Accelerators & Incubators

Building Illinois innovation economy by supporting startups, connecting entrepreneurs with resources, and advocating for pro-innovation policies.

Venture collaborative connecting startups with corporate partners for piloting, funding, and scaling innovative technologies.

Foundation supporting nonprofit and social entrepreneurship with grants, resources, and connections to build stronger communities.

Northwestern University's innovation and entrepreneurship hub providing workspace, mentorship, and funding for student ventures.

Supporting clean energy and sustainability startups with funding, mentorship, and connections to investors and corporate partners.

The nation's leading hardtech and manufacturing innovation center, offering prototyping facilities, mentorship, and connections for hardware startups.

Early-stage accelerator providing funding, mentorship, and resources to underrepresented founders in Chicago.

Chicago’s premier innovation hub, founded in 2012 by J.B. Pritzker. Named after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, symbolizing Chicago’s rebirth through innovation. 1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the leaders building the future. Our job is to increase our members probability of success and shorten the time frame to reach it. 1871’s impact is unparalleled with more than 18,700 jobs created and $6.2+BN of capital raised by startups who got their earliest start at 1871.

Premier healthcare technology incubator providing workspace, mentorship, and connections to healthcare systems for healthtech startups.

Supporting business growth and entrepreneurship through programs, networking, and advocacy for the Chicago business community.

Innovation center on Chicago's South Side focused on entrepreneurship, STEM education, and workforce development in underserved communities.

Non-profit food and beverage incubator providing commercial kitchen space, business training, and mentorship to food entrepreneurs.

Impact Hub Chicago supporting social entrepreneurs with workspace, community, and resources to build businesses that create positive change.

Supporting tech entrepreneurs through educational programs, funding connections, and community building in Chicago.

B2B SaaS accelerator with Chicago presence, providing funding, go-to-market expertise, and network access to enterprise SaaS startups.

University of Chicago's innovation hub supporting student and faculty entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and resources.

Mentorship-driven accelerator providing funding, intensive mentorship, and network access to early-stage tech startups.

Incubator supporting creative industries including music, fashion, and design with workspace, mentorship, and industry connections.

Global innovation platform with Chicago presence, connecting startups with corporations across various industries for partnerships and funding.