For Startups and Companies
Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO)
The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) is a life sciences industry association of more than 500 members comprised of life sciences companies, universities, academic institutions, service providers and others dedicated to making Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences centers. We drive industry growth by creating a forum for the life sciences community to come together, educating the public and policy makers, influencing public policy and advancing the economic interests of the community.
Founded in 2002, iBIO’s mission is to make Illinois and the Midwest a leading life sciences community and a destination for companies in its supported sectors as well as to provide growth opportunities for early stage startup companies in the life sciences, agricultural sciences and medical technology. iBIO is the state affiliate of two national associations – the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). As such, iBIO represents the medical device and biotechnology companies throughout Illinois advocating for public policy that promotes innovation leading to better health outcomes for patients.
1871
Founded in 2012, 1871 was created to support Chicago’s digital startup community. Since that time, it has become the hub for the city’s thriving technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Today 1871 is the home of nearly 500 early-stage, high-growth digital startups. Located in The Merchandise Mart, this 140,000 square foot facility is also the headquarters of nationally recognized accelerators, industry-specific incubators, tech talent schools, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition — the state’s leading technology advocate, a number of Chicago-based VCs, and satellite offices for Northwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, Trinity University, and DePaul University. For more information, please visit our website.
MATTER
Incubated by the City of Chicago and initially funded by the State of Illinois and area businesses, MATTER opened in February 2015 with 30 startup companies and a few programs, and has since grown to include hundreds of startup and growth stage companies from around the world, dozens of corporate partners and a diverse array of programs supporting healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation.
Today, our startups range from those that are barely more than ideas, to companies with millions of dollars in revenue and dozens of employees. Our partners represent every sector of healthcare. With MATTER’s non-profit and no-equity model as the foundation, our community is a neutral platform where entrepreneurs can come together with industry leaders, scientists and clinicians from across the globe to collaborate on developing next-generation healthcare and life sciences technologies.
19 Startups to Watch in Chicago
" Chicago's tech scene has had an eventful 2018, with major acquisitions, big funding rounds, and local expansions by Silicon Valley tech giants. In our list of 19 Startups to Watch in 2019, you'll find consumer startups and B2B platforms, hardware makers and software solutions, celebrity messaging apps and migraine-fighting nasal spray. "