The Inno U Challenge, Presented by World Business Chicago and Allstate | 10/13 @ Google Chicago.
Imagine if the startups that were being built in Chicago could only connect and engage with early-stage businesses from their same neighborhood?
West Loop founders had to network with one another; same with startups in River North, Pilsen, Wicker Park, and so on and so on. Yes, many entrepreneurs would still succeed - several neighborhoods are certainly robust enough to sustain a mini-ecosystem - but the city's innovation economy, as a whole, wouldn't be nearly as strong as it is. A thriving ecosystem shares its collective experience and knowledge, across all industries and all area codes.
And that's why we're hosting the Inno U. Challenge, a showcase and networking event for student entrepreneurs from all Chicago colleges and universities.
Over the past couple of years, we've attended a number of events, meetups, and pitch competitions at local universities. And they're great. But, for the most part, they're also insular; they're for the university's students, featuring their professors and their networks.
So, on October 13th (5.30-9PM) at the Google Chicago building (320 N. Morgan), the Inno U. Challenge will bring together student-founded startups - from UChicago, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola, IIT, UIC, UIUC, SAIC and more - for a night of networking and collision.
During the next week, we'll be announcing a handful of startups from each University that will present their businesses and ideas to the audience. (Participants will be selected internally). The pitches will also be followed by a panel featuring several founders that have either recently graduated or are in graduate school and are experiencing exciting growth. (More info on that coming soon).
The Inno U. Challenge, while structured as a friendly pitch competition, is designed to serve as a celebration of the innovation happening at campuses throughout the city, as well as an opportunity for first-time founders to meet new peers.
If you'd like to be considered for the Inno U. Challenge or learn more, please email Will and Karis at Will@Chicagoinno.com and Karis@Chicagoinno.com.
Finally, if you're a student founder, be sure to check out our complete guide for the Dorm Room Entrepreneur here.
RSVP and we'll see you there!
Thank you to our event sponsors!
Allstate is expanding their world-class technology and data capabilities to help better serve their customers, advance public safety and improve the quality of life on our roadways, in our homes and in our workplaces.
(Image via Pexels)
