Chicago Innovation is an organization dedicated to educating, connecting, and celebrating innovators across the Chicago region and beyond. It brings together people and organizations from business, government, nonprofits, education, and the startup community to share ideas, build relationships, and advance innovation.

Its offerings include events, awards, learning resources, and programs for innovators at different career stages. The Chicago Innovation Awards recognize new products, services, and organizations across industries and sectors in the Midwest. Programs include Chicago Innovation Fellows, Women’s Mentoring Co-Op, Ageless Innovators, The Ladder, the Illinois Student Invention Convention, and Climate Innovators. These initiatives support student inventors, women, Black and Latine innovators, emerging leaders, and people working to address climate challenges.

Chicago Innovation also connects participants with speakers, mentors, and peers through events and programs. Its media resources include Chicago On Innovation videos, the Inside The Spark talk show, a virtual learning hub, newsletters, books, photos, and press coverage. People can participate by attending events, joining, sponsoring, donating, or nominating an organization for an award.