporation Chicago Neighborhood Award—what an inspiring achievement! It's clear that the team, including Xochitl Flores, Irene Sherr, Christine Nappo, and Jamie Moore, is driving impactful innovation. We look forward to seeing your continued success and the growth of this collaboration!

Chicago Innovation is thrilled to celebrate Ascent as the winner of the Molex Creating Connections for Life Award! ?? Your innovative solutions are making a profound impact on firefighter safety, and we’re proud to recognize your contributions to keeping first responders safe. Congratulations to the entire Ascent team!