The 20th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards

Page 1

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021


OUR MISSION To empower Chicago’s innovation ecosystem by educating, connecting and celebrating innovators.

OUR VISION To solidify Chicago as the global leader in innovation and ensure that innovation is for everyone.

Thank you for being with us tonight.


Table of

Contents

THE AWARDS Program Agenda 3 Letter from Tom 5 Award Co-hosts 7 Guest Presenters 8 Our Team 9 Board of Advisors 10 Judging Panel 11 Our History 12 Chicago Facts 16 Judging Criteria 19 This Year’s Nominees 20 Past Winners 24 Largest Winner Acquisitions 26

GET INVOLVED Our Programs 31 Membership 41 2022 Events 42

This year's program book was designed by



Program

Agenda

4:30–5:30 PM Opening Cocktail Reception

5:30–7:00 PM Livestreamed Awards Ceremony

7:00–7:45 PM Post-Event Networking AWARDS CEREMONY Co-host Opening Remarks Sponsors Recognition AWARDS Covid-19 Response Award Social Innovator Awards Up-and-Comer Awards Wintrust Chicago Neighborhood Awards Accenture Corporate Innovator Award SMS Assist Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Chicago Innovation Awards People's Choice Award

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 5


Innovation & collaboration

just got bigger.

Create the future with us.

Lorem ipsum

Learn more at accenture.com/chicagoinnovation

Chicago Innovation Hub


A letter from Tom

Looking back, moving forward.

“ Someday soon Chicago is going to be the national hub of innovation.”

Together.

nurturing relationships among the visionary individuals and organizations making those solutions possible. Looking ahead, we have committed to widening and deepening our networks so that no innovative stone goes

When I spoke those words at the sixth annual Chicago Innovation Awards in 2008, I suspect more than a few attendees wondered how that would be possible. Silicon Valley still dominated the narrative. Moving west remained a given for many, despite the recession. What could Chicago offer those with an innovative mindset? A lot, it turns out. As Chicago Innovation celebrates its 20th

unturned, no innovator ignored. With the Awards and our other programs— including The Ladder, which launches in 2022—we are creating more opportunities and fostering collaboration among innovators from all sectors. In welcoming Luke Tanen as our next President and CEO, we are leaning into the vision that innovation is for everyone. Luke will lead the organization into its new decade with that vision top of mind.

year, my prediction has come true. Today our

Our mission—to educate, connect and

city is known as a supportive location for all

celebrate—has not changed, but we are well

kinds of innovation. We are a dynamic model

aware innovation isn’t just part of our name.

for leaders in urban areas throughout the

It’s our mandate. It’s what we do best. We have

world who strive to create similar conditions

succeeded since 2002, not just because of the

and drive economic growth. Significantly,

work we do but the way we do it. Program

innovators here no longer believe they must

by program. Relationship by relationship. We

go elsewhere to turn their ideas into realities.

will keep reaching out, embracing innovative

For two decades, we’ve played an integral role in securing the city’s innovation reputation. How? We started by bringing attention and

ideas and bringing people together for years to come. Because someday soon is now.

recognition to those who develop products, programs and processes that meet people’s needs and solve their problems. We grew by

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 7


Innovation is as boundless as the imagination. We find its presence everywhere, from the little details that make the world go round to the big ideas that stop it in its tracks. Boundless innovation demands a relentless commitment. At SMS Assist, we’re fixing the business of fixing things—and since our founding, we’ve held to relentless innovation as one of our guiding values.

As part of our celebration and commitment to the spirit of innovation, SMS Assist is honored to present the

SMS Assist Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.


Co-hosts Tom Kuczmarski

Luke Tanen

Chicago Innovation Co-founder

Chicago Innovation President and CEO

Dorri McWhorter

Shivani Vora

YMCA Metropolitan Chicago CEO

Accenture North America Chief Innovation Officer

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 9


Guest Award

Presenter s

Toni Preckwinkle

Sam Yagan

Cook County President

Corazon Monoceros C0-founder and CEO

Howard Tullman

Andrea Zopp

G2T3V General Managing Partner

Cleveland Avenue Managing Partner

Amanda Lannert

David Snyder

Jellyvision CEO

The Economic Club of Chicago President and CEO

Glen Tullman

Pete Kadens

Transcarent CEO

Kadens Family Foundation Founder and Co-Chairman

Marc Shiffman

Tim Crane

SMS Assist President and CEO

Allison Rosati NBC Chicago Anchor

Sandee Kastrul i.c. stars President & Co-founder

Scott Whicker SVP & President, Global Sales & Marketing Molex

Steven Galanis Cameo Co-founder & CEO

10 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Wintrust President

Rob Stafford NBC Chicago Anchor

Kevin Willer Chicago Ventures Partner

Venky Rao Accenture Managing Director


Our

Team

Tom Kuczmarski

Luke Tanen

Co-Founder

President & CEO

Thomas D. Kuczmarski, President of Kuczmarski Innovation, is a nationally recognized expert at innovating new products and services. The author of eight books and many articles, Tom has taught innovation at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management for more than 40 years. He serves as a Trustee at the Retirement Research Foundation.

Luke Tanen oversees Chicago Innovation’s efforts to educate, connect and celebrate innovators throughout the Chicago region. He has co-authored two books: “Innovating... ChicagoStyle” and “Rising Together: The Story of Chicago’s Innovation Ecosystem.” He recently served as Chair of the Innovation & Technology Membership Committee at The Economic Club of Chicago.

Rosalyn King Vice President Finance & Operations

Paul Kitti

Jake Sherman

Vice President Marketing & Events

Public Relations & External Affairs

Lauren Nortier

Alex Milinazzo

Graphic Designer & Social Media Manager

Manager of Mentoring & Inclusion Programs

Emma Campbell

Ray Boyer

Program Coordinator

Advisor

Maxx Mainzer Special Projects

Special Thanks Alex Balestrieri, Taylor Podgorny, Alex Kalix, Leo Serdar, Julia Rivera, Liam Conley

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 11


Board of

Advisor s

BUSINESS LEADERS

Hardik Bhatt

Angelo Bufalino

Carlos Cardenas

Mike Cherry

Holly Copeland

Diane Dahl

Jeff Cobb

Matthew Doubleday

SDI Presence

Vedder Price

Wintrust

Myron M. Cherry &

Horizon Therapeutics

The Hartell Group

Comcast Business

Wintrust

Former President

President and Chief

Senior Vice President

Associates

Vice President, Greater

Chief Marketing

Growth Officer

and Managing

Attorney

Dir. of Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility

Founder and

and CEO

Senior Intellectual Property Shareholder

Managing Partner

Chicago Region

Officer

Kate Bensen The Chicago Network

Director

Ana Dutra Mandala Global Advisors CEO

Nicole Leiter

Sid Bala

Nancy Ruscheinski

Terry Savage

Matthew Saleski

Marc Shiffman

Shivani Vora

McKesson

HealthChampion

Zeno Group

Finance and

LinkedIn

SMS Assist

Accenture

Executive - Grid

SVP - Emerging

President

Chief Operating Officer

Investment Advisor

Senior Global

President and CEO

Chief Innovation

Innovation Solutions

Pharmacy Channel

Brian Hoff GE Digital

Enterprise Account Executive

Officer - Accenture North America

CIVIC LEADERS

Ellen Barry E M Barry, LLC Principal

Tom Kuczmarski

Michael Krauss

Kristi Lafleur

Howard Males

Will Towns

Maria Wynne

Andrea Zopp

Chicago Innovation &

Market Strategy

Skyway Concession

Cook County Economic FinnAllye

Lance Pressl

Kellogg Public-Private

Leadership Greater

Cleveland Avenue

Kuczmarski Innovation Co-founder and President

Group

Company

Development Advisory

Productions

Interface

Chicago

Managing Partner

Co-founder

CEO

Committee

Founder

Adjunct Professor

CEO

Chairman

MEDIA EXPERTS

of Social Impact

ACADEMIC LEADERS

NON-PROFIT

Michael Arndt

Ray Boyer

Leslie Vickrey

Dipak Jain

Philip Kotler

Richard Rodriguez

Mohan Sawhney

The Harris Poll Former Director of Communications

Boyer Media

ClearEdge Marketing

Northwestern's Kellogg The Village Chicago

i.c. stars

Founder and CEO

Kellogg School of Management

Acero Schools

President

China Europe International Business School President (European)

CEO

School of Management

President and

VC

Distinguished

Darcy Evon CEO

McCormick Tribune

Professor of International Marketing

Sandee Kastrul

Co-founder

Professor of Technology

ENTREPRENEURS

Matt McCall

Nick Rosa

Kevin Willer

Pete Kadens

Kristi Ross

Sandbox

Chicago Ventures Ocient

Kadens Family

tastytrade

Michael Rothman

Orlando Saez

Pritzker Group

Aker

Jai Shekhawat Howard Fieldglass Tullman

Managing

Venture Capital

Industries

Partner

Co-founder

Foundation

Co-CEO and

SMS Assist

CEO and

Founder

General Partner

Partner

Co-founder and

and CEO

Chairman

President

Founder and

Co-founder

Bret Maxwell MK Capital

Managing Director

12 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Chris Gladwin

Chairman

G2T3V General Managing Partner


Judging

Panel

Michael Arndt

Ellen Barry

The Harris Poll Former Director of Communications

E M Barry, LLC Founder and Principal

John Berschied S.C. Johnson Co., Alberto Culver Co., and Church & Dwight Co. Former Head of R&D and Innovation

Katherine Davis

Hardik Bhatt SDI Presence President and Chief Growth Officer

Kristi Dula

Crain's Chicago Business Reporter

Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at DCEO Deputy Director

Ron Gleason

Michael Krauss

WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9FM Director of News and Programming

Market Strategy Group Co-founder

Tom Kuczmarski Chicago Innovation and Kuczmarski Innovation Co-founder and President

Orlando Saez Aker Technologies Inc. CEO and Co-founder

Nick Rosa Sandbox Industries Co-founder and Managing Director

Will Towns Kellogg Public-Private Interface Adjunct Professor of Social Impact

Leslie Vickrey ClearEdge Marketing Founder and CEO

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 13


History

We've made

The Chicago Innovation Awards is founded

2002

14 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

1,500 people attend the Awards

2010

Chicago Innovation Foundation (501c3) est. "Innovating... Chicago-Style" published

2011

Corporate Startup Matchmaking launched

2013


Rebrand

Women Mentoring Co-op launched

2016

Chicago Student Invention Convention acquired

Ageless Innovators launched

2018

“Rising Together: the Story of Chicago’s Innovation Ecosystem” published

Pivot to virtual events and programs

2020

Help us make the

Launched The Ladder

2021

Future 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 15


Discover Problems

Create Solutions

Capture Value Innovate

Harness the Power of Innovation to Develop Disruptive New Products & Services

150+ Global Clients

$8B

Revenue Generated

7,500

Executives Trained

12

Industries Served

Past Clients Include:

www.kuczmarski.com innovation@kuczmarski.com (312) 988-1500


RECOGNITION THAT EMBODIES YOUR BRAND.

Custom Awards | Building Replicas Deal Toys | Recognition Programs


Did You Know? 20 reasons why Chicago is one of the best global innovation hubs

1 2 3 4 5

Chicago is the #1 most diversified economy of the largest 10 U.S. metros, with no single industry employing more than 13% of the labor force. Source: WBC

Chicago has the highest concentration of female entrepreneurs in the U.S. Source: Inc. Magazine

Chicago startups have raised a record-breaking $5.5B since the start of 2021. Source: Crain’s Chicago Business, Pitchbook, NVCA

Chicago is the #1 city for highest VC Multiple on Invested Capital, at 5.6x. Source: Pitchbook

For the eighth consecutive year, Site Selection magazine ranked Chicago the #1 U.S. metro for corporate relocations and expansions with over 325 new investments in 2020. Source: WBCRC, Site Selection Magazine

18 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

6 7 8 9

10

Chicago has the highest number of college grads among the seven largest U.S. cities. Source: WBCRC, U.S. Census

Chicago dominates the Inc 5000 "Fastest Growing Companies 2020" list with $11.7B in total revenue and 30K + jobs. Source: WBCRC, Inc.5000

Chicago is the largest food manufacturing sector in the country. Source: WBCRC, Moody’s

Chicago has over 1,200 certified minority-owned businesses. Source: City of Chicago Certified Firms Directory

35 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Chicago. Source: Fortune 500


11 12 13 14 15

For seven consecutive years, IBM PLI consulting ranked Chicago as the top U.S. city for foreign direct investment. Source: IBM PLI

Since 2015, 22 Chicago-area companies have gone public. Source: WBCRC, Crain’s Chicago Business

Chicago is home to 16 tech unicorns ($1B+ valuation). Source: WBCRC

Chicago is the second largest transportation and logistics sector in the country. Source: WBCRC, Moody’s

For the last three years, Chicago has been home to the largest increase in life sciences VC funding of any U.S. city. Source; CBRE U.S. Life Sciences Report 2020

16 17 18 19 20

Chicago metro area universities produce the second most MBAs in the U.S. Source: WBCRC, IPEDS

Computer Science degrees awarded in Illinois have doubled over the past five years, making us the second largest producer of Computer Science degrees in the U.S. Source: ISTC 2020 STEM Talent Index

Chicago is identified as the #1 easiest city (population >1M) in which to start a business. Source: Doing Business North America

Chicago is home to 12,300 tech companies, employing 344,000 people. Source: CompTIA 2020 Cyberstates

Chicago is home to nearly 900 foreign-based companies. Source: WBC

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 19


Changing the Face of Dental Care SmartMirror lights up your mouth and streams what your dentist sees to a smart device - improving treatment, promoting communication and helping you learn how to be an active partner in your oral health. Does your dentist use SmartMirror? www.smartmirror.dental


JUDGING CRITERIA Products, services or companies that have launched within the last four years and were developed in the greater Chicago region may be considered for a Chicago Innovation Award.

Social Innovator Award Innovation that brings positive impact to

All winners receive:

communities by advancing a social cause Up-and-Comer Award New companies with less than $1M in lifetime revenue

An invitation to separate meetings with the Illinois Governor, Chicago Mayor and Cook County Board President

Wintrust Chicago Neighborhood Awards Organizations that use innovation to improve communities in Chicago Covid-19 Response Award An innovation developed in direct response to Covid-19

An invitation to ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell in New York City's Times Square Local and national media coverage

Accenture Corporate Innovator Award Large corporation that demonstrates a commitment to innovation SMS Assist Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and disrupts an industry

Our judging committee evaluates each nominee on the following: •D id the product/service meet an unmet need? •W hat new value has been created for the end user? • How unique is the product/service? • What financial evidence or market acceptance information does the product/service have to support it?

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 21


Congratulations to this year’s 425 nominees! TOP 100 FINALISTS 86 Repairs

Dina

Abbott

EarlyBird

Abbvie

Edge Logistics

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center ILVaccine.org Impact Toolbox

Above and Beyond Free Food Pantry

Elements Global Services

ADA Practice Transitions

Elkay

Inventables

AiRo Digital Labs

Empower Illinois

Journera

AMOpportunities

EnduraDuct

JusticeText

Amount

Enfusion

Antunes

The Equal Opportunity Book Box

Kranze Technology Solutions, Inc.

AptAmigo Aspiritech NFP Autism in Motion Clinics Avail Bartesian Block Club Chicago Bonfire Women Inc. Chicago Furniture Bank The Chicago Help Initiative ClearCover Clearstep cohesion CoinFlip Copado Defy Ventures Dental SmartMirror

22 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Intellihot

Ladies of Virtue

Exelon Generation

League

EY

MarketerHire

FarEye

MATRIX 4

Ferrara

MedGyn

Forager

Merchants Fleet

Forty Acres Fresh Market, LLC

Microderm GLO

Fusion Risk Management Gearflow HALO Halo Investing HealthChampion Healthy Amplified Honest Game Hyatt IAA

Mycocycle, Inc. Nature's Fynd Nestidd Network Perception NeuroBalance Center New Era ADR, Inc. The Night Minsitry NuCurrent OjaExpress physIQ PLUIE

PSYONIC Quest Dehumidifiers Quevos Radio Flyer RedShelf Relativity ReloShare, Inc. Rentervention Rheaply Screencastify Serionix ShoppingGives Songfinch Stroma Vision Inc. TechRise P33 Tempus TERA-print Top Secret Toys Trala United Airlines US Foods VirtuSense Technologies Vroom Delivery YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Zebra Technologies


THIS YEAR'S NOMINEES

# 1871 3D Gloop! 8 Track Foods

BellaRu Catering Bennett Day School BHAV Blaze Global Block Bins

Chicago City Soccer Club Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition Chicago Detours

Blossom Inspirations

Chicago Fashion Coalition

Abithas, Inc.

Bocaliner

Chicago Furniture Bank

ActiveCampaign

Bodi Shak

Affirming Voices, LLC

Bold Addictions

Chicago gay men’s chorus

AGRIWATER CORP

BOUNTE, INC.

Chicago Help Initiative

AiRo Digital Labs

Brave Space Alliance (BSA)

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

Braven, Inc.

Chicago Tiny House Inc

BrokerX

Chicago Tool Library

AMOpportunities

BUNDLAR

Amount

Business Model Group

Chinese American Service League

Anasova, Inc.

C

A

AK Prosthetics and Adaptive Devices Corp Alternatives, Inc.

Anthill Antunes AptAmigo ArtVersion Asian Human Services Aptitive ATW Health Solutions Authentic Media Ascension

Dill Pickle Food Co-Op Draft.dev Dream Source Solutions DuPage Children’s Museum Duuno Technology Limited

E E3 Radio Eastlake Studio Echo Educate. Radiate. Elevate. eGuide Tech Allies

CandleTit LLC

Coco + Peach Jewelry

Endless Pastabilities L.L.C.

Cara Collective

Collectiv LLC

Envoy Global

CarDr.

Common Pantry

Escape Artistry

CareAdvisors

CommunityHealth

CEDA

Complete Shaping LLC

Esperanza Health Centers

ChangEd

Comprehensive Rehab Consultants

Charge Running

Azumo

Chicago Adventure Therapy

B

Chicago Austine Youth Travel Adventures

Bachalaash

Chicago Chess Foundation

Bau Bao Treats

Digital Content Strategy, LLC

C2C

ChiBoys, LLC

Basil Chicago Spirits Inc

Clayco

DigsFact LLC

Closs Tire & Auto Inc

Autobon AI

Banato

Chocolat Uzma LLC

Digs with Dignity

Chicago Children’s House child care River West

Copado COVID Illinois H.E.L.P

Evention LLC Expo, Inc. EZ Pop Tennis

CPR COVID-19

F

Cristo Rey Netw

FactoryFix

D

FanFood

Digital Content Strategy, LLC Digital Factory

FARO ASSOCIATES LLC - SHENIX™ Fast Radius FGP Atelier 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 23


THIS YEAR'S NOMINEES FirstGen Partners LLC Fluent Forever ForeverCar FreeOsk

I

L

Monument

Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI)

Leave No Veteran Behind

Mr Dads Fathers Club

Mox.E Coworking

Lee London Co.

MygenomeRx

Let It Be Us

N

G

iManage

Geletka+

Improovy

Let’s Talk Womxn & Vermilion

Gilloury Institute DBA Silk Road Rising

Improveit! LLC

Lighten Inc.

Global DCA

Inciteful Games Holdings LLC

Little Broken Things

Golfing Buddy

InfernoGuard LLC

Live Like Roo Foundation

Goodsend

Ink Factory

Local Legend Films

Northwestern University

GoodSport Nutrition

Insomniac Studios

Logical Media Group

Nyssa

Grand View Analytics

Inspired Luxury Homes

LotNova

Grass Fed Studio

Investor Cash Management Holdings Inc.

Love Cork Screw

O

Greater Chicago Food Depository Groundbreaker Guild Row Gyris In The Hood Foundation Greenwood Project

H Hadley HappiLyfe HappyWork Havoc Shield Healthbox

Immuware

It Takes A Village Family of Schools

J James T. Struck JGMA Jilly’s Jerky Snacks Joel Hall Dancers & Center Juice Vibe Bar

K Kalapa Design Studio

NestEgg NewCold North Shore Exchange

Lucas James Talent Partners

Oak Street Health

LUKH

Oars + Alps

LusOasis

Obama Energy Corp

LYLA

Office of Civic Engagement, University of Chicago

Lynn Hazan & Associates, Inc.

M

oak9

OfficeLuv OffYoga

MMAGi Innovation LLC

OjaExpress

Mavely

OneGoal

Maverick Hotels & Restaurants

Origami Risk LLC

Maydm Meadows Eastside Community Resource Org

Hillrom

Kiddy Crawler LLC

Hofseth, LLC Holistic

Kids Sports Fitness Education

hoo(key)

Kiona Technologies -

Mia Midwest Realty

Horizon Therapeutics

KnowledgeHound

Midwest Park Capital

Humanity Rising Inc

Korber Enterprises

24 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Necessary & Sufficient Coffee

metaMe Health

P p3rceive LLC Painting to Gogh ParadigmNEXT, Inc ParentCo PAWS Chicago PechaKucha


THIS YEAR'S NOMINEES Pep Rally Takeover

See It to Life™

Percent Pledge

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Perkins Eastman Plant Shop Chicago Poker Power PourMyBeer Prevent Blindness Pricefx ProdigyTeks, Inc Pulse Athletic Apparel Purchasing Platform Quest Dehumidifiers Part Analytics

Q Quicklly

R

Seminary Co-op Bookstores Shipfusion Shmeal ShowingHero Side Practice Coffee Silk Stem Collective Simmons Global Simplify Healthcare Sip Paint Bling, LLC Sittercity Solar Simplified Soloinsight Inc SpeedNetworking.com SplitPass

Re-Up Cycle, L3C

SpotHero

Revery AI Inc.

Square Root Life, LLC SquareStack

rEvolution Rhaeos RoboThink, LLC Rose Café Rufusforyou.com

S SAFE Coalition for Human Rights

Strategic and Creative Marketing Inc. STRUT Learning Inc.

T T2D Freedom Tracker Tactile Craftworks TailGreeter

Saggezza

Tapville

Sales Tax Institute

Teachers Supporting Teachers

SchoolSparrow Scone House Cafe SecondLifeMac

TechGirlz, a Program of Creating IT Futures

Technology Literate Africa (TechLit Africa) Teen Innovators

Urban Growers Collective

Teertsemasesottehg

V

Tegus

Veriday

The Alliance Labs

Vertical Grooves

The Bet Exchange LLC

Vetted Pet Health

The Night Minsitry

Vira Creative

The Nora Project

Vistasuite

The Nourishment Projects©

Volexion

The Robinson and Turner Family Foundation The Scratch Collective The Sister-Girl Network

Volunteering Untapped Chicago Vuics.com

W Watts of Love

THINKCERCA

West Monroe

Threekit THUG Hippie LLC

West Suburban Community Pantry

Tinker Works

Women Employed

Tonn and Blank Construction

Y

TopBloc

YCharts

Trajektory

Yello

Transform Capital

Z

Transit Tees Tripp Lite Tropicake Chicago Twisted Road

U

Zauben Zen Anchor Digital Zing Health ZipSeam

Uchange Scholars Upparent Urban Explorers of Chicago

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 25


PAST WINNERS

335

total past winners

98%

are still in business or have been acquired

$110 billion in exits from 61 winners acquired

2020 WINNERS CMC Materials, Quest, Threekit, Novartis Gene Therapies, Horizon Therapeutics, Azumo, NOCD, Enduvo, ActiveCampaign, Gensler

UP-AND-COMERS Sabanto, 2nd Kitchen, Hologram, Small Exchange COVID-19 RESPONSE AWARD Abbott, InstaShield, Safe Haven Foundation

SOCIAL INNOVATOR AWARD NowPow COLLABORATION AWARD Chicago Community Trust & United Way of Metro Chicago

NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDS I Grow Chicago, City Tech Collaborative, Chicago HOPES for Kids

PEOPLE’S CHOICE BMO Harris

2019

2018

2017

Abbott, Abbvie, Cambium

Abbott, Abbvie, Cambium Abbott,

150 N. Riverside, Abbott, Fooda,

Networks, Cubii, Envoy,

Advanced Valve Technologies,

Livongo, Narrative Science,

Fast Radius, Jiobit, LanzaTech,

Cameo, Ensono, Farmer’s Fridge,

Reverb.com, Shirley Ryan Ability

Lumere, McDonald’s,

Illinois Holocaust Museum, Molex,

Lab, Simple Mills, Spot Hero,

PanaceaNano

Sittercity, Sterling, UPshow

Valent BioSciences

2016

2015

2014

alligatortek, Baxter, Context Media,

Abbott, Aon, Avant, Baxalta,

Gesture, Horizon Pharma, Keeper

Danco, Drivin, Federal Signal,

Caterpillar, ContextMedia, Extenet

Security, LMK Technologies,

Forevercar, Fourkites, Real Food

Systems, Kapow, LuminAID,

Mattersight, Radio Flyer, Rise

Blends

Snapsheet

Interactive, Strata Decision Technology, Swingbyte, tastytrade, Caremerge, Beltone, Molex, alligatortek, 640 Labs, Kentech, LuminAID, Options Away, Packback, Pangea, Rippleshot, Shiftgig, TempoIQ, ThinkCERCA, BLUE 1647, Girls in the Game, One Million Degrees

26 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM


PAST WINNERS 2013

2012

2011

Anova Technologies, Automony

1871, Belly, BrightTag, BriteSeed,

Alltuition, Appolicious, Callibra,

Works, Auto Plow, Belly, Braintree,

Catamaran, Champion Medical

Clean Urban Energy, Elkay, Eved,

Chicago Public Library, Everpurse,

Technologies, Coyote, Cummins

Excelerate, FeeFighters, Fresh

FarmedHere, FarmLogix, First

Allison, Feeding America, Food

Moves, GiveForward, Illinois Tool

Alert, iLight Technologies,

Genius, Littelfuse, Medline,

Works, Narrative Science, Navman

Ingenuity, Life Spine, Moxie Jean,

MentorMob, Mobcart, Moneythink,

Wireless, Nexvu, Power2Switch,

Nordic Auto Plow, Protein Bar,

New Futuro, Northwestern

Red Frog Events, Tap.Me,

PortaPure, Rabine Group, Sagent

Global Health Foundation, NuMat

Technori, Tripp Lite, Trustwave,

Pharmaceuticals, SceneTap,

Technologies, Inc. OptionsCity,

World Bicycle Relief

SimpleRelevence, Sinode

Polybrite, SMS Assist

Systems, SwipeSense, tastytrade

2010

2009

2008

Abbott, crowdSPRING, CTA,

Abbott Laboratories, Art

Abbott Laboratories,

InContext Solutions, Lextech

Institute, comScore, EveryBlock,

Cleversafe, First Alert,

Labs, Master Lock, MJSI, Molex,

gogo, Groupon, Heart Sounds,

Flashpoint, GTI, Molex,

Smart Medical Technologies,

Hero Pipe, RescueVac, Suncast,

National Pasteurized Eggs,

SoCore Energy, TouchTaste

University of Illinois at Chicago

Prep me, SAP Fieldglass, Zorch

Technologies, Tripp Lite, USG

(UIC), Visible Vote, LLC

2007

2006

2005

Abbott Laboratories, Chicago

Basecamp, Check, Please!,

Abbott Laboratories, Intellext,

Department of Transportation

Goettsch Partners, LoggerHead

Inc, LISC Chicago, Millennium

(CDOT), Drifire, Experiencia,

Tools, Motorola Mobility, Ocean

Park, Motorola Mobility,

Fellowes, Ovation Pharmaceuticals,

Tomo, Sara Lee Corporation,

Novarra Inc, Solvent Systems

S&C, SAVO, Threadless

USG Corporation

International, TurboTap, USG Corporation, Vibes

2004

2003

2002

Acco Brands, American Cancer

Abbott Laboratories, Archipelago

Aon, Argonne National Labs, City

Society, Arryx, Inc., CME

Holdings, LLC, Authentify Inc.,

of Chicago, Initiate, Northwestern

Group and Chicago Board of

CoolSavings, Globus, Motorola

Memorial Hospital, QuesTek,

Trade (CBOT), Digital Kitchen,

Solutions, PAWS Chicago,

Rubbermaid, Sara Lee,

Middleby-Marshall, nPhase, LLC,

Shure, Inc, SmartSignal,

United Airlines, Walgreens

Orbitz, TriTeq Lock and Security

Wilson Sporting Goods

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 27


20 Largest

Winner Acquis itions

ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E XIT VA LU E

E XI T VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

YEAR

YE A R

YEA R

ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E XIT VA LU E

E XI T VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

YEAR

YE A R

YEA R

ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E XIT VA LU E

E XI T VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

YEAR

YE A R

YEA R

Shire

$32,000,000,000 2016

Google

$12,500,000,000 2011

Hanesbrands Inc $2,400,000,000 2006

28 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

TeleDoc

$18,500,000,000 2020

Koch Industries $7,200,000,000 2013

UPS

$1,800,000,000 2015

UnitedHealth $12,800,000,000 2015

Amer Sports 5,200,000,000 2018

Eaton

$1,600,000,000 2021


ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

IBM

SAP

E X I T VA LU E

E XIT VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

$1,300,000,000

$1,000,000,000

YEAR

YE A R

YEA R

2015

2014

ACQ U I R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E X I T VA LUE

E XIT VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

YE A R

YE A R

YEA R

ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E X I T VA LU E

E XIT VA LU E

EXIT VA LU E

YEAR

YE A R

YEA R

ACQ UI R E D BY

ACQU IR ED BY

E X I T VA LU E

E XIT VA LU E

YEAR

YE A R

Expedia

$1,600,000,000 2015

IG Group

$1,000,000,000 2021

Lundbeck

$900,000,000 2009

PayPal

$800,000,000 2013

Digital Bridge $1,000,000,000 2015

NYSE

$885,000,000 2005

Bimbo Bakeries $959,000,000 2010

Singtel

$810,000,000 2015

Squarespace $400,000,000 2021

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 29


ADA Business Innovation Group is honored that ADA Practice Transitions is joining this group of amazing innovators coming out of the Chicago region. Backed by the American Dental Association, ADA Practice Transitions is transforming the dental profession by making the process of entering or leaving a dental practice more predictable and successful, ensuring long-term success for all involved – and better dental care for patients and communities.

Thank you to Chicago Innovation for this recognition and award!

ADAPracticeTransitions.com


Honest Junk Company

Largest furniture bank in the United States.

All revenue goes to fund the furniture bank.

Furnish 15 homes a day for families transitioning out of homelessness. 5000 tons of furniture diverted from landfills annually. Over 400 nonprofit partners in Chicagoland who refer their clients to us.

All usable items are donated to our various charity partners. Better for the Community Better for the Environment Better for Taxes

80% of the removal fee is tax deductible.

CONTACT

(312) 752-0211

No residential or corporate job is too big for us!

www.chicagofurniturebank.org www.honestjunkcompany.org

Congratulates all award winners & celebrates Chicago’s innovation community

RF Consulting

Custom Antenna Design

OTA Testing

RF Circuit Design

Antenna/RF Simulation

EE Architecture

Prototyping

Anechoic Test Chambers

PCB Layout

Manufacturing

EMC/EMI Troubleshooting

Embedded SW

Located in Chicago’s Northern Suburbs

www.fieldtheoryinc.com



Our Programs and Offerings Chicago Innovation educates, connects and celebrates innovators across the Chicago region.

PROGRAMS

Helping women connect, innovate and grow

Inspiring curiosity, confidence and creative problem-solving in our youth

Bridging the generations through reciprocal mentoring

Advancing the careers of Black and Latinx innovators

OFFERINGS

Facilitating collaboration among large corporations and innovative start-ups

Providing experiential learning and scholarships to MBA students

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 33


Count On Us You have the vision, we have 18 years of expertise to help you make it a reality.

BRANDING + STRATEGY PARTNERS

bluedaring.com


Empowering youth

Training the next generation of young innovators. A 10-week innovation curriculum fulfilling state-mandated Next Generation Science Standards for diverse student bodies.

20,000

Student Impact

K-8th grade students

from across the city

10

93 %

increased problem solving skills

95 %

Increased interest in STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship

week curriculum

Local, national & global competitions

Thank you to our supporting sponsors:

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 35


Supporting women Helping women connect, innovate and grow Through six-month-long mentorship cohorts, access to community events and exclusive educational programs

700+ women have participated to date

92%

mentees plan to continue their relationship with their mentor Presenting Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

36 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Past Mentors have included: Kristi Ross tastytrade

Terry Savage Syndicated Financial

Kate Bensen The Chicago

Columnist

Network

Sandee Kastrul

Phyllis Lockett

Maria Wynne

i.c. stars

Leap Innovations

Leadership Greater

CEO

CEO

Chicago

Jennifer Bentz

Ana Dutra

Linda Darragh

Clif Bar

Mandala Global

Northwestern Kellogg

EVP

Advisors

Prof. Entrepreneurship

CEO

Former CEO

CEO

CEO Dorri McWhorter

Sonia Nagar

Stephanie Neely

YMCA Metropolitan

Pritzker Group

J.P. Morgan

Chicago

General Partner

Managing Director

Maura O’Hara

Nancy Ruscheinshki

Maryam Saleh

IVCA

Zeno Group

Kaplan Institute IIT

Executive Director

COO

Executive Director

Christine Stone

Andrea Zopp

Leslie Vickrey

Groupon

Cleveland Avenue

ClearEdge Marketing

Global Head PMO

Managing Partner

CEO

CEO


Connecting generations

Fostering inter-generational relationships through co-mentorship—because everyone has something to learn and something to teach.

88%

said program challenged their beliefs about people from other generations

72%

Adults aged 54-72 would rather continue working than retire

The Chicago region’s first inter-generational co-mentoring program connecting people across industries. Broaden Perspectives Share Experiences Gain Expertise & Skills Build Empathy

Created in partnership with:

Presenting sponsor:

With support from:

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 37


Advancing careers

Advancing the careers of Black and Latinx innovators

Andrea Zopp Cleveland Avenue Managing Partner

Jackie Taylor

Robert Blackwell Jr.

Black EnsembleTheater

Killerspin

CEO

CEO Suzet McKinney

Sandee Kastrul

Dorri McWhorter

i.c. stars

YMCA Metropolitan Chicago

CEO

CEO

Tope Sadiku

Felicia Davis

Kraft Heinz

Chicago Foundation for Women

Global Head of DEX

President

Rich Rodriguez

Ana Dutra

Orlando Saez

Acero Schools

Mandala Global Advisors

Aker

CEO

CEO

CEO

Melissa Ballate

Andrea Saenz

Jim Alvarez

Blue Daring

Chicago Community Trust

Innsbrook Country Club

CEO

COO

Owner

Carlos Cardenas

Dennis Daniels

Phyllis Lockett

Wintrust

Chicago Inventors Organization

Leap Innovations

SVP Group Manager

VP

CEO

Angel Mendez

Dr. Cheryl Woodson

Maria Green

Here Technologies

Family care

ITW

Former COO

expert and author

SVP, General Counsel

Calvin Flowers

Nolan Mims

Chicago Inventors

Boston Consulting Group

Organization

Manager

CEO

Created in partnership with:

38 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Sterling Bay Principal Steve Casey MacArthur Foundation Assoc. Manager

and Secretary


Connecting large corporations with innovative start-ups.

Learning Facilitating through collaboration experience

Access to 3,000+ Chicago innovations to connect with latest trends in technology and innovation

Meet and engage with curated, high-potential start-ups to transform deal flow and heighten employee engagement

Preparing students to tackle global business challenges through experiential learning.

$400,000

in reduced tuition scholarships has been awarded to students to date

Learning through experience

MBA

and Masters in Technological Entrepreneurship programs with in-person AND online flexibility

Year-round events for immersion in Chicago Innovation Community

Thank you to our partner:

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 39



CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS Thompson Coburn provides innovative legal counsel to the Chicago Tech community. We utilize the skillsets of our legal innovators in nearly every business-critical area of law to help you identify and take advantage of opportunities – while delivering remarkable value.

Our Best Event of the Year When You Can Skip the Shipping and Discover 1,000s of Unforgettable Experiences to Gift This Season Download the App to Find Your Perfect Gift on Groupon Day!

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Our infrastructure. Your imagination. Infinite possibilities.

With more than 25 years of experience and an unparalleled national portfolio of towers, small cells and fiber, we’re bringing the world’s biggest ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. ©2021 Elkay Manufacturing coMpany

CrownCastle.com ©2021 Crown Castle

Elkay is pleased to sponsor Chicago Innovation. Elkay.com


Community

Collabor ator s

Thank you to all the organizations that not only share our spirit to support innovators, but actively join us in promoting our events and programs to their members.

42 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM


JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE AS A

Year-round Member Build lasting relationships with Chicago's innovators

Get inspired by new ideas to transform your business and career

Be recognized as a champion among our community

OUR MEMBERS Joseph Adamik

Robert Duerr

Ruohua Huang

Christopher Lee

Kaveh Aflaki Khosroshahi

Steven Edwards

Steven Hunsicker

Steven Leopoldo

Ahmad Aladawi Prashantha Amarasinghe Jose Arceo Rida Batool Stephanie Benyo Matthew Brennan Rachelle Bresnahan Manny Brown

Colleen Egan

Robert Hyc

Moises Lopez

Sumeet Mahesh Phatak

Samar Elhouar

Naomi Ito

Curtis Powell

Petroula Elliott

Carlissa Jackson

Nicholas Macqueen

Jerick Evans

Vandana Jaiswani

Mitchell Evans

Nigencia James

Darcy Evon

Dongxue Jia

Symone Fogg

Christopher Johnson

Michelle Frame Smrti Ganesan Sachin Ghorpade

Malcolm Brown

Piyush Goel

Sze-Chieh Chen

Katherine Gowland

Jessica Chonich Candance Chow Eric Davis Cornelius Davis Samantha Deleon Abhishek Deshpande

Veronica PazSoldan

Adinah Gray Puyan Hao Anthony Harris Lori Hilson Cioromski Roxanne Hoffman

Adrianna Maron Jorge Martinez Arana Christopher Matzenbach

Johnathan Prunty Ayesha Qamer Santhoshkumar Ravi

Nishanth Srikanth Alyson Stone Irina Sullivan Kristine Tackie Joan Taylor Donna Townsend Michael Trampetti Maria Vaughn

Elliott Rice

Joanna Veleris

Dana Riddel

Pamela Von Lehmden

Marcia Johnston

Spencer Mcgowan

Royce Joyner

Romal Mehta

Joanne Rodriguez

Brett Jurishi

Adlin Mendez

Steve Sabu

Dr. Russ Watson

Arrenius Karunakaran

Fan Meng

Ambika Sahay Verma

Magnes Welsh

Tejeswini KC Sufia Khan Ran Konaka Bungaku Kure Gary Laney Rosanna Lederhausen

David Morales Madeline Muecke Sandeep Nain Angelica Oliva Ola Osunmakinde Mickinch Patel

Gavin Waits

Ana Sanfilippo

Yong Hee Yoo Alexandra Zimm

David Segura Andy Shafer Dennis Slusher Kevin Smith Adelyn Soetyono

Sign up at ChicagoInnovation.com/membership Members are accepted on a rolling basis and may choose to renew one year from sign-up date

2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 43


2022

Events

JANUARY

JULY

Innovation in Action: Virtual

Chicago Innovation Summit: In person

FEBRUARY

Innovation Road Trip: Virtual

Innovation is for Everyone: In person An Invitation to the Future: Virtual MARCH

Celebrating Women in Innovation: In person

AUGUST

The IN-Gala: In person SEPTEMBER

Nominee Celebration: In person

The Future of Health: Virtual

Practical Innovator: In person

APRIL

Innovation in Action: Virtual

NASDAQ Bell: In person Chicago Student Invention Convention: In person Employee of the Future: Virtual MAY

The Taste of Innovation: In person The Art of Innovation: Virtual

OCTOBER

21st Annual Chicago Innovation Awards: In person NOVEMBER

Winners Reception: In person Innovations We Need Right Right: Virtual DECEMBER

JUNE

The Sport of Innovation: In person Invent and Reinvent Yourself: Virtual 44 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM

Innovation for the Ages: In person


CHAMPION Insights-Driven Financial Management & Analysis Tools and Services

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SUPPORT INNOVATION.

Built for Marketing Agencies by Marketing Agency People

Because you deserve real insights from a financial team that understands the agency model TM

www.ramsayinnovations.com

Radically Simplified

Dispute Resolution Legal disputes happen. Get ahead of them with New Era and save up to 90% in time and cost.

www.neweraadr.com

A toolkit for ideas. Learn more at seeittolife.com


2021 SPONSORS DIAMOND

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

MEDIA PARTNERS

MAJOR CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

46 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM


2021 AWARDS PROGRAM | 47


2001 N. Halsted Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60614 ChicagoInnovation.com

@chi.innovation @Chi_Innovation @chi_innovation @chicago_innovation @chicagoinnovation

Join the conversation | #InnovateChi

48 | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM


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