Chicago Innovation aims to empower the Chicago innovation ecosystem through education, connections, and celebrations of innovators. It runs activities celebrating regional innovators and offers educational events and programs on innovation and entrepreneurship through its non-profit entity.
The Chicago Innovation Award recognizes significant innovations developed in the Chicago region within the last four years. The award categories include Main Category Awards, Up-and-Comer Awards, People’s Choice Award, Social Innovator Award, Wintrust Neighborhood Awards, Molex Creating Connections for Life Award, Accenture Corporate Innovator Award, SMS Assist Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and Climate Champion Award. Candidates are evaluated based on the problem being solved, the uniqueness and market impact of their solution, the new value created, and how the solution solves the problem.