Chicago climate tech venture summit planned for October
CHICAGO, IL - In a groundbreaking announcement, World Business Chicago has unveiled an expanded edition of the Chicago Venture Summit series, this time with a focus on climate tech. The first-ever Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Climate-Tech is set to take place on October 5, 2023, at 167 Green Street in Chicago's Fulton Market District.
The Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Climate-Tech edition represents the ninth installment of the series since its founding in 2014. Serving as a pivotal platform connecting startup founders with investors from across the nation, the Chicago Venture Summit has consistently attracted Fortune 500 executives, spotlighting the city's flourishing startup ecosystem. The forthcoming summit will solidify Chicago's reputation as a global hub for climate tech and sustainability innovation. The full-day event is set to feature keynote speakers, fireside chats, and panel discussions, catering exclusively to an invite-only audience, with a strong focus on technology, innovation, and startup entrepreneurship.
"The Chicago Venture Summit has consistently proven to be a leading conference series centered around sectors where our city and region excel," emphasized Mark Tebbe, Chair of the Innovation and Venture Council at World Business Chicago. "Our first-ever Future-of-Climate-Tech edition will bridge the gap between our dynamic startup ecosystem and sustainability sector leaders."
Joining the summit as presenting sponsors are notable organizations including 1871, Current, Energize Capital, Evergreen Climate Innovations, mHUB Chicago, Microsoft, S2G Ventures, and Verizon. Furthermore, the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago will play a crucial role as a presenting international partner.
"Innovation beats at the core of Chicago's spirit," declared Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. "This summit acts as a powerful catalyst, propelling us forward toward sustainability and climate change action."
The Chicago Venture Summit series has consistently showcased Chicago as an innovation hub, and this year's edition is poised to strengthen that narrative, highlighting the city's commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.
"The Greater Chicago Economic Partnership is proud to support this event, which will spotlight our region's role as a global leader in innovative technologies and green industries," said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. "Since forming this partnership, both Chicago and the surrounding counties have been able to collaborate on strengthening our regional economy and emphasizing our commitment to sustainability, green innovation, and energy innovation. The entire region will benefit from this summit and the added attention from businesses, investors, and industries towards climate-related technologies."
Returning for the fifth time, the Chicago Venture Summit will once again take place at 167 Green Street in Chicago's Fulton Market District. Developed by Shapack Partners and Focus, and owned in partnership with Walton Street Capital, this 640,000 square foot office building stands as a testament to its prime location and design. Recent headquarters relocations to the building by CCC Information Services, Foxtrot, and others, along with established innovative companies such as Kroll and WeWork, showcase the appeal of 167 Green Street in the Fulton Market District. Among its amenities, 167 Green Street features one of Chicago's largest town hall spaces, which also doubles as a full-size basketball court on the top floor, along with a rooftop terrace, sitting room, game room, and gym.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the summit, stating, "Chicago stands poised to set the global standard for climate resilience — a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable city that leads the charge towards sustainability."
World Business Chicago plays a vital role in driving inclusive and equitable recovery across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods, focusing on high-growth sectors such as transportation, distribution, and logistics; manufacturing; healthcare and life sciences; as well as the local innovation, startup, and venture ecosystem. As the economic development agency for the City of Chicago, World Business Chicago spearheads corporate attraction and retention, workforce and talent initiatives, community impact, and the promotion of Chicago as a leading global city. With the support of a council comprising 300+ local leaders, World Business Chicago's portfolio of innovation and venture programs includes the Chicago Venture Summit series, Startup Chicago, ThinkChicago, and Venture Engine in partnership with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. Follow World Business Chicago on LinkedIn for daily news and announcements regarding company relocation and expansion, industry and ecosystem growth, U.S. and global rankings, and more updates on Chicago's economic progress.