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
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
$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
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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