01
Chicago Venture Summit
ChicagoUnited StatesApplications open
An annual event featuring pitches from startups and talks from venture capitalists
About
ApplicationsOpenFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2014
How it works
Duration1 dayFormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
EventsFinancial ServicesFintechInsurance
02
Clean Energy Trust
ChicagoUnited StatesRolling admissions
An accelerator for early-stage cleantech startups in the Midwest
About
ApplicationsRollingFirst chequeUndisclosedExits3Founded2010
How it works
Duration6 monthsFormatIn PersonEquity6% equity
Verticals
Advanced MaterialsAgtechCleantechEnergy
03
Cleveland Avenue
ChicagoUnited StatesRolling admissions
A venture capital firm that invests in food and beverage startups
About
ApplicationsRollingFirst chequeUndisclosedExits1Founded2015
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Consumer GoodsFood And BeverageVenture Capital
04
Future Founders - Fellowship
ChicagoUnited StatesNext deadline Sep 1, 2026
Equity-free and no-fee founder development accelerator for 18-30 year-old founders in the US
About
ApplicationsClosedFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2011
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
EducationNon ProfitSocial EntrepreneurshipRemote
05
Future Founders - Startup Bootcamp
ChicagoUnited StatesNext deadline Sep 1, 2026
A free bootcamp designed to help 18 to 30-year-olds turn ideas, passions, and side hustles into functioning businesses
About
ApplicationsClosedFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2011
How it works
Duration3 monthsFormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
EducationNon ProfitSocial Entrepreneurship
06
gener8tor Sustainability Accelerator
ChicagoUnited StatesApplications open
Accelerating and Investing in Sustainability and Climate Tech Startups
About
ApplicationsOpenFirst chequeUndisclosedExits11Founded2012
How it works
Duration3 monthsFormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
View program →
Website ↗
07
mHUB MedTech Accelerator
ChicagoUnited StatesRolling admissions
mHUB is where people come to build the physical technologies that will change the physical world.
About
ApplicationsRollingFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2017
How it works
Duration6 monthsFormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
MedicalMedicaltech
08
Moderne Passport
ChicagoUnited StatesApplications open · deadline Jul 30, 2026
Moderne Passport is a software company that provides a cloud-based platform for multifamily and student housing operators to streamline and automate their leasing and resident experience.
About
ApplicationsOpenFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2016
How it works
Duration12 weeksFormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Financial Services
09
REACH
ChicagoUnited StatesApplications open
REACH is a European Union regulation that aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.
About
ApplicationsOpenFirst chequeUndisclosedExits15Founded2012
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial Services
10
Women's Startup Academy
ChicagoUnited StatesRolling admissions
Women's Startup Academy 2020 offers daily coaching from product, marketing, and fundraising experts (up to 200 hours worth $50K).
About
ApplicationsRollingFirst chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2016
How it works
Duration6 monthsFormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Business DevelopmentFinancial ServicesMarketing
11
1871
ChicagoUnited States
A Chicago-based incubator and accelerator that supports startups at all stages, from ideation to growth stage. The program provides a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, resources, mentorship, and access to capital.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2012
How it works
FormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
AdviceConsultingFinanceInternet
12
EMERGE CoLab (Powered by TechNexus Venture Collaborative)
ChicagoUnited States
EMERGE CoLab is a startup accelerator that supports early-stage companies with a focus on sustainable solutions.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2015
How it works
Duration16 weeksFormatRemoteEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Public SafetyRoboticsSmart CitiesWearables
13
EVC Ventures
ChicagoUnited States
EVC Ventures is an accelerator focused on early stage startups in various industries.
About
First cheque$125KExits1Founded2014
How it works
Duration3-6 monthsFormatRemoteEquityUp to $125K in funding for 6-8% equity
Verticals
FinanceHigher EducationVenture Capital
14
Excelerate Labs
ChicagoUnited States
Excelerate Labs is an accelerator program that provides mentorship, resources, and funding to early-stage startups.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2010
How it works
FormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
View program →
Website ↗
15
Financial Solutions Lab
ChicagoUnited States
Financial Solutions Lab is a program focused on supporting and accelerating technology-based solutions that address the financial challenges of underserved populations.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExits6Founded2014
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Asset ManagementFinanceFinancial ServicesFintech
16
INCISENT Labs
ChicagoUnited States
INCISENT Labs is a cybersecurity company that provides innovative solutions to protect businesses and organizations from cyber threats.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExits1Founded2009
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Innovation ManagementSoftware
17
Lofty Ventures
ChicagoUnited States
Lofty Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups with high growth potential.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2020
How it works
Duration3 monthsFormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
View program →
Website ↗
18
Matter Chicago - Healthcare Incubator
ChicagoUnited States
Build your healthcare startup with us. We mobilize a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2015
How it works
Duration6 monthsFormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
HealthtechCommunitiesHealthcareInformation Technologies
19
MATTER Health
ChicagoUnited States
MATTER is mobilizing a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2014
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
BiopharmaHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical
20
mHUB Accelerated Incubation
ChicagoUnited States
Accelerating Breakthrough Product Solutions Driven By Industry Demand
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2020
How it works
Duration6 monthsFormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
MedicaltechMedicalMedical Devices
21
Portal Innovations
ChicagoUnited States
Portal Innovations is a company that specializes in creating innovative solutions for digital communication and collaboration.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2020
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Consumer GoodsEnergyGreentechMedia
22
Relish Works
ChicagoUnited States
Relish Works is a food innovation hub that helps businesses develop and launch new food products and services.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2017
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
FinanceFood And BeverageFood Processing
23
Sandbox Industries
ChicagoUnited States
Sandbox Industries is a venture capital firm that invests in and supports early-stage startups across various industries.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExits20Founded2003
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Financial ServicesVenture Capital
24
TechNexus Venture Collaborative
ChicagoUnited States
TechNexus Venture Collaborative is a venture development firm that works with corporations and startups to accelerate innovation and build successful technology companies.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExits11Founded2007
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
B2BB2CBusiness DevelopmentVenture Capital
25
Techstars Chicago
ChicagoUnited States
Techstars Chicago is a startup accelerator program that provides mentorship, resources, and funding to early-stage companies in various industries.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExits26Founded2010
How it works
FormatIn PersonEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
ConsultingFinancial ServicesVenture Capital
26
The Bunker
ChicagoUnited States
The Bunker provides secure and resilient IT infrastructure and managed services to businesses.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2014
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
View program →
Website ↗
27
Vantedge Ventures | Healthcare Innovation Fund
ChicagoUnited States
Vantedge Ventures is a healthcare innovation fund that invests in and supports innovative healthcare companies to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2017
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Health CareInformation TechnologyInnovation ManagementVenture Capital
28
Workbox Company
ChicagoUnited States
Workbox is a company that provides flexible and customized workspace solutions for individuals, startups, and established businesses.
About
First chequeUndisclosedExitsUndisclosedFounded2019
How it works
FormatHybridEquityEquity Unknown
Verticals
Consumer GoodsE-CommerceEducationEnergy