Startup and Innovation Resources that Help Founders Launch Software Companies
- 1871 1871.com
Our founders and innovators are the center of our gravity. We know you are bold, intent on solving hard problems and pushing the boundaries of technology. Our community’s impact resonates throughout Chicago and beyond. We’re here to inspire, equip, and support you as you build the extraordinary tomorrow.
Betsy Ziegler, CEO - 2112 2112inc.com
2112 is Chicago’s first business incubator focused on the development of entrepreneurs in music, film/video and creative industry-focused technologies. Through community, educational opportunities and access to capital, 2112 creates a truly fertile ground for the professional development and acceleration of its members.
Scott Fetters, Director - Catapult Chicago catapultchicago.com
It’s no secret that entrepreneurs who work together, thrive together. We wanted to build more than just an incubator for tech companies. We wanted to build a peer-selected community where startups would have the opportunity to leverage experience from not only their peers, but also Chicago’s incredible business network. And that’s exactly what we did. Through mentors, service providers, investor referrals, and fellow founders, the connections at Catapult open doors that help you grow your business.
Kelly Pease, Interim Executive Director - Illinois University Incubator Network illinoisincubators.org
The Illinois University Incubator Network (IUIN) supports advancement of entrepreneurship through linking university incubators to resource sharing, technical assistance, and the collection of best practices. The IUIN also supports communication efforts of the University of Illinois EDA University Center. The IUIN and the EDA University Center are led by EnterpriseWorks at the University of Illinois Research Park. Funding support for outreach, programs, and resources is provided by grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Laura Frerichs, Executive Director - Polsky Center for Entreprensurship and Innovation polsky.uchicago.edu
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation bridges the gap between knowledge and practice, idea and action, and research and impact through education, partnerships, and new venture creation.
Neal Sales-Griffin, Managing Director - TechNexus Venture Collaborative technexus.com
Techstars Chicago is at the center of the Midwest startup community, one of the fastest growing ecosystems in the US. Participating companies get access to funding, resources, office space, and mentorship from 150+ entrepreneurs, executives, and investors.
Jay Schrankler, Associate Vice President - TechStars Chicago techstars.com/chicago-program
Weekend workshop bringing together startup enthusiasts to envision, create and launch new ideas with support and mentorship.
Neal Sales-Griffin, Managing Director - University Technology Park universitytechnologypark.com/incubator
Located in the heart of Chicago’s south side on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, University Technology Park (UTP) is one of the nation’s fastest-growing hubs for high-tech innovation. We provide more than 300,000 square feet of wet and dry lab and office space for growing companies focused on materials and life sciences, biomedical engineering, medical devices and diagnostics, green and clean technology, food safety, information technology and many other fields.
Other Resources
Midwest Startups Incubators/Accelerators tab midweststartups.com/cities/chicago